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Bob McNair: Carr's future remains in limbo

By JOSEPH DUARTE

Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

David Carr’s future with the Houston Texans remains in limbo.

Owner Bob McNair remained non-committal about Carr on Tuesday, saying he is still being evaluated and any decision on whether the fifth-year quarterback returns next season will depend on what the Texans can accomplish in free agency.

“David has been inconsistent, and we‘ve said that” McNair said at a Texas Bowl luncheon at the JW Marriott. “He’s had some good games and he’s had some games that haven’t been as good. He’s a tremendous athlete. We’ve got to get better consistency there, either with David or with some additional help. We need more consistency at quarterback.”

McNair has been one of Carr’s biggest supporters since the team drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick during their expansion season in 2002. But after five straight losing seasons that support appears to be waning. McNair has not publicly endorsed Carr in recent months and has declined to speculate on the quarterback’s future with the team for the 2007 season.

McNair said the entire team is currently being evaluated by general manager Rick Smith and coach Gary Kubiak.

McNair said the Texans would consider taking a salary cap hit by releasing a player, including Carr, if a suitable replacement can be found in free agency. Jake Plummer is believed to be a target of the Texans if he is released by the Denver Broncos.

Last February, Carr received a three-year, $8 million extension which runs through the 2008 season.

“We’ve been willing to do whatever we need to do to win. Really that hasn’t changed,” McNair said. “We let a number of veterans go last year and this season and we took a hit on the cap. It was in the best interest of our team. We’re going to do whatever we need to do to improve our team and win. That’s what we’re all about.”

McNair said the Texans have enough salary-cap space to “get a few players that can help us” in free agency. The Texans are expected to be between $10-$13 million under the salary cap. He targeted wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle, linebacker and safety as areas the Texans would like to bolster.

“A lot of that depends on what the options are,“ McNair said.

McNair added the Texans will be cautious in spending freely during the free-agent period after a few bad deals in the past.

“We’re not going to go out and get a player and pay more than he’s worth,” he said. “We have to get fair value for what we spend. We have to allocate these dollars very prudently.”

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Weaver's rehab going well

January 31, 2007

By Carmine Pirone

HoustonTexans.com

With the Super Bowl being held in South Florida this week, Texans defensive end Anthony Weaver probably wouldn’t mind basking in the sun on South Beach while reconnecting with friends throughout the NFL.

This time a year ago, Weaver was starting the process of deciding where he would play the 2006 season. As an unrestricted free agent, Weaver signed with the Texans after spending his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Today, Weaver finds himself in a training room, not on a beach or dreaming of how much his services will fetch him in free agency.

Ironically, Weaver’s worst moment of the 2006 season happened during the Texans’ finest one.

In the fourth quarter, with the Texans leading division rival Indianapolis , and on their way to the first win over the Colts in franchise history, Weaver’s season came to an abrupt end, though he didn’t know it at the time.

On a third-and-short play, Weaver hit Colts running back Joseph Addai in the backfield. He narrowly missed the tackle and that’s when the pain started.

“I didn’t know what it was, but I felt a pain in my shoulder immediately,” Weaver says.

Tests would reveal that Weaver had torn the rotator cuff in his right shoulder. With Houston already eliminated from postseason play, Weaver sat out the last game of the season against the Cleveland Browns.

“I couldn’t really lift up my arm at all, but don’t get me wrong if it was a playoff game or something there’s no doubt I would have played,” Weaver said. “I think the biggest thing is that no one wanted the tear to get any bigger than it already was, that was the biggest fear.”

Weaver was operated on by Texans team physician Dr. Walter Lowe on Jan.3 to repair the tear. He did want some time off from football before surgery.

“I was in no hurry,” Weaver said. “Its’ going to be a long rehab process and I just wanted to relax and enjoy the holidays as best I could.”

Weaver also had his right knee scoped recently.

“The knee will be fine,” says Weaver. “Just wear and tear over time, some bone spurs they had to clean up.”

So while many Texans are enjoying some time away from Reliant Stadium, Weaver is not. Everyday, Monday through Friday, Weaver spends his mornings in the Texans training room with assistant athletic trainer Tom Colt.

He first spends about 90 minutes rehabbing his knee and then about another hour working on his shoulder.

“The knee is to get strength back in it and the shoulder, right now, is to get my motion back,” Weaver said. “I’m hearing 4-6 months is when I can get back to strength training. June or July, about then.”

That timetable would put Weaver back on the field just in time for training camp. That’s a relief for Texans fans everywhere, but for Weaver, it means a busy offseason of rehab and one devoid of a break from football.

The knee scope and shoulder repair were the first major injuries for Weaver during his football career. He said that his ordeal has been more taxing on his mind than his body.

“I guess physiologically has been the hardest thing,” Weaver said. “Right after the season, because the season is so taxing, I try to get away from it. Where as now, it’s like I never left, I never got that break. Mentally, it’s been a bit of a challenge, but also I know this is my job and I have to take it seriously.”

Weaver must be dealing okay. Colt said that Weaver is an excellent patient.

“He’s outstanding,” says Colt. “He does everything you ask of him and more, just like he is as a player."

Weaver was voted as a captain by his new teammates before start of the 2006 season. That speaks to his character, which has never been in question since he first walked through the doors at Reliant Stadium.

Clearly his work ethic on the field has translated well to the training room as he works to rehab his shoulder.

“He’s on schedule,” Colt says of Weaver’s progress. “He’s still in a phase now where’s he working on his motion. The goal right now is to get his motion back to normal.

“First you have to get a full range of motion in the shoulder. After that happens, you can progress into strengthening activities and after that you get into more football related activities.”

If you’re thinking that a torn rotator cuff is an odd injury for a defensive lineman, you would be right. After all, it’s not as if Weaver is throwing seven innings every five days.

“It’s not a common injury for a defensive lineman,” Colt says. “At least compared to the general public or other sports. You see it more in overhead sports or an elderly person whose shoulder breaks down over time."

It’s odd that Weaver’s first severe injury would be one so rare among his peers, but he knew it was only a matter of time before he would get bit by the injury bug.

“Oh yeah, there’s a saying in the NFL, it’s not a matter of if you will get hurt, it’s when you will get hurt so this was my time,” Weaver said.

Don’t’ expect Weaver to suddenly become injury prone. While he’s working hard, he doesn’t want to make a habit of visiting the training room. He’d rather return to his usual offseason activities.

I’d rather be on the beach somewhere in Hawaii or something,” Weaver said

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coolnerd said:

...McNair said the Texans have enough salary-cap space to “get a few players that can help us” in free agency. The Texans are expected to be between $10-$13 million under the salary cap. He targeted wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle, linebacker and safety as areas the Texans would like to bolster. ....

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GregR said:

coolnerd said:

...McNair said the Texans have enough salary-cap space to “get a few players that can help us” in free agency. The Texans are expected to be between $10-$13 million under the salary cap. He targeted wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle, linebacker and safety as areas the Texans would like to bolster. ....

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I realize they may not be showing all their cards, or their real cards. And they may only be talking about what they plan to look for in free agency vs, say, the draft. But I REALLY hope they have cornerback high on their list. Though I'd rather get one in the draft due to affordability, and there may be some corners who are realistic picks at our 1st pick.

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coolnerd said:

GregR said:

coolnerd said:

...McNair said the Texans have enough salary-cap space to “get a few players that can help us” in free agency. The Texans are expected to be between $10-$13 million under the salary cap. He targeted wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle, linebacker and safety as areas the Texans would like to bolster. ....

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I realize they may not be showing all their cards, or their real cards. And they may only be talking about what they plan to look for in free agency vs, say, the draft. But I REALLY hope they have cornerback high on their list. Though I'd rather get one in the draft due to affordability, and there may be some corners who are realistic picks at our 1st pick.

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Actually, I am not convinced that any CB rates high enough for #8 overall, but there should be a nice collection of guys available for the 2nd and maybe even 3rd round.

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GregR said:

coolnerd said:

GregR said:

coolnerd said:

...McNair said the Texans have enough salary-cap space to “get a few players that can help us” in free agency. The Texans are expected to be between $10-$13 million under the salary cap. He targeted wide receiver, running back, defensive tackle, linebacker and safety as areas the Texans would like to bolster. ....

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I realize they may not be showing all their cards, or their real cards. And they may only be talking about what they plan to look for in free agency vs, say, the draft. But I REALLY hope they have cornerback high on their list. Though I'd rather get one in the draft due to affordability, and there may be some corners who are realistic picks at our 1st pick.

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Actually, I am not convinced that any CB rates high enough for #8 overall, but there should be a nice collection of guys available for the 2nd and maybe even 3rd round.

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I'm fine with BPA in the 1st (in fact that's my preference), but if that is the case I really do want them using the 2nd rounder on a corner, unless they really feel a couple of great guys will slide far enough they will be sure to get one in the 3rd.You know, I was thinking about the Texan's draft so far through their history, and thought about the players I wanted the Texans to take. I can't really compare for anything after the third round since I just don't get to scout players like they do to really have a well-formed opinion... but I think the Texans would be a better team if I'd have been drafting for them instead of Charlie Casserly. At least in the last few years where I remember who I wanted.We'd still have Andre and Dunta. I wanted us to draft Bob Sanders, instead they traded away the 2nd rounder to move up to take Babin. Can't recall who I wanted in the third that year. We'd have Derrick Johnson over Travis Johnson, which might be a wash but I'd still make that trade straight up. IIRC I'd have taken Khalif Barnes instead of trading for Buchanon. Can't recall who I'd have used that third on.Casserly didn't draft for the Texans this year in reality, and I don't know that I'd have done as well vs Kubiak's draft. I'd have probably done the option on Carr following Kubiak's advice, but it would have only been the 2 year one, not the 3. I'd have taken Bush, then Winston Justice in the 2nd, which means I'd have missed out on Demeco but that's probably the first time in 3-4 years that a Texans first day pick would have been obviously better than mine. I'd have taken Winston to play RT and since there wasn't a DE there, I'd have gone after a guard or CB. I'd have ended up with Spencer same as the Texans did since I liked Darnell Bing and thought he might be there at the top of the 4th (which it turns out he was). Though, Owen Daniels is arguably a better pick so the Texans beat me there.Hrm, though, if I took Barnes, I might not have taken Eric Winston since Barnes would already be right tackle. So I'd probably have ended up with Spencer and either Youbouty, or Pope at TE. Probably Pope. Hrm, though, without Buchanon, I might have focused on a DB more heavily the year before.... ah well, too hard to figure out how my changes the previous year would have changed things. But in any event, I think given where the Texans were going into each year the last few, I'd have drafted better on the first day.

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coolnerd said:

Radio rumor so no linkage that the Texans have asked Dom williams (was Davis), K. Wong, and Seth Payne to restructure or face getting cut.

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Buckna said:

Yeah, we've got to get some of these guys to restructure because Capers/Casserly really hamstrung us with some bad contracts. Davis/Williams 2007 Cap figure is 4.64M with 3.34M in base salary. If we outright cut him it accelerates I believe another 2.6M in prorated bonus but saves some coin. Payne is running a 3.2 base salary which is too much for a guy who can't ever stay on the field.

Dead money on the books for 2007:

Gary Walker = $5,499,999

Todd Wade = $5,000,000

Robaire Smith = $4,175,000

Has there been anything new on the Spencer front? Last I heard there was a chance he may never even see the field again but they were taking a wait and see approach because it was too early to tell.

Link to estimated cap figures

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prymetyme25 said:

Buckna said:

Yeah, we've got to get some of these guys to restructure because Capers/Casserly really hamstrung us with some bad contracts. Davis/Williams 2007 Cap figure is 4.64M with 3.34M in base salary. If we outright cut him it accelerates I believe another 2.6M in prorated bonus but saves some coin. Payne is running a 3.2 base salary which is too much for a guy who can't ever stay on the field.

Dead money on the books for 2007:

Gary Walker = $5,499,999

Todd Wade = $5,000,000

Robaire Smith = $4,175,000

Has there been anything new on the Spencer front? Last I heard there was a chance he may never even see the field again but they were taking a wait and see approach because it was too early to tell.

Link to estimated cap figures

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Nobody's said anything on the radio about him or any other texans for that matter.... Seems like all they wanna talk about is D. Carr.

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Beaumont said:

prymetyme25 said:

Buckna said:

Yeah, we've got to get some of these guys to restructure because Capers/Casserly really hamstrung us with some bad contracts. Davis/Williams 2007 Cap figure is 4.64M with 3.34M in base salary. If we outright cut him it accelerates I believe another 2.6M in prorated bonus but saves some coin. Payne is running a 3.2 base salary which is too much for a guy who can't ever stay on the field.

Dead money on the books for 2007:

Gary Walker = $5,499,999

Todd Wade = $5,000,000

Robaire Smith = $4,175,000

Has there been anything new on the Spencer front? Last I heard there was a chance he may never even see the field again but they were taking a wait and see approach because it was too early to tell.

Link to estimated cap figures

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Nobody's said anything on the radio about him or any other texans for that matter.... Seems like all they wanna talk about is D. Carr.

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Talked about him this PM but no real news ... just speculation that the Texans are not fools enough to be counting on him stepping into left tackle ...

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coolnerd said:

Beaumont said:

prymetyme25 said:

Buckna said:

Yeah, we've got to get some of these guys to restructure because Capers/Casserly really hamstrung us with some bad contracts. Davis/Williams 2007 Cap figure is 4.64M with 3.34M in base salary. If we outright cut him it accelerates I believe another 2.6M in prorated bonus but saves some coin. Payne is running a 3.2 base salary which is too much for a guy who can't ever stay on the field.

Dead money on the books for 2007:

Gary Walker = $5,499,999

Todd Wade = $5,000,000

Robaire Smith = $4,175,000

Has there been anything new on the Spencer front? Last I heard there was a chance he may never even see the field again but they were taking a wait and see approach because it was too early to tell.

Link to estimated cap figures

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Nobody's said anything on the radio about him or any other texans for that matter.... Seems like all they wanna talk about is D. Carr.

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Have they missed the first 5 years of this franchise? Talked about him this PM but no real news ... just speculation that the Texans are not fools enough to be counting on him stepping into left tackle ...

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TEXANS TRYING TO BUILD MARKET FOR CARR?Texans G.M. Rick Smith says that David Carr is still the team's starting quarterback. But Smith also says that he has fielded inquiries from other teams about Carr's availability. Of course, Smith isn't saying who has called, so for all anyone knows, no one has called.Our take? The Texans want to dump Carr but they desperately need to get something of real value in exchange for him, especially since their decision a year ago to pay an $8 million option bonus that kept him from becoming a free agent took them out of the market for perhaps the real Michael Jordan from the 2006 draft class, Titans quarterback Vince Young.Already, the locals who love Uncle Rico, a Houston native, have plenty of ammunition to complain about the move, given that Young was the first rookie quarterback to ever play in a Pro Bowl. (Dan Marino was named to the AFC team in 1983, but did not play due to an injury.) If, one year removed from essentially picking Carr over Young, the Texans throw the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft out the door with nothing in return, Bob McNair might need to install a moat at Reliant Stadium.If the Texans trade Carr before June 1, they'll take a $4 million cap charge. If the Texans cut Carr before June 1, they can process the move as a June 2 transaction, which would result in a $2 million charge in 2007 and a $2 million charge in 2008. Trading him as of June 1 will also split the cap hit between 2007 and 2008. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------TODAY'S CBA LESSON: TRADES AND RELEASESThe Houston Texans' options for handling quarterback David Carr provide us with yet another opportunity to wax ineloquently regarding certain important but mundane aspects of the Collective Bargaining Agreement -- details which, frankly, some members of the "real" media don't fully understand.Under the old CBA, a trade at any time of the year resulted in a full acceleration of any remaining bonus payments that had been spread over time. If, for example, a player was traded in the second year of a four-year contract that paid a $4 million signing bonus, the remaining $2 million allocation for years three and four hit the cap in year two, pushing the total bonus allocation for year two to $3 million.The same result occurred under the old CBA if the player was cut on or prior to June 1.For players cut after June 1, the cap hit was (and still is) divided into two seasons. For the current year, the team would carry only the portion of the payment that applied to the current season. Then, the rest of the hit would be taken in the following cap year.In the above example, a termination after June 1 of the second year of the deal triggers a $1 million cap charge for the current year (which the team would have taken anyway if the player were still on the roster) and a $2 million charge in the next cap year.Under the new CBA, there are two significant changes. First, trades after June 1 are now treated like cuts made after June 1. As a practical matter, this provides a greater incentive for teams to explore trades as the season approaches and unfolds, since they won't be handcuffed by a huge cap hit in the current league year.Second, up to two players per team (per year) can be released before June 1, and the move will be processed, for cap purposes, as of June 2. But here's the catch. The team still carries the player's base salary on the books until June 2. So if a team is trying to get under the salary cap before the start of the league year and hopes to dump a player's salary while at the same time maximizing the net cap savings by pushing part of the bonus acceleration into the next league year, this new device won't get the job done, because the team will still carry the player's full salary until June 2.We know it's confusing. But here's how it would work. If the player in the above example has a $5 million base salary, cutting him before June 1 of the second year of the contract would result in a new cap savings of only $3 million. Why? Because the $1 million bonus allocation applies regardless of whether he's on the team or not, and the remaining $2 million that accelerates into the current year offsets the $5 million salary that was dumped.Cutting him after June 1 would result in a $5 million cap savings for the current year, and $2 million in dead money the next year.The bottom line is that there's absolutely no financial benefit to the team for having the ability to do post-June 1 cuts before June. So if there's no benefit to the team, why would a team ever do it? In David Carr's case, would the Texans cut him early enough in the offseason to master a new offense with a new team, so that the Texans would look like even bigger morons for: (1) keeping Carr last year; (2) not taking Vince Young; (3) cutting Carr this year and getting nothing in return; and (4) watching him become an instant Pro Bowler elsewhere?Unless and until the CBA is further revised to allow teams to dump the player's salary before June 1 but process the bonus consequences as of June 2, we can envision no circumstances in which a team would cut a player early under this new twist in the rules. Okay, now wake up and keep scrolling.

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Heard an interesting scenario the other day: Tatum Bell and Jake Plummer could be joining coach Gary Kubiak in Houston.

The Texans are interested in Plummer. Whether through trade or release, Plummer is likely to end up with Kubiak. There is talk the Broncos and Texans will discuss a trade that would send Plummer, Bell and an early-round draft pick to Houston for the No. 8 overall pick and perhaps a player.

This scenario makes some sense. The Texans brass likes Bell, and he could help Houston. The Broncos are expected to look for a bigger back, and because they like the potential of Mike Bell, Tatum Bell could be expendable.

Denver will look into moving up in the first round as it did last year to take quarterback Jay Cutler.

The theme of Denver's offseason will be getting impact players through free agency, trades and the draft. The Broncos likely will consider drafting Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson or California's Marshawn Lynch in the first round if they have the chance.

Moving up to the No. 8 pick likely would be enough for the Broncos to get Peterson, who could be an instant superstar in Denver.

Who knows if this trade idea will have legs, but it could make sense for both teams.....

Running back watch

Tatum Bell could be on the move, but there are other veteran running backs who will be available in free agency. The biggest name to keep an eye on, particularly in Denver, is Indianapolis' Dominic Rhodes. He already has said he would be interested in Denver. Rhodes weighs 203 pounds and is stout, the kind of factors Denver is looking for in a back.

Another player likely available will be Baltimore's Jamal Lewis. He is expected to be released in a salary-cap move. Lewis re-signed with the Ravens last year hours before he was to visit the Broncos. The Broncos' interest might be less this year, but Lewis is the big-back type. If he comes at the right price, Denver could make a move.

A less expensive option could be former CU star Chris Brown. He is known to have interest in the Broncos. Other teams that might look at Brown include Houston, Baltimore, Minnesota, the New York Giants and the New York Jets.

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coolnerd said:

Rumors per Bill williamson of the DenverPost

http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5251758

Heard an interesting scenario the other day: Tatum Bell and Jake Plummer could be joining coach Gary Kubiak in Houston.

The Texans are interested in Plummer. Whether through trade or release, Plummer is likely to end up with Kubiak. There is talk the Broncos and Texans will discuss a trade that would send Plummer, Bell and an early-round draft pick to Houston for the No. 8 overall pick and perhaps a player.

This scenario makes some sense. The Texans brass likes Bell, and he could help Houston. The Broncos are expected to look for a bigger back, and because they like the potential of Mike Bell, Tatum Bell could be expendable.

Denver will look into moving up in the first round as it did last year to take quarterback Jay Cutler.

The theme of Denver's offseason will be getting impact players through free agency, trades and the draft. The Broncos likely will consider drafting Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson or California's Marshawn Lynch in the first round if they have the chance.

Moving up to the No. 8 pick likely would be enough for the Broncos to get Peterson, who could be an instant superstar in Denver.

Who knows if this trade idea will have legs, but it could make sense for both teams.....

Running back watch

Tatum Bell could be on the move, but there are other veteran running backs who will be available in free agency. The biggest name to keep an eye on, particularly in Denver, is Indianapolis' Dominic Rhodes. He already has said he would be interested in Denver. Rhodes weighs 203 pounds and is stout, the kind of factors Denver is looking for in a back.

Another player likely available will be Baltimore's Jamal Lewis. He is expected to be released in a salary-cap move. Lewis re-signed with the Ravens last year hours before he was to visit the Broncos. The Broncos' interest might be less this year, but Lewis is the big-back type. If he comes at the right price, Denver could make a move.

A less expensive option could be former CU star Chris Brown. He is known to have interest in the Broncos. Other teams that might look at Brown include Houston, Baltimore, Minnesota, the New York Giants and the New York Jets.

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Getinthemix said:

That would be a horrible trade. Plummer, Bell and what a 2nd? (early round pick) for 8 and a player. No way would that excite me.

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prymetyme25 said:

Getinthemix said:

That would be a horrible trade. Plummer, Bell and what a 2nd? (early round pick) for 8 and a player. No way would that excite me.

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Dont think it would be a player from houston. Plus It would have to be a 1st from denver. I think Bell/Plummer would be enough to move up to the 8th pick. Then we could draft either 1 of the top wrs or DB's. Think it helps us out.

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coolnerd said:

prymetyme25 said:

Getinthemix said:

That would be a horrible trade. Plummer, Bell and what a 2nd? (early round pick) for 8 and a player. No way would that excite me.

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Dont think it would be a player from houston. Plus It would have to be a 1st from denver. I think Bell/Plummer would be enough to move up to the 8th pick. Then we could draft either 1 of the top wrs or DB's. Think it helps us out.

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Essentailly, the trade would be a starting Qb, a starting Rb, and pick for the 8th and a throw in. I did not like the trade when I first read it, but for a Houston team who is short on the number of NFL calibur players on its roster probably not as silly as it intially sounds. Added to the fact, the Texans can probably get some mid-round (3rd-5th) pick for Carr. Not that unreasonable, but i still think not likely to happen. At level, the rumor reads like somrthing I would find in the AC forum.

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GregR said:

coolnerd said:

prymetyme25 said:

Getinthemix said:

That would be a horrible trade. Plummer, Bell and what a 2nd? (early round pick) for 8 and a player. No way would that excite me.

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Dont think it would be a player from houston. Plus It would have to be a 1st from denver. I think Bell/Plummer would be enough to move up to the 8th pick. Then we could draft either 1 of the top wrs or DB's. Think it helps us out.

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Essentailly, the trade would be a starting Qb, a starting Rb, and pick for the 8th and a throw in. I did not like the trade when I first read it, but for a Houston team who is short on the number of NFL calibur players on its roster probably not as silly as it intially sounds. Added to the fact, the Texans can probably get some mid-round (3rd-5th) pick for Carr. Not that unreasonable, but i still think not likely to happen. At level, the rumor reads like somrthing I would find in the AC forum.

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Given that Denver is almost certainly going to cut Plummer, I think it's a completely unreasonable trade. What are you going to give for Plummer in that situation straight up? A 5th maybe? A 4th? Is Bell worth the jump from their first to the 8th pick? I don't think he is.

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If, one year removed from essentially picking Carr over Young, the Texans throw the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft out the door with nothing in return, Bob McNair might need to install a moat at Reliant Stadium.

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The Texans brass likes Bell

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I think the Texans need to take the best OT on the board when their turn arrives or trade down for additional picks. I strongly favor, though, best OT available. QB's are historically the highest risk position for first round. I can understand someone taking Jamarcus Russell because his potential is so awesome, but I don't see another QB worthy of a high first round pick. The Texans have to build a foundation, and the foundations are defense and OL.

I'm not too crazy about Levi Brown at that spot. Plus, after speaking with someone close to Charles Spencer's rehab recently, I feel much better about his chances of coming back healthy this year at some point.

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Can you shed more light on how Spencer's rehab is coming along? I recall there was some fear the cartilage wouldn't grow back on his knee. Is it growing back? Does it look like Spencer will regain all of his previous mobility, so he can stay at LT? When is he expected to be ready to play? I take it from your comment that it may not be until during the season.

From what I've been told, the best case scenario is that he'll be ready to go by some point in the preseason and by worst case scenario he'll start the season on the PUP list and be in a similar situation that K.Wong was in last year. However, all in all, it sounds like he has been diligent with his rehab and that he is just grinding his way through the long, slow process. There is still some unknown to get through in terms of his mobility, but the fear that he would have permanent cartilage damage is subsiding.

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coolnerd said:

Charles Spencer update (well rumor) buried in Lance Z's blog...Note Lance's comments are in bold

http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/200...4.html#comments

I think the Texans need to take the best OT on the board when their turn arrives or trade down for additional picks. I strongly favor, though, best OT available. QB's are historically the highest risk position for first round. I can understand someone taking Jamarcus Russell because his potential is so awesome, but I don't see another QB worthy of a high first round pick. The Texans have to build a foundation, and the foundations are defense and OL.

I'm not too crazy about Levi Brown at that spot. Plus, after speaking with someone close to Charles Spencer's rehab recently, I feel much better about his chances of coming back healthy this year at some point.

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Can you shed more light on how Spencer's rehab is coming along? I recall there was some fear the cartilage wouldn't grow back on his knee. Is it growing back? Does it look like Spencer will regain all of his previous mobility, so he can stay at LT? When is he expected to be ready to play? I take it from your comment that it may not be until during the season.

From what I've been told, the best case scenario is that he'll be ready to go by some point in the preseason and by worst case scenario he'll start the season on the PUP list and be in a similar situation that K.Wong was in last year. However, all in all, it sounds like he has been diligent with his rehab and that he is just grinding his way through the long, slow process. There is still some unknown to get through in terms of his mobility, but the fear that he would have permanent cartilage damage is subsiding.

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prymetyme25 said:

coolnerd said:

...

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Thank you

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coolnerd said:

prymetyme25 said:

Getinthemix said:

That would be a horrible trade. Plummer, Bell and what a 2nd? (early round pick) for 8 and a player. No way would that excite me.

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Dont think it would be a player from houston. Plus It would have to be a 1st from denver. I think Bell/Plummer would be enough to move up to the 8th pick. Then we could draft either 1 of the top wrs or DB's. Think it helps us out.

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Essentailly, the trade would be a starting Qb, a starting Rb, and pick for the 8th and a throw in. I did not like the trade when I first read it, but for a Houston team who is short on the number of NFL calibur players on its roster probably not as silly as it intially sounds. Added to the fact, the Texans can probably get some mid-round (3rd-5th) pick for Carr. Not that unreasonable, but i still think not likely to happen. At level, the rumor reads like somrthing I would find in the AC forum.

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Kubiak, Smith visit combine for closer look at players

By MEGAN MANFULL

Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

TEXANS' AREAS OF NEED

•Offensive tackle: Even though the Texans drafted two tackles in the third round last season, left tackle Charles Spencer is still in the midst of rehab from a serious knee injury and right tackle Eric Winston may be best suited to play guard.

•Running back: The Texans used a running back-by-committee approach last season. They will look for a true starter this offseason.

•Defensive end:: The Texans struggled to pressure the quarterback last season. If they can find a true pass-rushing end, they could bolster the inside by moving veteran Anthony Weaver to tackle.

•Wide receiver: The Texans need a receiver with playmaking ability to complement Andre Johnson and help take defensive attention away from the Pro Bowler.

•Free safety: The Texans could use a safety who's good in coverage and not just against the run. C.C. Brown and Glenn Earl have started at safety the past two seasons, but both are true strong safeties.

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INDIANAPOLIS - Coach Gary Kubiak could sit in his office at Reliant Stadium and practically feel as if he's attending the NFL scouting combine. The NFL Network broadcasts nearly every workout and announces the results throughout the four-day affair.

There is one important element of the combine television cannot give Kubiak, though. That's why he will join general manager Rick Smith at the Indiana Convention Center today. Over the next week, the Texans will look closely at the 300 athletes assembled there and gain important information from informal conversations with the players.

The Texans will have formal interviews with 60 of the players they pre-selected. Among Kubiak, Smith, the scouts and the assistant coaches, the Texans will talk to every athlete at the combine and closely monitor how each player conducts himself during the week.

"You already know how they are as players — you've watched them play," Kubiak said. "The workout shows you about their preparation, but I just think watching them handle themselves throughout the whole process and interacting with them throughout the week, you learn even more about them. You learn about their personality. You learn how important football is to them. You learn what they want to get out of the next level."

The Texans will be looking at players at every position, but some of their biggest areas of need heading into the draft and free agency include offensive tackle, running back, a true pass-rushing defensive end, a playmaking wide receiver and a free safety.

After weeks of looking ahead to the free-agent market, Kubiak is just beginning to prepare for the draft. Smith and his scouts have spent the past week giving the coaches a crash course on the prospects they will meet at the combine.

"It's exciting," Smith said of his first combine as a GM. "It's one thing to be a part of the process for the number of years I was and not having the final say. But now sitting in position to have the final say, there's an increased responsibility."

There will be less attention surrounding the Texans this season, but not less work. A year ago, they headed into the draft with the No. 1 overall pick. This year, they have the eighth pick in the first round, the seventh pick in the second round and the ninth pick in the third.

While some clarity surrounding the draft should come in the next few days, the Texans will be shifting much of their focus back to free agency next week. The Texans have yet to re-sign or release any of their players. Free agency officially begins March 2, and the Texans are slated to be between $10 million and $13 million under the salary cap.

"The biggest thing with free agency is trying to be competitive," Kubiak said. "We have some tremendous financial issues to deal with for our football team to become competitive in free agency. We'll deal with that when we come back. March 1 is a big deadline for our football team."

megan.manfull@chron.com

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DIELMAN, STEINBACH HAVE DEALS IN HAND?

Our sources in Indy tell us that two of the top offensive linemen in free agency might already have deals in place with new teams.

If their agents are to be believed.

Per the source, the agents for Bengals lineman Eric Steinbach and Chargers lineman Kris Dielman are telling people that they plan to sign contracts worth $7 million per year on March 2, or shortly thereafter.

The three teams who were thought to be most interested in either of these two guys are the Texans, Browns, and Cowboys

Though it wouldn't be much of a surprise to learn that contracts have been verbally negotiated before the start of free agency (since it happens every single year), the other possibility is that the agents are puffing as to either or both of these players, in the hopes that someone else will offer as much or more.

Either way, make no mistake about it -- free agency officially begins in six days; unofficially, it's already started.

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coolnerd said:

per profootballtalk.com

DIELMAN, STEINBACH HAVE DEALS IN HAND?

Our sources in Indy tell us that two of the top offensive linemen in free agency might already have deals in place with new teams.

If their agents are to be believed.

Per the source, the agents for Bengals lineman Eric Steinbach and Chargers lineman Kris Dielman are telling people that they plan to sign contracts worth $7 million per year on March 2, or shortly thereafter.

The three teams who were thought to be most interested in either of these two guys are the Texans, Browns, and Cowboys

Though it wouldn't be much of a surprise to learn that contracts have been verbally negotiated before the start of free agency (since it happens every single year), the other possibility is that the agents are puffing as to either or both of these players, in the hopes that someone else will offer as much or more.

Either way, make no mistake about it -- free agency officially begins in six days; unofficially, it's already started.

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prymetyme25 said:

coolnerd said:

per profootballtalk.com

DIELMAN, STEINBACH HAVE DEALS IN HAND?

Our sources in Indy tell us that two of the top offensive linemen in free agency might already have deals in place with new teams.

If their agents are to be believed.

Per the source, the agents for Bengals lineman Eric Steinbach and Chargers lineman Kris Dielman are telling people that they plan to sign contracts worth $7 million per year on March 2, or shortly thereafter.

The three teams who were thought to be most interested in either of these two guys are the Texans, Browns, and Cowboys

Though it wouldn't be much of a surprise to learn that contracts have been verbally negotiated before the start of free agency (since it happens every single year), the other possibility is that the agents are puffing as to either or both of these players, in the hopes that someone else will offer as much or more.

Either way, make no mistake about it -- free agency officially begins in six days; unofficially, it's already started.

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I know Steinbach is a G. what is Dielman?

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coolnerd said:

Houston has cut Seth payne and Eric Moulds accroding to local radio...expecting a couple more to come down and will post links when available.

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coolnerd said:

Houston has cut Seth payne and Eric Moulds accroding to local radio...expecting a couple more to come down and will post links when available.

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Texans release three

February 28, 2007

By Nick Schenck

HoustonTexans.com

With the free agency period beginning this Friday, the Texans cleared some room in their salary cap today by releasing veterans Zach Wiegert, Seth Payne and Eric Moulds.

The three players have a combined 33 NFL seasons under their belts, including 10 with the Texans. Each of the players started for the Texans at some point during the 2006 season, although Wiegert and Payne suffered knee injuries that cut their respective seasons short.

Texans general manager Rick Smith discussed the transactions in a statement released today by the team.

“We made some difficult decisions today in releasing these three veteran players," Smith said. "We appreciate the contributions that each made to our football team, organization and community."

Wiegert, a guard and tackle who finished with 48 career starts in Houston, joined the Texans in 2003 after spending the previous four years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The native of Fremont, Neb. played four seasons in St. Louis to begin his career after the Rams selected him in the second round (38 th overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft out of Nebraska.

A defensive tackle, Payne came to the Texans in 2002 after the club selected him in the NFL expansion draft. Originally chosen by the Jaguars in the fourth round (114 th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft out of Cornell, Payne collected 151 tackles and nine sacks in Houston during his five-year tenure. He missed parts of the 2003 and 2006 seasons after tearing the ACL in each of his knees.

An 11-year pro, Moulds leaves after spending just one season in the Bayou City. Acquired last offseason from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2006 draft, Moulds caught 57 passes for 557 yards (9.8 avg.) in 2006, but finished with only one touchdown.

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LELIE IN DEMANDOne of the first free agents to hit the road will be receiver Ashley Lelie. Per a league source, Lelie will visit the Texans on Friday and the Vikings on Monday.Lelie was a first-round selection of the Broncos in 2002. He was traded to the Falcons last year.His best season came in 2004, when he had 54 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns.

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coolnerd said:

Per Adam Schefter on NFL now (no link) Ahmad Green to visit the Texans. exact day not given.

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ziachild07 said:

coolnerd said:

Per Adam Schefter on NFL now (no link) Ahmad Green to visit the Texans. exact day not given.

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Any word on what happened to Lelies visit to Houston? Was it cancelled or did he make an early visit?

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prymetyme25 said:

ziachild07 said:

coolnerd said:

Per Adam Schefter on NFL now (no link) Ahmad Green to visit the Texans. exact day not given.

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Any word on what happened to Lelies visit to Houston? Was it cancelled or did he make an early visit?

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signed with 49ers

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ziachild07 said:

prymetyme25 said:

ziachild07 said:

coolnerd said:

Per Adam Schefter on NFL now (no link) Ahmad Green to visit the Texans. exact day not given.

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Any word on what happened to Lelies visit to Houston? Was it cancelled or did he make an early visit?

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signed with 49ers

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I knew that, but he was supposed to be meeting with the Texans tonight. Just wondering what happened to the visit.

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semaj33 said:

Texans restructure WR Johnson deal to create cap room (3/3/2007)

Source: www.chron.com

The Texans have restructured the contract of receiver Andre Johnson to free up salary cap dollars to pursue free agents.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it’s known that the Texans cleared a lot of money because Johnson had counted more than $7 million against the cap.

Johnson, who led the NFL with a career-high 103 catches, was voted to his second Pro Bowl and was named the league’s best receiver by the NFL Players Association. He had 1,147 yards and scored five touchdowns.

Johnson had two years remaining on the seven-year contract he signed when he was the third player selected in the 2003 draft. One year was voided when he reached certain incentive clauses.

The Texans need to free up as much money as possible because they’re planning to sign more free agents. Running back Ahman Green and receiver Ashley Lelie are coming to Houston tonight to meet with general manager Rick Smith. They’ll attend the Rockets-Spurs game at Toyota Center and tour Reliant Stadium on Sunday.

The Texans are looking for a receiver to play opposite Johnson. They waived Eric Moulds this week. Lelie was a first-round pick by the Broncos when Smith and coach Gary Kubiak worked for Denver.

http://www.chron.com

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they missed out on lelie....but I would love to see them make a move to trade up with cleveland....

adrian peterson would be so nice to have in a texans uniform....(this coming from an "AD" dynasty owner)

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