According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Houston Texans have reached an agreement to sign veteran defensive tackle Tim Jernigan. The former Baltimore Ravens second-round pick has agreed to a one-year $3.75 million deal with $1.25 million guaranteed.
After spending the last three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jernigan moves to Houston with a Super Bowl LII ring and a PFWA All-Rookie team credit.
The Jernigan signing represents a low-risk, high reward addition to the lineup. After losing D.J. Reader to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, the Texans were faced with a gaping hole on their defensive front. If nothing else, Jernigan can act as an experienced voice for whichever DT they draft (assuming they do) thanks to his six seasons in the league.
Having only played a full 16 game season once, Jernigan’s career has been plagued by injuries the last few years meaning that he has played just 13 games across the last two seasons. However, with 17.5 sacks he brings pass-rushing prowess and a strong run-stopping reputation. If he can get back to full health, he would be a quality starter and solves a desperate need for Anthony Weaver’s defense.
