Defensive back Kareem Jackson is a free agent. While the former 2010 first-round pick from Alabama has been with the Houston Texans his entire career, it is unlikely that the club will bring him back for his 10th season. If Jackson and the Texans part ways, here are four teams where Jackson could help out.
1. kansas city chiefs
The Chiefs can use anybody they can get with their defense that seems to give up just enough points beyond what quarterback Patrick Mahomes can produce. Nonetheless, older defensive backs have found utility with Andy Reid’s teams. Last year’s example was cornerback Orlando Scandrick, who recorded an interception and 13 pass breakups in his 15 games with the Chiefs, seven of which he started. Kansas City for sure will give Jackson a look.
2. detroit lions
The Lions had a former Texans defensive back in Glover Quin, but Detroit decided to let him go. If not Quin, then would they bring in Jackson? Coach Matt Patricia can use all the veteran leadership he can get, and Jackson was a great locker room presence with Houston. Jackson produced 17 pass breakups in 2018, which would have tied cornerback Darius Slay for the team-lead for the Lions.
3. pittsburgh steelers
Cornerback Joe Haden produced 12 pass breakups and two interceptions for the Steelers in 2018. Not only would Jackson have tied for the team-high in interceptions, but he would have had the most pass breakups with 17 and also led the team with 87 combined tackles. The Steelers have a lot of drama on the offensive side of the ball, but Jackson could provide consistency off-field on the defensive side. Plus, there wouldn’t be that much of a change as he would still have a Watt as a teammate.
4. denver broncos
The Broncos wanted to go with the youth movement for their receiving corps, which is how the Texans ended up with Demaryius Thomas at the trade deadline in 2018. Jackson would have only led the Broncos in pass breakups, as cornerback Bradley Roby had 12. What it would come down to is if new coach Vic Fangio thought he could use a talent like Jackson’s, who will be 31 years old come Week 1. Prince Amukamara, at 29 years old, had a supporting role in a secondary that saw cornerback Kyle Fuller and safety Eddie Jackson go off last season in Fangio’s final year in Chicago. If Jackson is a supporting role while the rest of the defense is playing at a high level, that bodes well for Denver.
