Former All-Pro RB David Johnson takes pay cut to stay with Texans

Reports surfaced last week that the Houston Texans wanted veteran running back David Johnson to accept a pay cut to remain with the franchise through the offseason and the start of the 2021 campaign. 

It appears the 29-year-old has done just that. 

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and other outlets, the Texans and Johnson have agreed to a new one-year deal that includes $4.25 million in fully guaranteed money and could be worth up to $6 million, including incentives. Johnson began March reportedly set to earn a base salary of $7.95 million while carrying a salary-cap hit of $8.812 million for 2021, values few teams would've been willing to endure considering his production the previous season. 

Johnson tallied 691 rushing yards with six touchdowns along with 33 receptions for 314 yards and two scores in his first season with the Texans. He was sent to Houston roughly one year ago via the trade that resulted in the Arizona Cardinals acquiring All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins, of course, was recently joined by former teammate and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt, who put pen to paper on a two-year contract with Arizona.