Joseph is no Nnamdi, but he’s also nothing to look over. He’s a young cornerback with a lot of talent. The Texans offense in 2010 was one of the league’s best but their defense often forced them out of games. With the addition of Wade Phillips at defensive coordinator and now the addition of Joseph, the Texans defense has made great strides.
The deal is a 5-year contract worth and a person with knowledge of Joseph’s deal told The Associated Press it was for five years and worth $48.75 million, with $23.5 million guaranteed.
It’s a bit surprising that Joseph went before Asomugha. Many people assumed that a team would sign Asomugha before Joseph so that the bar would be set for his contract. Nevertheless, it’s a great signing for the Houston Texans who were once believed to be one of three teams close to signing with Asomugha.
Texans intensified their pursuit of Joseph and fellow cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha on Wednesday. When Chavut, Joseph's agent, was ready to do the deal, Smith had to make a decision: Get Joseph or risk losing both of the highly rated free agents by waiting on Asomugha to pick a team.
With Joseph off the market, Asomugha might command as much as $3 million more per season.
The Texans told agents of other players that they wanted their clients but couldn't make offers until they found out if they had landed one of the two cornerbacks.
Now Smith and Olsen, who also negotiates contracts, can turn their attention to fullback Vonta Leach.
"It was a heck of a job by Rick and Chris," coach Gary Kubiak said. "We filled our primary need of getting an experienced big-time corner, and Joseph is still only 27. I can't tell you how excited I am about it."
Offensive tackle Eric Winston agreed.
"I'm very excited about getting Joseph," Winston said. "He's been an elite corner in this league, and his best years are still ahead of him. He'll definitely improve our team."
It has been a busy week for Smith and Olsen. They've agreed to new contracts that allowed the team to keep receiver Jacoby Jones, quarterback Matt Leinart and offensive tackle Rashad Butler. Draft choices must still be signed, a concern with training camp opening on Sunday.
Okoye, a first-round pick in 2007, and Anderson, a seventh-round pick in 2006, aren't expected to be the only salary-cap casualties.
"I was somewhat surprised," Anderson said while celebrating his 28th birthday. "But I've learned to never get too up or too down since I've been in this league. Sometimes you get caught up in the business of the NFL, and there's nothing you can do about it. They're trying to do some things that require (cap) room, and that's part of the game. I have no idea what's going to happen.
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