The Houston Texans are moving on from their longtime outside linebacker/defensive end Whitney Mercilus. According to multiple reports, the Texans will release Mercilus at some point this week in an effort to give their younger players more playing time.
The move will also give Mercilus an opportunity to land on a playoff contender and play some meaningful football for the rest of the season. The 31-year-old is expected to have more than a few suitors considering he played well in the first six games of the 2021 season. He contributed with 12 tackles and 3.0 sacks despite playing as a defensive end for the first time in his career.
Mercilus, who was Houston’s first-round selection in 2012, played a total of 134 games in the Texans jersey. He has a Second-Team All-Pro selection from 2016.
Reportedly, Mercilus isn’t the only player Houston will say goodbye to this week. The franchise also intends to release kick and punt returner Andre Roberts, who previously joined the Texans on a one-year deal during the offseason.
With Whitney Mercilus out the door, the Texans are expected to roll with 2020’s third-round pick Jon Greenard and four-year veteran Jacob Martin at DE. Greenard is enjoying a breakthrough season in which he already has 13 tackles, 4.0 sacks, five QB hits, and one forced fumble. Martin has one sack and seven tackles to show for through first six weeks.
