Weaver and Sage come and go together

February 23, 10:46 PMHouston Texans ExaminerAlan Burge

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Anthony Weaver was the first big name free agent signed by the Kubiak administration in March, 2006. 

Coincidentally, Sage Rosenfels agreed to terms with the Texans the same day that Weaver was brought into the fold.

And now, three years later, they apparently are heading out the door together, that is if the Sage trade goes through.

The Texans were switching from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 at the time in '06 and Weaver was one of the top free agent defensive ends available. 

Texans new defensive coordinator Richard Smith gladly took him and Weaver was no doubt elated with his $12 million signing bonus, something the Texans are still feeling today in terms of salary cap accounting.

I recall Texans fans being excited to get Weaver too, considering the Ravens defense was among the best in the league and we thought we were getting a real game changer.

Unfortunately it didn't pan out, and Weaver is being released for many of the same reasons the Texans released Morlon Greenwood a couple of weeks ago.

It's not good to have one of the highest salaries on the team if your production doesn't match and you can't stay healthy.

This is another 'getting the house in order' move by the Texans that isn't all that unexpected.

What's expected is that the Texans will draft a defensive end in April to go along with the other DE's on the roster: Mario Williams, Earl Cochran (if tendered), Tim Bulman, and Jesse Nading.

New defensive line coach Bill Kollar will probably prefer a bunch of young, aggressive types that he can mold into a unit that matches the style and needs of Frank Bush's defense.

One thing for sure is that the Texans will be very young on the defensive line next year, with the exception of Jeff Zgonina if he's back.

Weaver, a second round draft pick of the Ravens in 2002, will be 29 in July.  He'll find work somewhere as a rotational DE working for less money than what he would have made here in '09.

Unlike other teams, the Texans aren't desperate to create cap room.  Prior to the Dunta Robinson franchise tender, they were estimated to be around $32 million under the cap.  Robinson signing his tender would knock that down to $22 million, but the Texans still have to take care of some of their own players, most notably Owen Daniels, a restricted free agent, and DeMeco Ryans who has only one year left on his contract.

 MORE ON THE TEXANS AND THE NFL:

• Sage to Vikes, part deux
• Memo to owners and NFLPA: Don't screw this up
• Kubiak: Texans flexible on where Mario lines up
• NFL.com blog a must read for scouting combine enthusiasts
• Giants running back Ward says Texans are a possible destination
• NFL calendar shows busy weeks ahead
• Texans number one need?  How about talent and stability on defense
• Texans release of Green and Greenwood should come as no surprise
• Texans can't afford another free agent mistake
• Accused of violating NFL rules:  What say you, Texans?

  MORE ON DUNTA ROBINSON:

• Texans tag Robinson hours before deadline.  Now what?
• Upcoming deals will continue to influence Robinson's asking price
• Hayden's new deal another benchmark for Texans Robinson
• Dunta watch:  Expect more franchise tags on players this week