FoxSports.com's Adam Caplan is reporting that the Texans have thrown their hat into the chase for ex-UH defensive end Phillip Hunt. The team brought him in for a workout on December 28th, probably with visions that he had a chance to become their own version of Cameron Wake.
Hunt, who posted 19 sacks over the past two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, went unselected in the 2009 NFL Draft. He signed with the Browns a few days after the draft but was waived during the preseason. He signed with the Blue Bombers in September of that year. He was the CFL's top pass rusher this past season with 16 sacks.
The Texans are shifting to a 3-4 defensive scheme this coming season. While Hunt played with his hand down in Winnipeg's 4-3 defensive scheme, he did have limited experience in the 3-4 during his time with the Browns.
A pro personnel source told FOXSports.com that Hunt would fit in as a situational pass rusher in the NFL for about 10-20 plays per game.
It would certainly be an interesting fit for the Texans, who would probably wind up using him as an outside linebacker in Wade Phillips' new 3-4 scheme. If Hunt is anywhere near Wake's prowess in the Texans' eyes, the team could possibly sign him and let he and Connor Barwin duke it out for the spot as a premiere pass-rushing end. Even if the team sees him as more of a situational rusher, that could still be pretty handy for a team that is transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 and might not have the right players for the scheme at every spot.