Your Houston Texans have not been sitting around waiting for safety Ed Reed to make his decision, as they have retained another free agent of their own.

Thank you to my agent @davidcanter I just agreed to terms on a new 3 year deal to remain with@houstontexans — Brice McCain (@McCain21) March 20, 2013

It's great that athletes can break their own news on Twitter. Welcome to 2013.



As for what this means for on the field purposes, McCain mans the nickel cornerback position for the Texans. His smaller stature, and established starters in Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson, make moving outside impractical. In 2011, McCain was as good as any slot cornerback in the league. He was able to stick with anyone at anytime. In 2012, McCain struggled to maintain that dominance, but still maintained the confidence of the coaches, and was injured late in the season.



Brandon Harris' play earned some backers, and enough that Houston allowed McCain to test the market, but, fact is, the Texans brought back McCain. I imagine, without knowing the deals, the coaching staff will say there is a competition for the position to push both men, but I suspect they may actually follow-through on their previously mentioned plan to move Harris to nickel safety.



Thoughts, BRB? Happy to see McCain back? What do you think this means for Harris?



EDIT: The terms of the deal have been announced.

Texans CB Brice McCain's 3-year deal worth $5.25 million, $2.25 million guaranteed. — Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) March 20, 2013

Shrewd work by general manager Rick Smith. I approve of this deal.



EDIT 2: Here's McCain signing the deal.