Houston Texans: 4 bold predictions for the offseason
By Avery Duncan
3. Part ways with Whitney Mercilus too
Whitney Mercilus had his worst full season in 2018 since his rookie year. Despite starting every game, he racked up a measly four sacks and 39 total tackles. Mercilus saw himself in the role as the tertiary pass rusher along a healthy J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, which resulted in him dropping into coverage for a large part of his snaps, which is a role that Mercilus has failed to do well.
Trading or releasing Mercilus would free $6.25 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. Though I doubt Mercilus would haul in a first or second round pick. A team thirsty for an edge rusher like the San Francisco 49ers or Oakland Raiders might be willing to part with a high third and an extra late pick to get a developed pass rusher in Mercilus.
Replacing Mercilus won’t be painless, but Houston native and ’18 sixth round pick Duke Ejiofor might be able to ease such pain. Ejiofor only mustered one sack in 2018, but he demonstrated an impressive first step, bend, and speed around the edge during his limited snaps.