Texans Telegram: 10 players released or waived since January

Since the start of 2021 the Houston Texans and general manager Nick Caserio have been working on revamping the roster —  and saving money on the salary cap — as there have been 10 players either waived or released.

The Houston Texans still need to work on revamping and rebuilding on a lineup that couldn’t win many of the close games last season, as they were a team that finished 4-12 overall with one of the very best quarterbacks in all of the NFL, Deshaun Watson.

As for the players who have been released/waived this offseason, they include:

• Jan. 7: Greg Mancz (center) — released from the practice squad

• Feb. 12: J.J. Watt (defensive end) — released

• Feb. 23: Senio Kelemete (offensive line) — released

• Feb. 23: Peter Kalambayi (linebacker) — waived

• Feb. 24: Eddie Vanderdoes (defensive line) — released (NFL injury designation)

• Feb. 26: Duke Johnson (running back) — released

• Feb. 26: Nick Martin (center) — released

• March 1: Josh McCown (quarterback) — released

• March 2: Mark Fields II (cornerback) — waived

• March 2: Brandon Williams (cornerback) — released

Some of those players were longtime members of the Texans organization, but as with all aspects of the NFL, it is a business, and it is time for the Houston Texans to move forward. It is time to forget what was a terrible 2020 season for the franchise — on and off the field, and prepare for 2021.

It will be very different without J.J. Watt this upcoming season as he recently signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals, and Duke Johnson should have been kept as a member of the Texans running back roster. It was a mistake to release him, salary cap implications or not, and the Texans will notice Duke Johnson’s departure from the team at some point during the 2021 season.

The release of Nick Martin this offseason was needed for the Houston offensive line, as the unit needed some change, but with the tackle duo of Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard as the cornerstones of the unit, those are two solid players to build an offensive line around.

There will of course be more players released, traded, or waived by the Houston Texans this offseason, but from what we’ve seen so far, not many players should be considered “safe” when it comes to the front office making decisions on the roster this offseson. The Texans are currently 10th in the NFL in salary cap space. at just over $33 million according to spotrac.com.

Houston Texans Trivia: A daily question for Texans fans

• Who scored the first touchdown in Houston Texans history during a playoff game?

Answer to previous question: Tim Jamison, defensive end (2009-10)