Two of the most criticized draft picks in Houston Texans history are set for their free agent summers coming up. Derek Newton and Kareem Jackson have turned themselves into free agents that have become the Texans’ top priorities to keep in Houston in the coming seasons.

The progressions for both Jackson and Newton took time but both are on the verge of getting top-end deals for their respective positions. Both of their positions are considered premium positions and both could be seeing greener pastures by the time March 10th comes rolling around.

Derek Newton

Newton has progressively turned into a quality right tackle and, at only 27 years old, he will be one of the top right tackles on the market. His value comes from growing every season he has played from his rookie year and being the most consistent offensive lineman for the Texans in 2014.

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Add in that the Texans played him at left tackle and right guard during the season, Newton’s value is more than just a right tackle. An above average run blocker and improved pass protector, Newton lost weight and became completely healed from offseason knee surgery in the summer of 2013. The knee injury slowed Newton for the 2013 season, but he improved as the season went on in 2014.

Focused and a real force for the Texans, Newton showed the rest of the NFL his versatility and ability to be counted on to move around the offensive line when needed.

2014 Offensive Line Free Agent Contracts

table.tableizer-table { border: 1px solid #CCC; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; } .tableizer-table td { padding: 4px; margin: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc; } .tableizer-table th { background-color: #104E8B; color: #FFF; font-weight: bold; } Player Name AgeOld TeamNew TeamYearsMoneyGuaranteed Zach StriefRT31NONO5$20,000,000$8,400,000 Michael OherRT28BALTEN4$20,000,000$9,350,000 Breno GiacominiRT29SEANYJ4$18,000,000$7,000,00 Anthony CollinsLT29CINTB5$30,000,000$9,000,000 Austin HowardG27NYJOAK5$30,000,000$9,900,000

Newton is young and still progressing as player. His value is known by the NFL and he will join Bryan Bulaga (Packers,) Joe Barksdale (Rams,) and Jeremy Parnell (Cowboys,) as the cream of the crop of right tackles available. The former 7th rounder is looking for financial stability, as he should be, and it might come in another city at a premium position.

Kareem Jackson

After the one of the worst starts for a Texans rookie, Kareem Jackson has turned into a one of the best overall cornerbacks in the NFL. When it comes to coverage and tackling, Jackson can play inside or outside of the defense and his versatility becomes a big plus.

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Still 26 years old, the former 1st round selection was a solid piece of the Texans defense and played the majority of the season in the slot cornerback position. Coverage-wise he was a liability there, but was kept there to tighten up the tackling in the middle of the field. Over the past two seasons, Jackson has been top notch as a boundary cornerback, especially growing understanding the game. He struggled early with getting on top of routes and locating the football, but Jackson has shown to all but clean that part of his game up.

Consistency is the key and has been for Jackson, and he added some better ball skills making big interceptions in 2014.

Chris Harris Jr. was the first cornerback to sign late in the season who was set to be a free agent heading into the offseason. Coming off a torn ACL, Harris Jr. played at a top level and, not even wanting to test the market, still banked a five year deal with over $24 million guaranteed. This is the bar set for Jackson and this is where his sights should be set. The way the cornerback position has been paid over the years and being one of the top available for the position, Jackson is setting himself up to be rewarded.

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Jackson is going to be hot commodity, especially with his playoff experience and growth as a player over five seasons in Houston. Jackson once was the scapegoat for Texans fans and now he is in position to cash in if he chooses to.

There have been plenty of critics for both Jackson and Newton throughout their stints in Houston but now both have turned into above average NFL players and have a real possibility of finding new homes. If they do stay in Houston, expect their price tags to be market value. Neither Newton or Jackson should be coming at any types of discount, especially with the seasons they have put together.

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