The Texans cut veteran running back and special-teams standout Buddy Howell, according to a league source authorized to speak publicly.
Howell took the high road after being informed of his release from a crowded running back depth chart that includes former Pro Bowl selections Mark Ingram, Phillip Lindsay and David Johnson as well as versatile former New England Patriots player Rex Burkhead and promising second-year running back Scottie Phillips.
"It wasn't no surprise to me," Howell said in a telephone interview. "I knew somebody had to go. It is what it is when they load up at a position. I appreciate the fans for embracing me and the community. No hard feelings, at all."
Howell had been signed this offseason to a $1.8 million deal that included a $1 million base salary, a $200,000 signing bonus and up to $300,000 in per-game active roster bonuses for a base value of $1.5 million plus not likely to be earned incentives. The Texans had signed Howell to a one-year deal rather than assign him a $2.133 million restricted free agent tender.
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The Texans cutting former Northern Illinois offensive lineman Jordan Steckler, according to a league source.
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The Texans are cutting fullback-tight end Paul Quessenberry and are expected to sign him to the practice squad if he clears waivers, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
The brother of former Texans offensive lineman David Quessenberry, a cancer survivor, Paul Quessenberry served five years in the Marine Corps where he served as a rifle platoon and weapons platoon commander and was a deputy director of the 1st Marine Division school.
Quessenberry has provided a physical presence as a lead blocker at the fullback position.
“He's done a good job being physical," Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said. "He's done everything we've asked. He's smart, he works his butt off, and we're pleased with Paul. He's done a really good job for us.”
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The Texans are cutting veteran quarterback Jeff Driskel after signing him during the offseason to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
The contract included achievable incentive clauses.
Driskel chose the Texans over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Driskel received a $1 million base salary with $500,000 guaranteed for skill, injury and salary cap, a $250,000 signing bonus, up to $500,000 in per-game active roster bonuses and $750,000 in achievable playtime incentives.
Driskel chose the Texans over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
A former San Francisco 49ers sixth-round draft pick from Louisiana Tech who began his career at Florida, Driskel has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos.
Driskel, 28, has passed for 2,120 career yards, 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has rushed for 309 yards and three scores.
Driskel tested positive for COVID-19 last season with Denver. He was released in May.
In his only season at Louisiana Tech, he passed for 4,026 yards and 27 touchdowns.
Driskel (6-foot-4, 234 pounds) has run the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds.
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The Texans also cut offensive guard Danny Isidora and undrafted rookie offensive lineman Carson Green, according to sources.
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The Texans cut former New England Patriots tight end Ryan Izzo, according to a source. Izzo was acquired in a trade this offseason.
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The Texans are cutting veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
Douglas drew interest from multiple NFL teams, including the New England Patriots, per sources, after being cut by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The former Philadelphia Eagles third-round draft pick from West Virginia adds an experienced presence to the Texans' secondary. He has also played for the Carolina Panthers.
Douglas has 180 tackles, five interceptions, 10 tackles for losses and 34 passes defensed in 60 career games and 29 starts
The New Jersey native led the Big 12 Conference and was named first-team all-league after tying for the lead nationally with eight interceptions.
Douglas (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) has run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds.
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The Texans have cut former Alabama defensive back Shyheim Carter, according to a league source. Carter had an interception against the Dallas Cowboys, picking off quarterback Ben DiNucci. If Carter clears waivers, he's expected to join the Texans' practice squad.
Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 seasons, including the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128.