Texans veteran offensive tackle Marcus Cannon underwent successful arthroscopic knee surgery following organized team activities and is on track to recover by training camp, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.
The Texans acquired Cannon, a 33-year-old Odessa native and former TCU standout, via a trade this offseason from the New England Patriots.
Cannon missed the 2020 season as an opt-out due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
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A former Patriots fifth-round draft pick, Cannon underwent treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2011.
The Texans obtained Cannon, a 2021 fifth-round draft pick and a 2021 sixth-round draft pick in exchange for the Texans' 2021 fourth-round draft pick originally obtained from the Arizona Cardinals and a 2021 sixth-round draft pick.
A powerful presence at the line of scrimmage at 6-foot-6, 335 pounds, Cannon should bolster the Texans' offensive line. Having him on the roster creates flexibility across the line because Cannon is a proven swing tackle who can also play offensive guard in a pinch.
The Texans have Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil in place along with former first-round draft pick Tytus Howard at right tackle. Cannon should provide a leadership role as the oldest offensive lineman on the roster.
A former All-Mountain West Conference selection, Cannon was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 after a biopsy was conducted at the request of two NFL teams. The mass was ruled as benign, but was found to be cancerous. After undergoing treatment, Cannon has been in remission every year.
Cannon has started 69 of 115 career games. He's due $4.7 million nonguaranteed base salaries in 2021 and 2022. Cannon has an $800,000 incentive for playing time, up to $1.5 million in per-game active roster bonuses at a rate of $93,750 per game along with $850,000 in not likely to be earned incentives, a $100,000 weight bonus and $58,460 total workout bonuses.
In 2022, Cannon has the maximum $1.5 million per game active roster bonus, $1.65 million in not likely to be earned incentives and $150,000 in total workout bonuses.
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.