Houston Texans Add Former Chicago Bear Danieal Manning

While most Houston Texans fans were still celebrating the addition of cornerback Johnathan Joseph to the team, another addition was made to solidify the weak secondary. According to ESPN, Danieal Manning, the former Chicago Bears safety, has reached an agreement with the Texans.

The addition of Manning proves that the Houston Texans front office is serious about becoming a playoff contender this season. After finishing at the bottom of the league in pass defense last season, drastic measures were needed to improve the flailing secondary.

Enter Joseph and Manning.

Second only to the cornerback position, the safety was the next greatest position of need for the Texans. Glover Quin, whom the Texans are moving from cornerback to safety, was going to need all the help that he could get. Now, he not only has that help, but the Texans also have a veteran safety who is sure to make an immediate impact on the field.

As reports of Manning's contract emerged it is said that Manning will sign a four-year deal worth $20 million. Over the first two years he will make $11.5 million and another $9 million is guaranteed.

Manning was selected by the Bears in the second round (42nd overall) in the 2006 draft. He has accumulated seven forced fumbles, seven interceptions, and a safety in his first five years in the NFL.

For the Texans this addition could not have come at a better time. Wade Phillips is looking to implement his new 3-4 defense and adding veteran players helps assure better downfield coverage in the pass game. Additionally, the signing of Manning should still leave enough salary cap room for the Texans to keep Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach on their roster.

The Texans front office is making a statement this offseason and, with the possible addition of a veteran wide receiver, look primed to make the playoffs for the first time in team history.