According to 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with defensive back, Kareem Jackson.
Broncos have reached agreement with Kareem Jackson on three-year contract, per source. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 12, 2019
The deal is a three-year deal worth up $33 million dollars and has $23 million dollars in guarantees built into the deal.
Jackson is a 30-year old defensive back entering his 10th season in the NFL. He has played his entire nine-year career with the Texans but will now join Vic Fangio’s squad in Denver. During Jackson’s nine-year career in Houston, he totaled 559 tackles, 2 sacks, 87 pass deflections, 16 interceptions, 3 touchdowns and 5 forced fumbles. This past season for the Texans, Jackson totaled 87 tackles, 1 sack, 17 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.
Jackson was also ranked as the 5th best cornerback in the NFL last season by Pro Football Focus.
The #Broncos have signed CB Kareem Jackson to a three-year deal. He was the fifth-highest-graded CB in 2018. #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/ftb6kE2411
— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) March 12, 2019
Jackson was also ranked as their third best cornerback available on the free agent market this offseason by Pro Football Focus.
One of the “elder statesmen” of the cornerback free agent class, Jackson has played at least 600 defensive snaps each season since he was drafted by the Houston Texans back in 2010. Coming off one of the best years of his career in which he recorded an overall grade of 79.5 behind 10 pass breakups and no receiving touchdowns allowed, Jackson will be one of the more sought-after veterans if he hits the market.
He’s a tad older than I would like but Aqib Talib was older and played well at this age so hopefully it works out again for the Broncos. He seems like a late bloomer and is versatile enough to play inside, outside, and at safety. He is also a physical player who can tackle which is a requirement in a Fangio led defense.
Kareem Jackson was arguably the top-available CB and the Broncos - who had a massive need at the spot - signed him. Terrific match. He'll be a full-timer along with Chris Harris Jr.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) March 12, 2019
I would imagine this lowers the odds of a cornerback at 10th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. Not totally out, but, lowers their need at this position. One will be added still but you don’t need to spend a top 10 pick on the position now.