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Texans release three players; RFA tenders due
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Ephraim Salaam was always a favorite at fan events like the Texans Draft Luncheon in 2008.
Note: This article was originally published on Wednesday, February 25.
As expected, the Texans released Anthony Weaver on Wednesday, along with two more veteran players, safety Will Demps and offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam.
The moves save the Texans another $3.4 million (approximately) on the salary cap.
Demps' diminishing role on the team correlated with Eugene Wilson's increased playing time. I speculated on other reasons for Demps falling out of favor in this article published last Thanksgiving.
Salaam was moved to backup tackle last spring after the Texans drafted Duane Brown. Salaam still saw plenty of duty as Brown needed periodic relief from the onslaught of highly talented edge rushers he faced during his rookie season.
The Texans were impressed with Rashad Butler last season and he will slide into the swing tackle role - if he receives a restricted free agent (RFA) tender.
The Texans have been in a cap clearing mood lately, mainly because of the start of free agency which begins Friday.
Some of that space will be filled by offering tenders to their RFAs, which include Butler, David Anderson, Owen Daniels, Joel Dreessen, Earl Cochran, and Stanley McClover. All could receive tenders Thursday, although I'm not sure of McClover's status since he went on injured reserve last season.
Owen Daniels' contract extension could be announced - instead of a tender - if they've been able to agree to a long term deal.
UPDATE: THURS 2/29 ... As expected, the Texans offered tenders and in some cases, new contract agreements today. Click here for more info.
Starting Friday, tendered RFAs can negotiate with any team. If another team signs the tendered player to an offer sheet that exceeds the tender amount, then the original team has first right of refusal on the deal and can match. If the original team doesn't match the other team's offer, then the player is free to leave and the original team receives draft pick compensation shown below.
The four levels of qualifying offers (or tenders) are shown below. Expect Daniels to receive the top tender to keep away potential suitors - mainly due to the draft pick compensation involved.
| Tender Level | Amount | Draft Pick Compensation |
| 1 | $2.792 million | 1st and 3rd round pick |
| 2 | $2.198 million | 1st round pick |
| 3 | $1.545 million | 2nd round pick |
| 4 | $1.01 million | Original draft round of player |
RFA's that aren't tendered become unrestricted free agents on Friday and are free without restriction to negotiate with other teams.
MORE ON THE TEXANS AND THE NFL:
- Are the stars lining up for Gary Kubiak and Stephen McGee?
- Weaver and Sage come and go together
- 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
- 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?
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