Texans release center Chris Myers, Myers Thanks Houston

The Texans’ decision to release center Chris Myers changes two positions the offensive line and is another indication they’ll be major players in free agency for the first time since 2011.

Free agency begins Tuesday at 3 p.m. The Texans are currently $27.3 million under the salary cap after picking up an additional $6 million with the Myers’ move.
Myers, a 10-year veteran who didn’t miss a start during his seven seasons with the Texans, probably will be replaced by left guard Ben Jones. Jones was drafted in the fourth round in 2012 to eventually replace Myers.

If Jones moves to center, as expected, it clears a starting spot at left guard Xavier Su-a-Filo, last year’s second-round pick who had a disappointing rookie year considering he was the 33rd overall pick.

But, as coach Bill O’Brien is fond of saying, it’s about competition, so nothing is guaranteed unless Jones and Su’a-Filo earn the jobs.

Myers represented one of the best trades in franchise history. In 2008, general manager Rick Smith traded a sixth-round pick to Denver for Myers, who started 112 consecutive games.

Myers, 33, has more consecutive games played (153) than any active offensive lineman in the NFL. He also has more consecutive starts (128).

“I think I have a lot of ball left in me,” Myers said. “When you play as long as I have in this league, you have to be prepared for something like this, no matter what the scenario is.

“I’m excited to explore my options. I want to do what’s best for my wife and kids, so that could lead us anywhere.”

Myers was one of the most respected players in the dressing room, a team leader who was a tireless worker in the community. He was on his way to Haiti to participate in a relief effort involving some NFL players.

“I’m super-appreciative of everything that happened here,” Myers said. “The Texans are a first-class organization from Bob and Janice McNair on down, and I’m so grateful for my seven years here.

“I also want to express my appreciation to the best fans around. It was important for my wife and I to be in a city where we could do a lot of things in the community, and the fans treated us so well. I have so much gratitude for my time here.”

A couple of options for Myers might be Denver and Miami. The Broncos are coached by Gary Kubiak, and Myers is an ideal fit for their zone scheme. The Dolphins’ offensive line coach is John Benton, who coached Myers during his first six seasons with the Texans.

“Chris has been a mainstay on our offensive line for the past seven seasons,” Smith said in a statement. “He has been a consummate pro during his time here in Houston.

“Chris, his wife, Jenny, and his entire family have represented our organization in the Houston community with class. We appreciate his contributions and wish him the best as he continues his career.”

Myers is free to sign with another team at any time because he was released. Even though free agency starts Tuesday, teams can officially begin negotiations with free agents from other teams beginning Saturday, but they can’t sign before free agency starts.

Expect Smith, O’Brien and vice president of administration Chris Olsen to be on the phone 24-7.

The Texans are trying to re-sign some of their free agents, but we’d be naïve to think all will return.

Quarterback Ryan Mallett, cornerback Kareem Jackson, outside linebacker, right tackle Derek Newton, outside linebacker Brooks Reed, free safety Kendrick Lewis and inside linebacker Akeem Dent are some who could re-sign or leave for greener pastures.

It’ll be interesting to see who Smith and O’Brien want to sign from other teams. They have a lot of needs. If they lose Mallett, Jackson, Reed and Newton, they’ll have to be replaced in free agency or the draft.

Wide receiver is the top priority with Andre Johnson’s imminent departure through a trade or being released. The two-best free agents are expected to be Green Bay’s Randall Cobb and Philadelphia’s Jeremy Maclin.

The Texans also need another pass rusher, cornerback and nose tackle, among other needs as free agency and the draft approach.

Houston has been home for the last seven years. Can't begin to say thank you to the organization, my teammates and especially the fans! We have made so many friends and built so many relationships that we will keep forever. Grateful for the opportunity and appreciative for all the love and messages. Know that the @houstontexans will always have a special place in our hearts. End of one chapter but turning the page to the next!

A photo posted by Chris Myers (@cmyers55) on Mar 4, 2015 at 3:40pm PST

(chron.com)