Gareon Conley's 5th-Year Contract Option Reportedly Declined by Texans

The Houston Texans will not exercise the fifth-year option on cornerback Gareon Conley, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.

Conley was selected by the Raiders in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft but was traded to Houston last October ahead of the midseason deadline in exchange for a third-round pick. He appeared in eight games following the trade, starting six.

According to Spotrac, a fifth-year option for Conley would have paid him $10 million for 2021. The player holds a cap hit of $1.9 million for 2020.

The Texans didn't see value in retaining him at the higher price, but he will still have a large role next season:

"

Conley still figures to be one of the top corners on this year’s team, along with Bradley Roby.

— Aaron Reiss (@aaronjreiss) April 29, 2020"

Despite a 10-6 record, Houston ranked 28th in the NFL in total yards allowed and finished 29th against the pass.

The midseason additions of Conley and Vernon Hargreaves went a long way, and both will return next season after Hargreaves re-signed on a one-year deal. Bradley Roby signed a three-year deal this offseason after starting 10 games in 2019.

The squad also drafted Penn State's John Reid in the fourth round to provide more depth at cornerback.

This still leaves questions about the position going forward with Conley and Hargreaves both set to enter free agency after 2020.