Roby ready to be a leader in secondary
Seven-year veteran is most experienced corner on the roster
Bradley Roby realized a few days before finalizing his threeyear, $36 million contract in March that his signature went deeper than landing the largest payday of his seven-year NFL career.
Before signing Roby, the Texans announced they had moved on from veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph, a defensive team captain and one of the most accomplished players in franchise history.
The departure of Joseph, 36, creates a leadership void in the secondary. As the Texans’ most experienced and skilled cornerback, Roby intends to provide a mentoring presence and set a strong example in his second season in Houston.
One year after joining the Texans on a one-year, $10 million prove-it deal, the former Denver Broncos first-round draft pick from Ohio State envisions a longterm future with the Texans along with a voice in the locker room and huddle.
Roby, 28, wants to justify the Texans’ investment, which includes $19 million guaranteed, through his actions and words.
“Yeah, definitely,” Roby said. “I’m definitely the oldest guy and most experienced. It’s my job to lead the guys and lead us to be better than we have been in the past.
“My goal is to be a whole lot better than we’ve been over the past couple of years. That’s my plan, and I’m doing everything I can to help everyone, including the safeties as well.”
Roby spent this offseason training with safety Justin Reid, building chemistry and sharing ideas. Roby wants to see the defense make strides after it was picked apart by Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes in an AFC divisional-round playoff blowout. Mahomes threw five touchdown passes.
“Trying to get on the same page as J-Reid, working out with him this offseason and just getting that bond together,” Roby said. “One thing I know about the secondary is you have to be a tight-knit group on and off the field. I think I’m trying to build that as much as possible.”
Although limited to 10 starts last season because of a Grade 1 strained hamstring that sidelined him for six games, Roby still finished with 38 tackles and two interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble. He picked off former New England quarterback Tom Brady in a December victory.
The Texans briefly contemplated the merits of pursuing free-agent corners Byron Jones and James Bradberry, but that was deemed far too expensive. Jones signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Bradberry signed a threeyear, $43.5 million contract with the New York Giants.
Ultimately, sticking with Roby made a lot of sense for both sides.
“I’m very happy and very excited for another year,” Roby said. “Last year, we were kind of grabbing guys from different teams and things like that during the season, trying to get a cohesiveness down. Now we have a full year in together, and I think that’s only going to help us. We’re coming together as a unit now and not just a whole bunch of guys strung together.”
Roby didn’t seriously consider leaving the Texans, and the negotiations went smoothly.
“It was where I needed to be,” said Roby, who has 274 career tackles, nine interceptions, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. “It was a win-win for both sides. I’m glad we were able to get it done. I was vocal about that.
“It’s time to take over, I’m not playing no more. I’m in year seven now. It’s like I’ve really got to get into my prime.”
Following a virtual NFL offseason due to the coronavirus pandemic, experienced contributors like Roby become even more valuable. New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and secondary coach D’Anton Lynn are counting on Roby to bolster the secondary.
And Roby has been impressed with newcomers, including rookie corner John Reid, a fourthround draft pick from Penn State.
“So far, John Reid seems like a very smart guy on and off the field,” Roby said. “You can tell he’s eager to learn. I see things here and there, and I let him know, and I watch him to see if he’s going to implement it, and he’s doing it. I think he’s doing a great job of being a rookie, staying humble and just trying to learn as much as possible.”
The Texans recently activated cornerback Gareon Conley, who had offseason ankle surgery. Conley had his moments as a reliable outside corner working with Roby after being acquired in a trade from the Raiders.
Roby and Conley are former Buckeyes teammates.
“It’s super cool for me because when I was at Ohio State, he was my little brother,” Roby said. “In your last year at Ohio State, you have to get a rookie or a freshman, and he has to be your little brother. He goes around with you and stays in the same hotel as you on road games.
“Fast forward. For us to be on the same team is pretty special. Secondary is all about that connection you guys have, and we have that. He looks up to me, and it’s fun to play with him. It’s just fun to play with guys that you’re friends with. It doesn’t seem like a job then. It seems like you’re a group that’s out to accomplish big things.”