Bodden in Houston to Meet With Texans

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans search to replace Dunta Robinson picked up steam when free agent cornerback Leigh Bodden arrived in Houston Sunday night to meet with the Texans.

Bodden, who spent last season with the New England Patriots, played with the Detroit Lions in 2008.

Prior to that he was with the Cleveland Browns during the first five years of his NFL career.

Bodden is considered the best free agent cornerback on the market now that Robinson has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.

"I think it's great having a team like the Houston Texans being interested in me," Bodden said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports at Houston's Hobby Airport.

"I'm just going to go here, meet the coaches, and hopefully everything goes good."

Bodden said the Texans are the first team he's visited and he has some others scheduled.

"I do, but hopefully I don't need it," Bodden said.

He said the free agent process is not easy.

"It's kind of nerve-wracking," Bodden said. "It is what it is. It's part of the business.

"Hopefully I can get things done with the Texans and just move on."

And if the two sides can come together on a contract agreement, Bodden believes he will bring what the Texans need.

"I could bring a solid corner," Bodden said. "I get my hands on the ball. I play good defense. I'm just a competitor and that's what I can bring to this organization and hopefully I can do that."

Bodden had five interceptions for the Patriots last season, including three in one game against the Jets which tied a New England franchise record.

The Patroits are trying to keep Bodden from leaving and he hasn't closed the door on returning to the Patriots.

"I had a good year there, but it's all about who wants me," Bodden said. "If they want me, they can get me. If Houston wants me, they can get me.

"I'm just here to see what these guys have to offer and just meet the coaches."