Houston Texans Release Cornerback Kevin Johnson

Former first-round draft pick Kevin Johnson has been released by the Houston Texans. The cornerback was the 16th overall pick but has faced injuries that limited his playing in recent years, he was in injured reserve after the first game of the season last year because of a concussion, but he also suffered another concussion during a preseason game before that last year.

Doctors have cleared him at this point but the team decided to make the move, which clears up just over $9 million on the salary cap.

Johnson, who played in 35 games and had 18 starts in 4 years with the team had an interception, 14 passes defensed and 122 tackles. He now gets to test free agency but if he's not signed elsewhere, the Texans could bring him back on a reduced contract.