Report: Texans will release LB Cushing

[February 19, 2018]  The Houston Texans have told linebacker Brian Cushing that he will be released before the new league year begins March 14, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle.

Cushing, 31, spent his first nine seasons with the Texans after they selected him in the first round (No. 15 overall) out of Southern California in 2009. He made the Pro Bowl in his first season and was the NFL's defensive rookie of the year.

Houston signed Cushing to a six-year, $52.5 million deal in 2013, but his production was stunted by injuries and suspensions. Cushing was suspended 10 games last season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, which marked his second career infraction for PEDs.

In 104 career games for Houston, Cushing had 674 tackles, 13 1/2 sacks and eight interceptions. He plans to keep playing.

 

"It's all good," Cushing told the Chronicle in a text message after learning of his pending release. "It's just part of the business."

The Texans reportedly will save $7.64 million under the salary cap by releasing Cushing. The rapid development of second-year linebackers Zach Cunningham and Dylan Cole helped the front office decide it was time to part ways with the veteran.

--Field Level Media

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