The Denver Broncos waived veteran safety Kareem Jackson on Monday after he returned from a four-game suspension.
Denver hoped to re-sign Jackson to the practice squad the next day. In anticipation of re-signing Jackson, the Broncos cut safety Keidron Smith from the practice squad on Tuesday, according to The Denver Gazette‘s Chris Tomasson.
The next day, Jackson was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans. With the possibility of re-signing Jackson ruled out, Denver promptly re-signed Keidron one day after cutting him.
“I texted him earlier,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said Wednesday. “Obviously, when you have a veteran like that, there is a lot of communication that took place between George [Paton] and his agent. In fact, I spoke to him before he was claimed. We were all good to go, but the one outlier is another team can claim you.
“I can recall his rookie year — his first, second and third years. We had a lot of joint practices with Houston. It was pretty close. They were in the AFC, and we were in the NFC. I can remember him at nickel and corner. His family is there, and I’m happy for him. I’m a huge fan of his — a huge fan. It’s only fitting. He was a teammate of DeMeco [Ryans]. It’s a good thing for him.”
Jackson, 35, is scheduled to become a free agent in March. If the Texans don’t make the playoffs, the next two weeks might end up being Jackson’s final two games in the NFL. He has totaled 952 tackles, 22 interceptions, seven forced fumbles and three sacks in 201 career games.
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