Aside from making move to strengthen the team (signing CB Johnathan Joseph and SS Danieal Manning while re-signing OT Rashad Butler, backup QB Matt Leinart, and WR Jacoby Jones), the Houston Texans are also clearing their roster of those who have underperformed or perhaps were making a bit too much money for their role on the team.
Per John McClain, the Texans have waived former first round pick Amobi Okoye and fan favorite David Anderson after they were unable to find teams willing to trade for them. In addition, they had cut former backup QB Dan Orlovsky yesterday (and he has already been signed by the Indianapolis Colts).
It's not all that surprising that no trade could be made given the fact that most teams knew those players would likely be cut. For Anderson, the 28-year old comedian showed flashes of a good slot receiver. However, he had fallen to fourth on the depth chart and had the cheaper and potential-laden Dorin Dickerson breathing down his neck. The move, while saving some cap room, was likely a way to give Anderson a chance to use the prime of his career elsewhere.
As for Amobi Okoye, the writing had been on the wall seeing as the new defensive regime rarely, if ever, talked about his role on the new defense. Once the 10th overall pick in 2007 and proverbial wonder kid, Okoye never recaptured that pass-rushing flash from his rookie season where he racked up 5.5 sacks. You can blame his young age (he was drafted at 19) or blame the coaches who couldn't teach him good technique or use him as he should've been used (gap-shooting pass rusher as opposed to a run stuffer), but the fact remains that apologists can't deny Okoye never lived up to his potential in Houston. I am one to believe that the 24-year old Okoye has plenty of time to catch on to another team (Denver? Philadelphia? Indianapolis? Minnesota?) and get another chance to fulfill his potential - and I do believe that he still has potential.
In other departing Texans news, LB Zac Diles was signed to a one-year deal by the St. Louis Rams while P Matt Turk took a two-year deal to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Rookies should sign today prior to tomorrow's camp opening, stay tuned to this site and Battle Red Blog for all your Texans moves.
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