Texans sign top picks, hopeful for new Johnson contract
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}HOUSTON (Reuters) - The Houston Texans have signed their top two picks from the NFL Draft and hope to agree to a new contract with Andre Johnson, the league's top receiver last season, within a couple weeks.
The Texans agreed to terms with cornerback Kareem Jackson, taken with the 20th overall pick and expected to be a starter this year, and running back Ben Tate, who was selected in the second round by Houston in April's NFL Draft.
Houston did not disclose terms of either contract but the Houston Chronicle reported Jackson signed a five-year contract worth $13.1 million, including $10.35 million guaranteed.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The deal also includes an option year and a maximum value of $16.3 million, the newspaper reported on its website (www.chron.com).
Four-time Pro-Bowl wide receiver Johnson, drafted third overall by Houston in 2003, put aside his unresolved contract situation and participated in the opening day of training camp on Friday.
Johnson, who has five years remaining on a seven-year, $60 million deal wants a new contract.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I would hope that we could get it done in a couple of weeks," Texans owner Bob McNair told reporters. "We told him we would get it done, and that is what we will do."
Johnson lead the league in receiving with 1,569 yards last season and wants to become the NFL's highest paid receiver.
He missed the first three days of voluntary workouts earlier this year because he was unhappy with his contract.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(Writing by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina; Editing by Frank Pingue)