The Houston Texans are not expected to use the franchise tag on standout cornerback A.J. Bouye, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Texans could still re-sign the 25-year-old Bouye, who would be one of the best free-agent cornerbacks available this offseason.

The former undrafted free agent entered last season as the Texans' No. 4 cornerback, but because of other players' injuries and his impressive play, he became their best defensive back by the end of the season.

Bouye had 63 tackles, a sack, an interception and 16 passes defended during the regular season and had an interception in each of the Texans' two playoff games.

After the season, Bouye, coach Bill O'Brien and general manager Rick Smith all said they wanted to find a way for the young cornerback to stay in Houston.

ESPN's Sarah Barshop contributed to this report.