Houston Texans Trade Rumors

Texans GM Rick Smith 'entertaining the idea' of adding LaDainian Tomlinson
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February 27
USA Today
 
"The Houston Texans have been mentioned as a potential destination for former Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson, a Texas native. But even though the Texans philosophically favor adding younger players, GM Rick Smith didn't dismiss adding Tomlinson to a team that struggled to run the ball in 2009. "We're entertaining the idea," Smith acknowledged at the scouting combine Friday. "He's certainly had a wonderful career and still has some productive play in his future." Tomlinson has said he wants to join a Super Bowl-caliber team with an established quarterback. Houston is coming off its first winning season, has an explosive offense and maturing defense, and QB Matt Schaub led the NFL in passing ..."
Texans will let CB Robinson leave
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February 24
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans have informed cornerback Dunta Robinson they will not be using the franchise tag on him for a second consecutive year, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. There will be no more negotiations for a new contract, which means Robinson will become an unrestricted free agent on March 5 and will be able to sign with any team. Robinson, a first-round draft choice in 2004 who played six seasons with the Texans, earned $9.957 million last year when he was designated as the franchise player. Before he was franchised, Robinson turned down an offer that would have guaranteed him $23 million. Robinson started every game last season and covered the opponent's best receiver. ..."
Source: Texans pick up Schaub option
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February 4
ESPN.com
 
"The Houston Texans will pick up the $10 million option bonus payment in the contract of Pro Bowl MVP quarterback Matt Schaub, according to a league source. The option will be picked up as early as Thursday and no later than Friday. Once the Texans officially notify Schaub of this with a letter, the quarterback will be obligated to Houston for the next three seasons at roughly $28 million. The move comes in the same week they extended head coach Gary Kubiak's contract through 2012. Schaub initially signed a six-year, $48 million contract with the Texans in March 2007. The deal also included an option bonus payment of $10 million due no later than five days after Super Bowl XLIV, which will ..."
Texans working on contract extension for Kubiak
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February 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans owner Bob McNair is working on a multiyear contract extension for coach Gary Kubiak that could be completed as early as next week. Kubiak has one year left on the five-year, $10 million contract he signed to become the Texans' coach in 2006. Kubiak's new deal is expected to go through the 2013 season and perhaps longer, according to McNair. "We've been working on our assistant coaches, and we don't have all of them signed, but I think we've pretty much got them resolved, and everybody will be signed through 2012," McNair said Monday. "Now we're in the process of working on Gary's extension, and I think probably by next week, we'll have his finalized. "His will run at least one year ..."
Gibbs, Rhodes' future uncertain
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January 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans are losing offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. They could lose assistant head coach/offense Alex Gibbs and senior defensive assistant Ray Rhodes. They have a combined seven Super Bowl rings. "I'm going to give these guys a break," coach Gary Kubiak said. "They need to get away, and then we'll come back and make some of those decisions.""
Former Oiler Munchak candidate for Texans OC job
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January 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"When Kyle Shanahan is officially named the new offensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins, the Texans will begin their search for his replacement. The four leading candidates are Tennessee Titans offensive line coach Mike Munchak, Denver Broncos offensive line coach Rick Dennison, Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave and former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. Mike Shanahan is expected to replace Jim Zorn, who was fired Monday, as coach of the Redskins and wants Kyle, his son, on his staff. Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who declined to name possible replacements or discuss any candidates, worked with Dennison, Musgrave and Gailey in Denver. He never has ..."
Schaub may play; Slaton sees specialist
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December 8
Houston Chronicle
 
"The coaches are hoping quarterback Matt Schaub can play against Seattle, but they want to see how he practices on Wednesday and Thursday. He played in the 23-18 loss at Jacksonville after suffering a dislocated left shoulder. "He basically has the same injury he had against Tennessee in 2007," coach Gary Kubiak said about the injury that required surgery after the season. "It popped out, popped back in, and he was able to play. "I think he's got a good chance of playing. He's not feeling any worse today than he did yesterday as he finished the game." Running back Steve Slaton, who was inactive for the Jacksonville game, is seeing Dr. Drew Dossett, a spine specialist whose clients include ..."
Texans playing out the string again. Same as it ever was.
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December 7
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"believe in my heart of hearts that Gary Kubiak is capable of being a successful NFL head coach. In the end, though, it doesn't matter what I think or what you think or what anyone else thinks. Only the won-loss record matters. This was the season the Texans had to turn a corner under Kubiak. He'd taken them from 2-14 to 8-8. Once upon a time, we were all happy with being respectable. Now respectable is no longer good enough. This was the season when the Texans had to take the next step. Instead, they've slid backwards. The Texans are once more playing out the string after Sunday's 23-18 loss in Jacksonville. At 5-7, they've got the 11th best record in the AFC, and since only six teams make ..."
Kubiak's pink slip merited by more than just one call
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December 7
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Jerome Solomon
"Should a football coach be fired over one play? No. Even if it is one of the worst play calls in a franchise's history and so nonsensical that his players were openly critical of the move. Gary Kubiak shouldn't be sent packing after the 2009 season because he opted to have running back Chris Brown try to "lob" the ball into the end zone instead of directing quarterback Matt Schaub to throw it there. Kubiak should be fired because over and over, through his nearly four years as their head coach, the Texans have made game-losing mistakes and failed to make game-winning plays. Those were Gary Kubiak's Texans on Sunday, doing whatever it took to lose in a 23-18 defeat to the Jaguars. The loss ..."
Schaub dislocates problem shoulder again, to have MRI today
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December 7
Houston Chronicle
 
"When Matt Schaub was sacked on the Texans' first play and left Sunday's game with a dislocated left shoulder, no one expected him to return. This was the first time Schaub started a 12th game in his three-year Texans career. And it was the same shoulder that required surgery in 2007. Not only did Schaub return and replace Rex Grossman, but he took the Texans from a 17-0 deficit in the second quarter to a 23-18 loss in which they had more than enough chances to defeat Jacksonville and avoid a four-game losing streak. "Same arm, same injury," Schaub said. "Dislocated in the same spot. I don't think it's quite as severe as the one that happened two years ago. "I came in, had some X-rays, and ..."
Concussion likely to sideline safety Sean Considine vs. Texans
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December 5
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Concussion symptoms continue to take a toll on the Jaguars defense. Strong safety Sean Considine was the latest to suffer a head injury last Sunday at San Francisco. The club lists Considine as questionable on the injury report, but the veteran is not likely to play this week against the Texans, according to Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio. Gerald Alexander will take Considine's place in the starting lineup. "They've both been banged up," Del Rio said. "Gerald replaced Sean earlier when he was banged up, and Sean did the same thing recently for Gerald." Alexander started five games when Considine sat out with a groin injury. But a shoulder injury sidelined Alexander for the Nov. 15 game against ..."
Slaton may miss game with numb right thumb
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December 5
Houston Chronicle
 
"Numbness in his right thumb, caused by unspecified nerve issues in his neck and shoulder, could keep running back Steve Slaton out of the Texans' crucial game with Jacksonville on Sunday. And rookie defensive back Glover Quin, a key reserve in the secondary, is a definite scratch because of the head injury he suffered against the Indianapolis Colts. But there's good news, too. It appears left tackle Duane Brown has bounced back sufficiently from the knee sprain he suffered on the next-to-last play of the Colts game and will be able to keep his starting streak intact. Although Slaton has been bothered by the numbness for several weeks, coach Gary Kubiak said the condition had worsened in ..."
Texans' Slaton expected to miss game with arm numbness
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December 4
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans running back Steve Slaton is expected to miss Sunday's game against Jacksonville because of numbness in his arms. The numbness is a result of a previously undisclosed shoulder injury. Coach Gary Kubiak did not completely rule out Slaton, but the fact he did not practice Friday makes it unlikely he will play. "It's something he has been dealing with for awhile but it's gotten worse in the last 24 hours," Kubiak said."
Happy endings elude Texans in make-or-break month
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December 1
Houston Chronicle
 
"When the Texans play their last AFC South game of the season at Jacksonville, no one knows which team will show up against the Jaguars. Will it be the terrific Texans who raced to an impressive 17-0 lead and a 20-7 halftime advantage against undefeated Indianapolis? Or will it be the terrible Texans who crumbled in the second half when they were outscored 28-7 on the way to a 35-27 loss that secured a three-game losing streak? Gary Kubiak, his assistants and the players don't have a lot of time to get it right before Sunday's game. If the Texans lose, they'll be 1-5 in the division for the second time in three seasons. "It's a frame of mind," Kubiak said Monday about the Texans' ..."
Texans owner must be decisive about coach
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December 1
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Jerome Solomon
"If Bob McNair is considering firing Gary Kubiak, he needs to make the call now. Not the announcement, the decision. He needs to do it now, before the Texans go on a run to respectability. Before a strong finish tricks him into thinking Kubiak is on the right track. Nothing that will happen the rest of the season will change the type of coach Kubiak is. You believe in him or you don't. Where do you stand, Bob? McNair shouldn't yank the rug out from under Kubiak, but if he is wavering on retaining his coach for the 2010 season, he needs to move on. No need delaying the inevitable. What is it they say about divorce? If you've thought about getting one, you should. Well this is much worse. ..."
Tricks or tweets?
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December 1
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Jordan Godwin
"With college and pro football players around the country getting in trouble over controversial posts on Twitter, the Texans might have found the solution. Twitter user "BrianCushing56" had been posting all season, reflecting on Texans games and life as a rookie. After last Monday's loss to the Titans, tweets read, "the refs killed us last night," and later, "The refs were terrible last night!" On Tuesday, the Texans' media relations department said the account was maintained by an imposter who is not Cushing or anyone associated with the Texans. The account that apparently misled more than 5,000 followers has since been deleted. An elecronic trail showed that Cushing's official Web site ..."
NFL fines Texans defenders Smith, Cushing
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November 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"The NFL has fined two Texans for their transgressions during Monday's 20-17 loss to Tennessee. Defensive end Antonio Smith was fined $10,000 for elbowing Titans center Kevin Mawae. Smith was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness at the end of the pass play."
Slaton, Brown to split time at RB
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November 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"The NFL has fined defensive end Antonio Smith and linebacker Brian Cushing for their actions during Monday's 20-17 loss to Tennessee. Smith was fined $10,000 for elbowing Titans center Kevin Mawae. Smith was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness at the end of the pass play. Cushing was fined $5,000 for hitting quarterback Vince Young out of bounds. He was penalized 15 yards as well. The league said Cushing was fined for unnecessary roughness for striking an opponent late and out of bounds on a run play. Medical update Defensive tackle Amobi Okoye was the only player to miss practice Friday. He's got the flu but is expected to play against the Colts."
Ryans misses practice again
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November 27
Houston Chronicle
 
"Defensive captain and middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans missed another practice as he tries to work the soreness out of the sprained ankle he suffered late in the loss to the Tennessee Titans on Monday night. But Ryans was the only Texan who didn't participate in the short but spirited Thanksgiving morning workout. Running back Steve Slaton (shoulder) had a full practice, as did wide receiver Jacoby Jones (calf). Also, for the first time in weeks, rookie linebacker Brian Cushing (foot) has not been held out of any practices. "Hopefully DeMeco will practice tomorrow," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Other than DeMeco, it looks like all our guys are heading in the right direction." Asked if he was ..."
Source says Bears, Texans 'would excite' Cowher
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November 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Bears fans coveting Bill Cowher as a possible replacement for Lovie Smith, take a deep breath. This may cause your pulse to race. An NFL Network report Monday night cited a source that said the idea of coaching the Bears or Texans "would excite,'' Cowher if the job becomes open. That'll simply make the anti-Lovie contingent among Bears fans even more antsy. But the same report said Cowher would command in the range of $10 million per-season - a staggering price even for a head coach with a Super Bowl ring."
Texans RB Slaton gets starting nod vs. Titans
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November 22
Houston Chronicle
 
"Running back Steve Slaton will be back in the starting lineup Monday night when the Texans host the Tenn Titans. Slaton found out today he would start after having a good week of practices. Ryan Moats started the 20-17 loss to Indianapolis on Nov. 8 because Slaton had lost five fumbles."
Johnson: No exit strategy
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November 22
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans receiver Andre Johnson denied a report that he has a plan in place to force a trade if the team doesn't make the playoffs. Johnson is on the cover of the current issue of ESPN the Magazine. In the story, his uncle, Andre Melton, who also serves as his agent, tells the magazine they have a plan to force a trade but refuses to discuss the details. "That didn't come from me," Johnson said after practice Saturday. "I wish he hadn't said what he said, but that's his opinion. I make my own decisions, and I plan on being here until I retire. "I'm not going to lie: He (Melton) has brought it to my attention, and he has a right to his opinion. I didn't go to him with it. I don't think it's ..."
Casey appears to be recovered
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November 20
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans attempted to work Jacoby Jones back into his regular practice regimen Thursday, but they did so with limited success. Although the return man/wide receiver got on the field during the special-teams period to test his strained calf, he was a spectator for the rest of the afternoon. "It's sore, and he's still got some swelling in there," coach Gary Kubiak said. "I was encouraged by what I saw of the first few minutes of special teams, but it stiffened back up on him, so we just kept him out the rest of the way. Hopefully (today) he'll come back and be able to do a little more." Kubiak said Glenn Martinez would replace Jones on punt returns if the injury doesn't heal before the ..."
Wilson punished by NFL
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November 14
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans free safety Eugene Wilson has been fined $5,000 by the NFL for a hit he put on Indianapolis tight end Dallas Clark during the 20-17 loss to the Colts this past Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. In the second quarter, the Colts were leading 13-0 when Wilson drilled Clark over the middle."
Texans not pursuing free agent RB Johnson
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November 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"After evaluating Larry Johnson for the last two days, the Texans have decided not to pursue the free agent running back. Johnson, who turns 30 next week, was placed on waivers by Kansas City on Monday, the day he returned from a two-week suspension for using anti-gay slurs and for criticizing Chiefs coach Todd Haley. Johnson, who also was suspended in 2008, cleared waivers, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Texans were considering Johnson because they're trying to improve a disappointing running game that ranks 27th with an average of 90.8 yards a game. The Texans evaluated running back Edgerrin James last week after Seattle released him. They ruled out James and now Johnson, ..."
Cushing limited, Cody held out of Texans practice
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November 6
Houston Chronicle
 
"Defensive tackle Shaun Cody joined rookie linebacker Brian Cushing on the sidelines at Texans practice Thursday. Head coach Gary Kubiak said Cody received "an injection" for a back problem after missing Wednesday's workout. "I'm hoping he'll be able to practice tomorrow," Kubiak said. "We'll see. The back does concern us." Cushing, of course, has been limited in practice on a regular basis for several weeks now because of a sore foot. Not that it has mattered much, given that he has twice been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week since the injury occurred. "We're trying to get him through the bye (next week) clean and then he'll have time to rest his foot," Kubiak said. "We had him do ..."
Kubiak in no rush to name starter at running back
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November 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans coach Gary Kubiak didn't disclose Monday who will start at running back against Indianapolis but said Steve Slaton, Ryan Moats and Chris Brown will see action. "I'm going to play them all," he said. "I'm in no hurry to make that decision, but, obviously, we're going to need all three of them. We'll make a decision when we get to Indianapolis." Slaton has been the starter but was benched Sunday after losing his fifth fumble of the season at Buffalo. Moats played for the second time this season and finished with 23 carries for 126 yards and a team-record three TDs. The starter must be able to block and catch as well as run. "Protecting Matt (Schaub) is a huge priority," Kubiak said. ..."
Injury offers chance to prove front office wrong — again
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November 3
Houston Chronicle
 columnist Richard Justice
"There's not a better tight end in the NFL than Owen Daniels. If it's any consolation, he proved what he set out to prove. He's right there in the conversation with Dallas Clark, Jason Witten and the others. How about Tampa Bay's Kellen Winslow? He's one of the gold standards for tight ends in terms of salary. Daniels has more catches, more yards, more touchdowns. He entered Sunday's game at Buffalo leading all NFL tight ends in yardage and was second in receptions and touchdowns. When his right knee blew up, he was on a pace for 80 catches, 1,000 yards, 10 touchdowns and a second straight Pro Bowl appearance. He was also one of the NFL's best bargains at $2.79 million. That's the one-year ..."
Edwards won't play Sunday
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October 29
Buffalo News
 
"Ryan Fitzpatrick will make his first career home start for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday when the Houston Texans visit Ralph Wilson Stadium. It might not be on an interim basis, either. Despite starting quarterback Trent Edwards being medically cleared to return to practice after suffering a concussion Oct. 18 against the New York Jets, Bills coach Dick Jauron declared him out for Sunday's game, and more importantly would not commit to him as the starter when he is fully recovered. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," is all Jauron had to say about who might start when Edwards is healthy enough to play. Houston Chronicle staff discusses injuries and the Buffalo Bills. Fitzpatrick ..."
Texans WR Johnson day-to-day with lung contusion
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October 27
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans say they expect receiver Andre Johnson to be ready to play against Buffalo on Sunday, but after revising their postgame evaluation from chest contusion to lung contusion Monday, the truth is no one knows. Coach Gary Kubiak doesn't know if Johnson, who has 38 catches for 634 yards and four touchdowns, will be able to practice this week when the Texans prepare for the game against the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Johnson, 28, doesn't have to practice to be able to play. "He's going to be day-to-day as we go into this week," Kubiak said Monday. "They'll do some tests on him each day as we go through this week, but I think we're fortunate, and, hopefully, he'll be ready to go ..."
Pollard falls ill
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October 23
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans strong safety Bernard Pollard was feeling ill during meetings Thursday morning, so he was dismissed for the day before practice. Asked if the symptoms were "flu-like," coach Gary Kubiak said that was the case but he was optimistic Pollard will be able to play against San Francisco on Sunday. "We sent him home to get him started getting well," Kubiak said. Since being signed as a free agent, the former Kansas City Chief has made three starts and been an integral part of the defensive revival. Several Texans have fallen ill over the past few weeks but rookie tight end Anthony Hill remains the only one to be diagnosed with the H1N1 virus and to have spent time in the hospital. Free ..."
Top pick Cushing proves to be a cut above
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October 23
Houston Chronicle
 
"Remember the hair? Some folks, including possibly a few Texans, might have thought Brian Cushing was a tad too cool for his own good when he arrived in town with his flowing locks. Rookies are supposed to be no more than modestly ostentatious, you know, even the most highly touted first-round draft picks. But it didn't take his new teammates long to learn what Cushing was all about. Forget the rock star looks (and salary). In organized team activities and the weight room, he was a blue-collar grinder to the core. If he had an "off" switch, nobody saw him use it. A little superstitious So what was the statement he was trying to make with all that hair? "That I'm a little superstitious," he ..."
Reeves to Make Season Debut
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October 10
Houston Chronicle
 
"Reeves to play For the first time since last season, cornerback Jacques Reeves will be on the field. Reeves will come off the bench Sunday when the Texans play at Arizona. Dunta Robinson and Glover Quin are the starting cornerbacks. Reeves suffered a fractured fibula early in camp. Last week, he was pronounced fit to play, but he suffered a dislocated little finger and underwent surgery. Expect the coaches to get Reeves about 25 plays against the Cardinals. Williams practices Defensive end Mario Williams missed practice Wednesday and Thursday because of a bruised shoulder. He participated on a limited basis Friday. Expect him to play against Arizona on Sunday. "Mario's a game-time ..."
Texans to add former Titans running back Henry
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October 7
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans are planning to sign free-agent running back Chris Henry to their practice squad today. Henry (5-11, 230 pounds) was the Titans' second-round pick in 2007. They placed him on waivers last week. Washington also has been pursuing Henry. The Texans want a veteran back on their practice squad in case something happens to Steve Slaton, Chris Brown or Ryan Moats. They also have Arian Foster, an undrafted rookie, on the practice squad. Linebacker Khary Campbell was placed on injured reserve Tuesday because of a knee injury he suffered in Sunday's victory over Oakland. The team used Campbell's roster spot to elevate defensive end Tim Jamison, an undrafted rookie, to the active roster."
Texans tight end hit with swine flu
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October 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans rookie tight end James Casey knew rookie tight end Anthony Hill was ill after practice Wednesday. He just didn't know how ill. Hill, a fourth-round pick who grew up in Houston and played at North Carolina State, was originally diagnosed with pneumonia, but it turns out he was suffering from swine flu. Hill, 24, spent two nights in a hospital and was released Friday. "I was shocked when I heard he had swine flu," Casey said after practice Friday. "I knew he wasn't feeling well after practice Wednesday. It's one of those things you read and hear a lot about, but you never expect that it's going to affect someone you know, especially a guy whose locker is right next to mine." The ..."
Reeves has surgery, to sit out Sunday
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October 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans cornerback Jacques Reeves, who has been out since suffering a fractured fibula early in training camp, will miss Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders at Reliant Stadium after undergoing surgery on a dislocated pinky finger on his right hand. Reeves was wearing a cast on his right hand in the dressing room on Thursday. "The good news is that, hopefully, he'll be back next weekend (Arizona)," coach Gary Kubiak said. Reeves was injured during warm-ups when a ball was thrown to him. "It came out of the skin," Reeves said. "I dislocate fingers about twice a year. "It's never come out of the skin, though, so that was a new thing for me. They went in and cleaned it out, nothing ..."
Texans pick up Pollard
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September 25
Houston Chronicle
 
"Bernard Pollard, a safety who started every game for Texans secondary coach David Gibbs at Kansas City last season, has been signed to take the roster spot of Chester Pitts, who was placed on injured reserve after season-ending knee surgery. Pollard, 24, was Kansas City's second-round pick in 2006 and last season made 84 solo tackles. He was cut by the Chiefs this season. "I got a better chance to win here," Pollard said. "Like I just told the guys, this is insane. To see these guys go out here and practice like this, they're going to bring in a lot of wins this season. I want to do so much to contribute to this team and help them win. It's going to be a fun, fun opportunity. I'm excited. ..."
Season comes to early end for Pitts
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September 24
Houston Chronicle
 
"For the first time in franchise history, the Texans will have to play without guard Chester Pitts. The Texans will have to play the next 14 games without Pitts, who will be placed on injured reserve today after undergoing season-ending surgery on his right knee. Pitts had two surgical procedures performed Wednesday by Dr. Walter Lowe. Pitts underwent surgery to repair the meniscus cartilage and also had microfracture surgery to repair the articular cartilage. The damage to Pitts' medial collateral ligament will heal on its own. Pitts' streak of 114 consecutive starts ended when he suffered the injuries in Sunday's 34-31 victory at Tennessee. He'll be replaced by Kasey Studdard, a ..."
Cushing likely to start
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September 6
Houston Chronicle
 
"Outside linebacker Brian Cushing, the first-round pick who didn't play in preseason because of a sprained knee, should start against the Jets. Zac Diles, who played Cushing's spot in preseason, will move back to the left side and start ahead of Xavier Adibi. Although Kasey Studdard had a good camp and preseason, Chester Pitts will begin the season as the starter at left guard. Pitts has started every game in team history. If free safety Eugene Wilson can't play because of a knee injury, Nick Ferguson will start with Dominique Barber."
Rams bring in veteran RB Green for workout
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August 20
NFL.com
 
"Four-time Pro Bowl RB Ahman Green worked out for St. Louis this week as the team examines its options at the position. The Rams have Steven Jackson, a 2007 Pro Bowler, as their starting running back, with Kenneth Darby, Samkon Gado and Antonio Pittman as the experienced backups behind him. Green, who endured two injury-plagued seasons with the Texans, is one of several high-profile running backs still on the market, including Edgerrin James, Shaun Alexander and Warrick Dunn. All have had a tough time finding work this offseason, although NFL.com's Steve Wyche reports that Dunn received calls from the Eagles and Seahawks."
Bad vibes brewing
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August 1
Houston Chronicle
 
"Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and tight end Owen Daniels are unhappy campers. Ryans and Daniels were hoping to sign new contracts with the Texans, but their agents were unable to negotiate deals. Unlike cornerback Dunta Robinson, who was designated as the franchise player, Ryans and Daniels reported to training camp. Because they are under contract, they would have been fined. Robinson can't be fined because he's not under contract. "It's a bad message when you look at it because you have top guys on the team not getting deals," Ryans said. "If they want to reward me, they'll reward me. If not, there are other teams out there that'll like to. I can't make them give me the deal." Positive ..."
Daniels remains a no-show at camp
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June 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"Despite signing his $2.792 million tender, Texans tight end Owen Daniels did not show up for the team's mandatory minicamp Monday. He remains unhappy with his current contract situation, and he is still waiting for a long-term deal to get negotiated. Daniels also skipped the final three organized team activities last week. "We're happy he elected to come in and sign his tender and be part of this football team again," Texans general manager Rick Smith said. "I'm a little disappointed he's not here today, but again, we talked about how it's a process and how complicated it is. At some point, I'm sure Owen will rejoin his teammates and be back and be a productive football player for us." ..."
Texans target Grossman
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June 12
Houston Chronicle
 
"If he passes his physical today, former Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman will sign a one-year contract with the Texans. On Thursday, the last day of organized team activities, the Texans agreed to terms with Grossman on a one-year deal for the minimum $620,000 for a veteran with his experience. Grossman, who turns 29 in August, was drafted in the first round in 2003. Grossman will join Matt Schaub, Dan Orlovsky and Alex Brink as quarterbacks on the roster. Coach Gary Kubiak plans to keep three on the roster this season. If Schaub is sidelined because of injuries for the third consecutive season, Grossman will give the Texans an experienced backup behind Orlovsky, who signed as a free ..."
Texans to sign QB Grossman to one-year deal
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June 11
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Texans have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent quarterback Rex Grossman. If Grossman passes his physical on Friday as expected, he will give the Texans four quarterbacks entering next week's minicamp. Grossman, the Bears' No. 1 pick in 2003 will sign a one-year deal for the minimum $745,000. He will join starter Matt Schaub and backups Dan Orlovsky and Alex Brink as the four quarterbacks on the roster."
Is IR system in line for a change?
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May 21
Boston Globe
 
"When the NFL adopted its system for placing players on season-ending injured reserve, the main issue was stashing. Teams had long been allowed to place players on injured reserve and bring them back later in the season. But some felt that clubs were circumventing the rule by placing players who weren't truly injured on IR, opening a roster spot for someone else. Thus, a competitive advantage was scored. Colts president Bill Polian remembers high-profile coaches and personnel executives, such as Don Shula and Jim Finks, pushing for a change to combat stashing, and it finally came in 1993, when the league made two significant adjustments. At that time, players placed on injured reserve would ..."
Carpenter signs with Cowboys; Jones to Texans
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April 28
East Valley Tribune
 
"Rudy Carpenter has signed a free-agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys after going undrafted over the weekend. The Steelers and Jaguars had also inquired about the former Arizona State quarterback. "Throughout the whole process, (Dallas) showed the most interest in me," Carpenter said. "I feel like that is the best chance I have at making a team." Jon Kitna was acquired in February to serve as Tony Romo's backup. Texas A"
Looking for Immediate Impact
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April 13
Houston Chronicle
 
"When the Texans entered the offseason, their priority was to improve a defense that ranked 22nd in the NFL. Not only did the Texans allow 336.6 yards per game, including 122.6 rushing, they were tied for 27th in scoring defense, allowing 24.6 points per game. They also ranked 27th with only 25 sacks — 12 by defensive end Mario Williams. That's why four of the five free agents they've signed — end Antonio Smith, tackle Shaun Cody, outside linebacker Cato June and middle linebacker Buster Davis — have been on defense. The only offensive free agent is quarterback Dan Orlovsky. Because Smith is the only free agent expected to start, it makes sense that the Texans need to improve their defense ..."
LT Ephraim Salaam visits Lions
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April 5
Detroit Free Press
 
"Baylor's Jason Smith and Virginia's Eugene Monroe aren't the only left tackles the Lions are considering these days. Free agent Ephraim Salaam is visiting Detroit. Texans guard Chester Pitts - a close friend and former teammate of Salaam's - talked about the visit Saturday in an interview with Fox Sports' Alex Marvez on Sirius NFL Radio. Salaam, who turns 33 in June, is an 11-year NFL veteran with 129 career starts. After starting 30 of 32 games for the Texans in 2007-08, he was a backup last season behind Duane Brown, an '08 first-round pick. Pitts said Salaam was unsure about signing with the Lions because of the chance they could draft a tackle -- which would make him a backup again -- ..."