Houston Texans: 10 players who could be gone in 2016

Oct 8, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) tackles Indianapolis Colts tight end Coby Fleener (80) after a reception during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

John Simon, Outside Linebacker

Outside linebacker John Simon made next to nothing in 2015, well at least in NFL terms he made next to nothing. Despite making slightly over $500,000 this season, Simon was called upon to be a big part of the defense, and he hasn’t disappointed.

The former fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens started seven of the Texan’s first 12 games and has more sacks in 2015 (3.5) than he recorded his first two seasons in the NFL (three).

His 43 tackles on the season is also much higher than anyone expected from the Ohio State product and after such a strong start, chances are Simon will want to test his worth on the free agent market during the upcoming offseason.

Sure, the Texans would love to keep the young man who now has some solid starting experience, but someone out there will most likely be willing to pay more than Houston to see if Simon can be a full-time starter. With big money already being dished out to linebackers Brian Cushing and Whitney Mercilus, Simon should be priced out quickly when teams are allowed to bid for his services.

Next: Too much money on special teams