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Timmy Jernigan Not Joining Texans After Agreeing to Contract

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistJune 3, 2020

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (93) reacts after a New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees sack in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Butch Dill/Associated Press

Timmy Jernigan won't be signing with the Houston Texans after all.

The veteran defensive tackle posted on Instagram Tuesday that he wouldn't be going to Houston and appears now to be a free agent yet again, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter

Former Eagles’ and Ravens DT Timmy Jernigan, who had reached agreement with the Texans, announced on IG that he is not going to Houston and he plans to play elsewhere. https://t.co/6daP1RECmE

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reported that Jernigan has been "cleared by Dr. Robert Watkins, though, and is expected to draw interest from other NFL teams after he and Texans moved on from each other."

The Texans had agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.75 million contract with Jernigan ($1.25 million guaranteed), though he never took a physical with the team, per Wilson.

Jernigan, 27, appeared in 10 games with the Philadelphia Eagles last season and made nine starts after a broken foot caused him to miss time early in the season. He registered 10 tackles (three for loss), two sacks and three quarterback hits.

A return to Philadelphia could make sense, even if the team is loaded at defensive tackle with Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave and Malik Jackson available. The Eagles like to utilize a deep defensive line rotation, however, and Jernigan's familiarity with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's system could make him a logical target to return.

If not, there should be interest in the talented but injury-prone—he's missed 19 games the past two seasons—defensive tackle on the open market.