Steve McKinney released

[Errant Hothy]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/5647108.html

Center Steve McKinney, an original Texan who was the first unrestricted free agent signed by the 2002 expansion team, was released today by the Texans.

McKinney, 32, has been rehabilitating a knee injury that required reconstructive surgery and cost him half of last season.

When the Texans traded for Denver's Chris Myers last week, McKinney became expendable.

However, the door is open for McKinney to return when he's healthy.

McKinney is expected back for the start of the training camp.

"It caught me off guard, but they left the door open for me to return," McKinney said. "I owe it to myself to test the market, but, truthfully, I'd like to come back here."

"They told me that I just make too much money ($1.6 million this year) to be a backup," McKinney said. "They told me they didn't want to ask me to take a pay cut, and they wanted to give me an opportunity to look around to see if I could get the same kind of money somewhere else."

So he might be back, but only as a back-up and for less money.

Does this make Pitts the last of the original Texans still on the roster?

[beerlover]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/5647108.html

However, the door is open for McKinney to return when he's healthy.

McKinney is expected back for the start of the training camp.

"It caught me off guard, but they left the door open for me to return," McKinney said. "I owe it to myself to test the market, but, truthfully, I'd like to come back here."

"They told me that I just make too much money ($1.6 million this year) to be a backup," McKinney said. "They told me they didn't want to ask me to take a pay cut, and they wanted to give me an opportunity to look around to see if I could get the same kind of money somewhere else."

"Right now, I'm letting it all soak in, and I'm trying to digest everything. I'm going to see what's out there, but, hopefully, I'll have a chance to come back."

[Texan_Bill]

Fred Weary and Kris Brown

[TexansLucky13]

I saw this coming with the trade for Myers. McKinney was good when healthy, but it looks like they are looking for the younger talent.

Whenever Pitts leaves we will have to have a moment of reflection.

Edit - Oh yea, Weary and Kris too.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by Hoth-Boy

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/5647108.html



So he might be back, but only as a back-up and for less money.

Does this make Pitts the last of the original Texans still on the roster?

Can't think of anyone else off hand.

I was sort of wondering what McKinney's future was with so many young potentials now on the team...........but like you, I'm not sure that he won't be back a one of the old wiley vets nuturing the youngsters.

[Errant Hothy]

Originally Posted by Texan_Bill

Fred Weary and Kris Brown

Don't you mean just Kris? As Weary has yet to be resigned.

And thanks.

[Texan_Bill]

Originally Posted by Hoth-Boy

Don't you mean just Kris? As Weary has yet to be resigned.

And thanks.

Very true... my bad.

[Double Barrel]

Out with the old...

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by Hoth-Boy

Don't you mean just Kris? As Weary has yet to be resigned.

And thanks.

I think of Weary as already gone.

[TexansLucky13]

Originally Posted by Hoth-Boy

Don't you mean just Kris? As Weary has yet to be resigned.

And thanks.

Oh yea. So just Pitts and Brown, two productive starters.

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by Double Barrel

Out with the old...

Old is good, if you have the right mix with the young.

[TexanSam]

Originally Posted by Hoth-Boy

Don't you mean just Kris? As Weary has yet to be resigned.

And thanks.

I think Petey Faggins is an original Texan also

[bigbrewster2000]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

I think Petey Faggins is an original Texan also

yep, 6th round in '02

[Texan_Bill]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

I think Petey Faggins is an original Texan also

Nicely done!!!

[CloakNNNdagger]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

I think Petey Faggins is an original Texan also

That's a name that I wish would already be gone.

[RipTraxx]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

That's a name that I wish would already be gone.

Amen

[Double Barrel]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

Old is good, if you have the right mix with the young.

This is true. The previous FO learned that lesson the hard way and ended up booted to the curb after the disaster of 2-14.

[TexansLucky13]

Originally Posted by CloakNNNdagger

That's a name that I wish would already be gone.

Agreed.

[WesmanTexanfan]

Bye Steve!!

[Goldensilence]

With all the new names popping up more on the roster on the interior I thought this was only a matter of time. I'm not so sure things look good for Weary either at this point. The door is open for both but i wouldn't count on either being up for a starting position.

I didn't mind Steve at guard but being trotted out as a center did it for me. I'm glad we went and made the move for Myers. Thanks Steve you did your best and that's really all I can really ask from a player.