The Houston Texans spent the early parts of free agency retaining some of their own. The Texans kept key players like tight end Dalton Schultz and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn but also shored up its depth with a lot of defensive and special team signings.
One of those players was veteran defensive back Desmond King, who signed a one-year deal to return to Houston. The contract details of that deal have emerged and King will make a maximum of $2.2 million in 2024, according according to KPRC’s 2 Aaron Wilson.
Here’s the full breakdown:
- Terms: one year, $2.2 million maximum value
- Guaranteed money: $500,000
- Signing bonus: $300,000
- 2024 base salary: $1.3 million
- 2024 cap hit: $1.71 million
- Annual active roster bonus: $200,000
King, 29, was a surprise preseason cut by the Texans but returned to the team after playing three games in Pittsburgh. He started as the Texans’ nickel cornerback in five games, including both postseason contests.
The 2023 season was King’s third in Houston. Before, he played for the Los Angeles Chargers and had a nine-game stint with the Tennessee Titans. He was a first-team All-Pro defensive back in 2018.
Despite not joining the Texans until Week 12, King finished second on the team in total kick return. His 12.6 yards per punt return was the best on the roster a year ago. King played 80 special teams snaps a year ago.
Houston’s defensive backs cost $39.9 million, the second-most expensive position group behind the offensive line, according to Spotrac. King joins a group of 15 defensive backs and ranks ninth in percentage of the cap space.
