Martin Emerson Jr.
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The Texans have brought former Browns' cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. to town for a free agent visit
The Houston Texans have had to take a hard look at themselves in the mirror this offseason after another disappointing playoff run. After losing to the New England Patriots in horrific fashion in the divisional round of the postseason, the Texans have once again been aggressive in their quest to retool their roster early on this offseason.
For the most part, Houston has been looking to make improvements on the offensive side of the ball, as its defense was one of the best units in the league last year. However, the Texans aren’t exactly closed off when it comes to upgrading their defense, with reports indicating they are set to take a closer look at former Cleveland Browns starting cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.
Texans Host Martin Emerson Jr. on a Free Agent Visit
Ian Rapoport
Former #Browns starting CB Martin Emerson Jr, who missed last season after tearing his Achilles, is on a visit with the #Texans, source said.
Emerson was heading into a contract year after starting 27 games for Cleveland before his injury. Now a potential addition in Houston.
Emerson was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Browns, and he ended up quickly emerging as a key piece of the team’s secondary. Over his first three seasons, Emerson started 33 of the 50 games he suited up in, and he seemed set to continue playing a key role in Cleveland’s defense for years to come.
Everything changed when Emerson suffered a torn Achilles tendon before the 2025 campaign, which caused him to miss the entire season. With Emerson’s contract up, the Browns have opted to let the talented cornerback walk, with the Texans set to make a serious push for his services from the looks of it.
Houston has a solid cornerback room already, with Derek Stingley Jr. leading the way, but it could still use some depth at this spot, and Emerson’s starting experience makes him an ideal fit. With that in mind, the team is hosting him on a free agent visit on Monday afternoon, as the front office is weighing whether or not it wants to hand him a contract.
“Former Browns starting CB Martin Emerson Jr, who missed last season after tearing his Achilles, is on a visit with the Texans, source said,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported in a post on X. “Emerson was heading into a contract year after starting 27 games for Cleveland before his injury. Now a potential addition in Houston.”
Should the Texans Sign Martin Emerson Jr.?
Martin Emerson Jr., Browns
GettyCornerback Martin Emerson Jr. of the Cleveland Browns.
Coming back from a torn Achilles is obviously going to be tough for Emerson, but the Texans are a team that is in the sort of position where it can afford to take a flier on him. If Emerson can play as he did prior to this injury, there’s a decent chance that, if Houston ends up signing him, it will be getting a talented cornerback on a cheap deal.
With Kamari Lassiter and Jalen Pitre also working alongside Stingley in the cornerback room, the Texans have a solid group in place already. In the event injuries pop up, though, having Emerson around as a depth option would be very helpful for head coach DeMeco Ryans. There’s no guarantee things will work out, but if this free agent visit goes well, Emerson looks like he’d be a great fit with Houston.