Higher-profile contract situations have overshadowed Steven Nelson‘s in Houston, but the veteran cornerback had both changed agents and skipped voluntary offseason activities. The veteran cornerback and the Texans reached a resolution Thursday.
Nelson agreed to terms on a revised deal that ups his max earnings in 2023, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. It is unclear what incentives are present, but Wilson notes Nelson’s max earnings will bump from $4.5MM to $6.5MM for the 2023 season. This comes not long after a report indicated the parties had discussed this contract.
Formerly with the Chiefs, Steelers and Eagles, Nelson signed a two-year, $9MM contract with the Texans in 2022. It does not sound like any years have been added to Nelson’s deal, keeping him on track to play out a contract year in 2023. But this does appear to bring this low-key standoff to a close. Nelson had reported to minicamp and training camp, though the ninth-year veteran also made a reference to his dispute with GM Nick Caserio in an Instagram post earlier this offseason.
Despite Nelson being signed to play in Lovie Smith‘s system, DeMeco Ryans plans to keep him around for his first season as Houston HC. It would have cost the Texans $1.75MM in dead money by releasing Nelson, though the move would have also come with nearly $4MM in cap savings.
Nelson, 30, started 15 games for the Texans last season. The former Kansas City third-round pick has made 99 career starts, having worked as both a boundary and slot defender. The 5-foot-10 cover man has settled in as an outside corner and has done fairly well in earnings beyond his rookie contract. Nelson signed a three-year, $27MM Steelers deal in 2019; he played two years on that contract. If Nelson plays out his Texans deal this season, he will surpass $30MM in career earnings.
Houston has Derek Stingley in place as its cornerback centerpiece, with veteran Desmond King entering his second year with the team as well. The Texans did sign Jaguars castoff Shaquill Griffin in May, bringing in some depth. The team also re-signed backup/special-teamer Tavierre Thomas this offseason.