Texans Will Reportedly Not Give A.J. Bouye Franchise Tag

The Houston Texans are set to allow cornerback A.J. Bouye to test free agency, as they reportedly will not use the franchise tag on the emerging defensive back.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Houston may still be in the running to sign him, but it will have competition on the open market.

The 25-year-old was primarily a depth corner for the Texans in his first three seasons after going undrafted out of Central Florida in 2013, but he made waves in that role with five interceptions combined between the 2014 and 2015 campaigns.

He was elevated to the starting lineup in 2016, and he set career highs with 62 tackles, 16 passes defended and one sack.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bouye received the second-highest grade of any cornerback in the NFL during the 2016 season. Further, no corner defended slant routes better, per Eliot Crist of PFF.

Bouye's success wasn't limited to the regular season, as he added two interceptions in two playoff games.

Texans safety Quintin Demps made it clear that Bouye deserved a big contract, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle:

However, Houston has solid cornerback depth even without Bouye.

Veteran Johnathan Joseph and former first-round picks Kareem Jackson and Kevin Johnson give the Texans a strong base at the position. Bouye has the most potential, however, and will likely get paid handsomely in free agency.