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Glenn is fourth defensive starter to leaveESPN.com news services
HOUSTON -- Veteran cornerback Aaron Glenn, one of the original Houston Texans, was released by the team Tuesday to clear room for the recently acquired Phillip Buchanon.
"We want to thank Aaron Glenn for all that he's done for the Houston Texans both on and off the field," Texans general manager Charley Casserly said. "He's been a very fine player for us. ... We wish him well as he goes forward in his career."
Houston coach Dom Capers met with the 12-year veteran shortly after the team picked up Buchanon in a trade with Oakland last week and offered Glenn the options of reduced playing time or finding another team.
The Texans will pair Buchanon with 2004 first-round draft pick Dunta Robinson, giving them a pair of speedy and talented 24-year-old cornerbacks.
Both the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots were believed to be interested in trading for the veteran before he was released.
Glenn, who turns 33 in September, becomes the fourth defensive starter for the Texans to leave this offseason. Inside linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman and strong safety Eric Brown were released in March, part of the Texans' offseason makeover of a defense that finished in the bottom third of the NFL for a second straight season.
Glenn was one of the franchise's most popular players and a leader in the locker room.
"I appreciate all that he has done for us in the time that he's been here," Capers said. "He set the tone as far as leadership and work ethic for our franchise over the first three years. You hate to lose him, but it's the nature of the business."
Glenn, a Texas A&M product, played with the New York Jets for eight seasons before joining his hometown Texans in the 2002 expansion draft. He was selected to his third Pro Bowl in the team's first year but was limited to only 11 games in 2003 because of various injuries.
He rebounded with a solid season in 2004, intercepting five passes and making 63 tackles while serving as a mentor for Robinson.
"It was a good stint with Houston. I got a lot out of it," Glenn told Houston television station KRIV. "There are still some other teams involved where I can be a starter. I still have some decisions to make."