Houston Texans: Realistic options available for freeing up cap space
By Jair Lopez
Houston Texans second and third options: Senio Kelemete and Greg Mancz
Senio Kelemete is the most realistic option to be waived after underperforming in his first two years with the Houston Texans. Kelemete had a subpar season in 2018 meanwhile missing almost all the 2019 season with a wrist injury.
Kelemete has one year remaining from the deal he signed with the Texans. Kelemete is quickly falling behind on the depth chart after the rise of Max Scharping in his rookie season and Houston signing Brent Qvale from the New York Jets. The Texans believe Qvale can be a really good depth player on the offensive line.
Texans’ offensive line coach Mike Devlin worked with Qvale in his time with the New York Jets before taking the job in Houston. Just looking at the contracts, Qvale is a much cheaper option as a backup than Kelemete, who was brought in with the notion of potentially being a starter. Kelemete has an affordable contract overall, but Texans could open up $2,843,750 to allocate elsewhere with only $750,000 in dead money.
On the other hand, Greg Mancz has been a mainstay for the Houston Texans offensive line since signing as an undrafted free agent with them in 2015. Having the versatility to play all three interior positions on the offensive line is a plus, but injuries have been a determining factor in his availability for the Texans.
Mancz dealt with ankle and concussion issues that forced him to miss seven games last season. He is entering the final year of the two-year team-friendly extension he signed and is slated to earn a $2,140,625 that is non-guaranteed.
It’s unlikely the Texans cut both players, especially an experienced veteran like Mancz; However, his position isn’t set in stone for next season if they add another player that can play on the interior of the offensive line.