Texans positioning to make Free Agent/Trade Moves?

[dalemurphy]

I'm racking my brain and the only explanation for the Texans cutting down to 51 spots is that they are either radically incompetent or they are making room for at least two new acquistions. Here's the article we wrote about what will happen between now and Monday afternoon:

The Texans made their cuts and roster moves official this afternoon, confirming what was being reported yesterday afternoon. Barrett’s list of roster cuts from yesterday is accurate and can be found here. With the signing of Derrick Ward, the roster exemption of Brian Cushing, as well as Anthony Hill’s placement on the PUP, the Texans effective roster is at 51. It is a virtual certainty to be at 53 by the early part of next week. So, the Texans clearly have a plan in place to sign players from the outside. I’m very encouraged by the aggressiveness the Texans are showing. This is easily the most talented and deepest team in the history the organization. Yet, instead of focusing on that reality, the Texans have apparently determined a need to strengthen the roster from the outside. So, by identifying where the Texans cut more aggressively than anticipated, we can probably surmise what positions will be addressed via FA in the next 48 hours. Here are my thoughts:

1. Before delving too deeply into the numbers, it is possible that there has been a handshake agreement with Aaron Schobel to join the team after the preseason.
CONTINUE READING

 

[DerekLee1]

McClain just wrote about this. They're signing Derrick Ward and looking for a backup QB. Booty may be the guy, but they're reserving the spot for now in case someone else they like better becomes available.

 

[dalemurphy]

McClain just wrote about this. They're signing Derrick Ward and looking for a backup QB. Booty may be the guy, but they're reserving the spot for now in case someone else they like better becomes available.

I've already counted Derrick Ward as one of the roster spots. That still leaves them at 51 (Cushing is exempt for 4 games). Also, I don't believe they are looking at QB.

 

[Rey]

Yesterday Kubiak said to that the roster will probably be kind of different and that they will probably make 3-4 additions/changes.

 

[dalemurphy]

Yesterday Kubiak said to that the roster will probably be kind of different and that they will probably make 3-4 additions/changes.

Rey, at the time, I didn't know how seriously to take that. He could've meant any number of things, especially since we didn't have the official list in front of us. But, clearly, he was indicating they were about to go get some people not on this team. I'm guess that is happening right this minute and will be announced sometime between tonight and Monday morning.

 

[V3rm0nt3r]

I'm just going to throw Zgonina's name in there. Laugh all you want but the dude wasn't signed going into last season and ended up being one of our more consistent DT's. Not to mention his relationship with Rick Smith and you know he's in gonna be in shape.

 

[Rey]

I don't just expect them to fill the last two open roster spots...

I think we could very well see a trade involving a TE. I also think that that there is a good chance that either Naeding, Jamison or Shelly Smith are cut if they find a player that they think is an upgrade to the roster.

 

[Thorn]

Damn cheap ass McNair won't even hire a full team.

 

[DiehardChris]

I don't see this as anything unusual. This is what teams do when it's final cutdown time. Teams keep the guys they think are football players, no matter what the numbers are. If it's less than 53, they work the wire until they get to that number.

 

[Pollardized]

Damn cheap ass McNair won't even hire a full team.

He needs to stop having lunch with Drayton McLane.

 

[Fred]

Damn cheap ass McNair won't even hire a full team.

Thorn, has Second Honeymoon hacked your account?!?!

 

[dalemurphy]

I don't see this as anything unusual. This is what teams do when it's final cutdown time. Teams keep the guys they think are football players, no matter what the numbers are. If it's less than 53, they work the wire until they get to that number.

They cut Jeremiah Johnson, Malcolm Sheppard, Deljuan Robinson, JD Booty... All guys that they are very cheap, offer some depth, and a fair amount of upside. Particularly with Johnson and Sheppard, I can't imagine they would expose those guys unless they have specific plans in mind.

Johnson will be ready to play football around week 3.. I'm sure Sheppard is a scary cut, waiting to see if they can get him to the P.S.

 

[DiehardChris]

They cut Jeremiah Johnson, Malcolm Sheppard, Deljuan Robinson, JD Booty... All guys that they are very cheap, offer some depth, and a fair amount of upside. Particularly with Johnson and Sheppard, I can't imagine they would expose those guys unless they have specific plans in mind.

Johnson will be ready to play football around week 3.. I'm sure Sheppard is a scary cut, waiting to see if they can get him to the P.S.

Those are all P Squad guys, though. I have no worries about JJohnson getting picked up. He's out a month, and I don't think any team wants to use one of the valuable 53 on a guy who won't even see the practice field for a month.

Sheppard looked good in practice, but never showed anything in the preseason. I don't think there's anything on tape that would make someone jump at him, and even if they did - I don't think any of these guys would be a huge loss.

Booty - I don't see him as any kind of loss if he ends up elsewhere. He didn't look THAT good against TB. Plus, there are already better options out there if they want a third QB.

Robinson is the one guy that I think gives you some depth value. If Okam doesn't earn his roster spot, I'd like them to have another fat guy like DelJuan.

 

[dalemurphy]

Those are all P Squad guys, though. I have no worries about JJohnson getting picked up. He's out a month, and I don't think any team wants to use one of the valuable 53 on a guy who won't even see the practice field for a month.

Sheppard looked good in practice, but never showed anything in the preseason. I don't think there's anything on tape that would make someone jump at him, and even if they did - I don't think any of these guys would be a huge loss.

Booty - I don't see him as any kind of loss if he ends up elsewhere. He didn't look THAT good against TB. Plus, there are already better options out there if they want a third QB.

Robinson is the one guy that I think gives you some depth value. If Okam doesn't earn his roster spot, I'd like them to have another fat guy like DelJuan.

I totally disagree with you regarding Sheppard. I thought he flashed a great deal in the preseason, not to mention he has a good SEC film and measurables. He is certainly at risk. I'm not upset that he didn't make the roster but I would be very angry if the texans exposed him to the rest of the NFL simply because they thought maybe they'd sign a couple guys, then decided not to. That would be stupid and irresponsible.

 

[JB]

I totally disagree with you regarding Sheppard. I thought he flashed a great deal in the preseason, not to mention he has a good SEC film and measurables. He is certainly at risk. I'm not upset that he didn't make the roster but I would be very angry if the texans exposed him to the rest of the NFL simply because they thought maybe they'd sign a couple guys, then decided not to. That would be stupid and irresponsible.

I don't the staff is near as high on Sheppard as you are. Perhaps they are seeing some things you are not? Or maybe not seeing some things you think you are?

If Sheppard was all that, they would have kept him on the 53.

 

[thunderkyss]

I'm starting to wonder if Kubiak is going to pull some strings with Shanny, and get Haynesworth. There is nothing to back that up, but I'm very surprised we cut both DelJuan & Sheppard.

This talk about Antonio Smith kicking in to play DT on a regular basis is just not reasonable. The only way that would happen, would be if something happened to Amobi or Mitchel, the UT in this group. Smith, Okoye, & Mitchell are all too small to play NT on a regular basis.

Passing down, obvious passing situations, yes. Fulltime, no way.

Haynesworth, yes. He may not like it, but yes.

 

[JB]

I'm starting to wonder if Kubiak is going to pull some strings with Shanny, and get Haynesworth. There is nothing to back that up, but I'm very surprised we cut both DelJuan & Sheppard.

This talk about Antonio Smith kicking in to play DT on a regular basis is just not reasonable. The only way that would happen, would be if something happened to Amobi or Mitchel, the UT in this group. Smith, Okoye, & Mitchell are all too small to play NT on a regular basis.
Passing down, obvious passing situations, yes. Fulltime, no way.

Haynesworth, yes. He may not like it, but yes.

that's why the have Cody & Okam...

 

[thunderkyss]

that's why the have Cody & Okam...

I understand. I was arguing the notion of Antonio Smith kicking inside on a more permanent basis.

 

[RagingBull]

Damn cheap ass McNair won't even hire a full team.

Rep coming your way!

 

[JB]

I understand. I was arguing the notion of Antonio Smith kicking inside on a more permanent basis.

Smith inside is on a limited, situational basis.

 

[TexanExile]

I'm starting to wonder if Kubiak is going to pull some strings with Shanny, and get Haynesworth.

Gah! I can't imagine McNair swallowing Fat Albert's huge cap number. His contract is bigger than his nightly tab at Five Guys.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

I understand. I was arguing the notion of Antonio Smith kicking inside on a more permanent basis.

I think they're just considering him part of the DT rotation because he kicks down for passing situations. I don't think they're talking about having him down there a lot or anything "permanent".

 

[JB]

Gah! I can't imagine McNair swallowing Fat Albert's huge cap number. His contract is bigger than his nightly tab at Five Guys.

If he gets released, there is no contract except what the team picking him up signs him for. If he gets traded, most of the guaranteed monies are already paid, and there is no cap for this year. Future years are not too bad.

 

[TexanExile]

If he gets released, there is no contract except what the team picking him up signs him for. If he gets traded, most of the guaranteed monies are already paid, and there is no cap for this year. Future years are not too bad.

Agreed, if we're talking about a release. I thought TK's post implied a trade possibility.

I do think that some other teams would pay him a lot more money than the Texans would, even despite the conduct this year.

 

[dalemurphy]

I don't the staff is near as high on Sheppard as you are. Perhaps they are seeing some things you are not? Or maybe not seeing some things you think you are?

If Sheppard was all that, they would have kept him on the 53.

Anyone good enough to be placed on the practice squad, is probably good enough to be on the 53 man roster, if they are only going to have 51 players on it. That's the point. Whomever, they liked that they had to cut could have been left on the roster if they weren't convinced a move was going to be made.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

If he gets released, there is no contract except what the team picking him up signs him for. If he gets traded, most of the guaranteed monies are already paid, and there is no cap for this year. Future years are not too bad.

Without another $100 million contract, the only 2 games that you would ever likely see him move his ass for would be VY and his Ten Tacky Ssters. Otherwise expect only DDD.......Dissappointment, Dormant or Dead.

 

[Wolf]

Damn cheap ass McNair won't even hire a full team.

I can't freaking rep you on that one!
got to spread it around

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

I can't freaking rep you on that one!
got to spread it around

Got ya covered, Wolf.

 

[Wolf]

thanks Cnd I can't rep you either because I have to spread it around also LOL

 

[Pantherstang84]

thanks Cnd I can't rep you either because I have to spread it around also LOL

I hit him too. Funniest post I have read in a while.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

thanks Cnd I can't rep you either because I have to spread it around also LOL

Got ya covered, Wolf.

 

[JB]

Anyone good enough to be placed on the practice squad, is probably good enough to be on the 53 man roster, if they are only going to have 51 players on it. That's the point. Whomever, they liked that they had to cut could have been left on the roster if they weren't convinced a move was going to be made.

And I'm saying that they may not feel Sheppard is worthy of a PS spot.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Got ya covered, Wolf.

I'm getting all choked up with all the love.

I'd rep you Pencil Neck, but I must also spread it. Someone........who ever's left out there, give the boy his due.

 

[JB]

I'm getting all choked up with all the love.

I'd rep you Pencil Neck, but I must also spread it. Someone........who ever's left out there, give the boy his due.

Triede to help, but I must spread rep all around also...

 

[C Madd]

I'm getting all choked up with all the love.

I'd rep you Pencil Neck, but I must also spread it. Someone........who ever's left out there, give the boy his due.

Consider it done.

 

[TexanBacker93]

I must be missing something. I have the Texans with 53. Now that does count Cushing, so really I guess we are at 52. Maybe they are looking to see what LBs get released and plan on signing someone for a few weeks.

 

[newtexan]

JB,.... inside source says Sheppard's a lock for PC.

 

[thunderkyss]

Smith inside is on a limited, situational basis.

I know.

Texans Bull Blog
5. DT: DT is another possibility since they only kept four. However, the Texans will be playing Antonio Smith at DT quite a bit and could always move him to DT if injuries occur… particular given the fact they kept five defensive ends.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

JB,.... inside source says Sheppard's a lock for PC.

PS, not PC.

 

[dalemurphy]

And I'm saying that they may not feel Sheppard is worthy of a PS spot.

That's not the point. I'm sure they released someone that they plan to place on P.S... that isn't necessary if the roster spot isn't going to be taken by someone this week.

 

[dalemurphy]

I must be missing something. I have the Texans with 53. Now that does count Cushing, so really I guess we are at 52. Maybe they are looking to see what LBs get released and plan on signing someone for a few weeks.

Here's the entire roster, with the IR'd players marked in Blue... Every player with his name struck through has been cut, PUP'd, or IR'd... That leaves 52 players, counting Cushing:

http://www.texansbullblog.com/roster-2010/

Here's the breakdown:

QB: 2
RB: 3
FB: 1
TE: 4
WR: 5
OL: 9

DL: 9
LB: 6 (cushing makes 7)
DB: 9

LS: 1
P: 1
K: 1

 

[The Pencil Neck]

Here's the entire roster, with the IR'd players marked in Blue... Every player with his name struck through has been cut, PUP'd, or IR'd... That leaves 52 players, counting Cushing:

http://www.texansbullblog.com/roster-2010/

Here's the breakdown:

QB: 2
RB: 3
FB: 1
TE: 4
WR: 5
OL: 9

DL: 9
LB: 6 (cushing makes 7)
DB: 9

LS: 1
P: 1
K: 1

So, looking at that, we're probably in the market for RB, LB, DT, or possibly an experienced CB to help mentor the 'kids'.

I was assuming that we'd be going after RB because Kubiak was talking about "our 4" when he was talking about running backs.

 

[Thorn]

Thorn, has Second Honeymoon hacked your account?!?!

LOL, no. But I couldn't resist the joke.

 

[dalemurphy]

So, looking at that, we're probably in the market for RB, LB, DT, or possibly an experienced CB to help mentor the 'kids'.

I was assuming that we'd be going after RB because Kubiak was talking about "our 4" when he was talking about running backs.

I think RB and DT are good possibilities. I don't think LB is, though. With Cushing, it is a very, very deep group. We are without him for the next month. I doubt a street FA can come into this situation and be more effective than guys who have been in the system.

 

[ChampionTexan]

I think RB and DT are good possibilities. I don't think LB is, though. With Cushing, it is a very, very deep group. We are without him for the next month. I doubt a street FA can come into this situation and be more effective than guys who have been in the system.

BTW Dale - The Chronicle is in agreement with your roster # of 51.

Brown was the only change on the roster Saturday. The Texans were down to 51 by the 5 p.m. deadline for teams to be at a maximum of 53.

Chron.com

 

[painekiller]

They cut Jeremiah Johnson, Malcolm Sheppard, Deljuan Robinson, JD Booty... All guys that they are very cheap, offer some depth, and a fair amount of upside. Particularly with Johnson and Sheppard, I can't imagine they would expose those guys unless they have specific plans in mind.

Johnson will be ready to play football around week 3.. I'm sure Sheppard is a scary cut, waiting to see if they can get him to the P.S.

I heard Kubiak say that Johnson is out for 6 weeks, not 3.

 

[dalemurphy]

I heard Kubiak say that Johnson is out for 6 weeks, not 3.

My understand was the recovery time was 4-6 weeks. So, I estimated he would miss three games. The fourth game would takes place on the 3rd of October... so, I thought that was a reasonable time frame.

 

[PockyAF]

Got this from a poster on ClutchFans, hsf09:

The first time I heard this today I dismissed it. But I just heard the following from one other person who would know.Former TCU defensive end and the recently "retired" Aaron Schobel of the Buffalo Bills has not ruled out playing this season for the Houston Texans.
A native of Columbus, Texas, Schobel has played for the Bills since he entered the NFL in 2001. But TCU people who know Schobel well said the toll of the game plus the struggles of the Bills forced him to retire. It was widely assumed that if he decided to return it would be for a team close to his home in Columbus; Houston made the most sense.
These same people said the Texans have been rather persistent in their pursuit, and he has told them he would let them know on Monday if he will play again.

http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.co...obel-thinking-of-returning.html#ixzz0ycnO88OC

So, why is a guy on a BBall forum getting the first scoop for our Texans again?

 

[GP]

Which makes it interesting that we have one spot open.

If it goes down, could some team in the NFL cry "Collusion" or "Tampering" due to any of this?

In essence, Schobel was sandbagging it the whole time. He didn't want to go through with camp, and the Texans made a friendly deal with him. "OK, just sit tight and we'll keep a spot open for you once cuts are made."

This could be verrrrrry interesting. It's possible, just don't know if this is genuine scoop from a family/friend source. Or if it's speculation only.

 

[El Tejano]

Which makes it interesting that we have one spot open.

If it goes down, could some team in the NFL cry "Collusion" or "Tampering" due to any of this?

In essence, Schobel was sandbagging it the whole time. He didn't want to go through with camp, and the Texans made a friendly deal with him. "OK, just sit tight and we'll keep a spot open for you once cuts are made."

This could be verrrrrry interesting. It's possible, just don't know if this is genuine scoop from a family/friend source. Or if it's speculation only.

I doubt there is any tampering. He's a FA now if he un"retires". I would be glad to bring him on. Need depth at DE.