Kareem Jackson re-ups with Texans

— -- Kareem Jackson and the Houston Texans have reached agreement on a four-year, $34 million contract with $20 million guaranteed, a source familiar with the deal told ESPN.com.

By retaining Jackson, the Texans also keep one of the top cornerbacks from hitting the open market of free agency.

"Knowing my future, I don't have to sit here and worry about 'Where are we going to end up, where are we going to have to pick up and move to?'" Jackson said. "Knowing that I can be here in Houston is definitely a weight off my shoulders."

Jackson also tweeted his excitement about remaining in Houston.

Jackson, who turns 27 on April 10, has started for the Texans since they selected him as the 20th overall pick of the 2010 draft out of Alabama.

The Texans ranked last in pass defense in Jackson's first season, but stayed with him as he improved at the position.

In his career with the Texans, Jackson has 50 passes defensed, including 10 interceptions. He played outside for most of his career, but new defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel used Jackson in the slot for more snaps than the previous four years combined.

The Texans had conversations about Jackson's return prior to the 2014 season, but those conversations never reached official negotiations.

During the NFL scouting combine, Texans general manager Rick Smith expressed pride in Jackson's development.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter contributed to this report.