The Houston Texans enter the offseason after a tough loss in the playoffs and moving forward there is a possibility that the team could release Arian Foster after the running back dealt with injuries this season. The team reportedly is looking for another quarterback to compete with Brian Hoyer next season and names like Robert Griffin, Johnny Manziel, Sam Bradford or Kirk Cousins could be potential targets.
The Texans made the playoffs this season after getting off to a tough start in 2015 and now Bill O'Brien may have to make some tough decisions on the roster for 2016. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, multiple sources report that the Texans may release Foster this offseason, as he has a non-guaranteed $6.5 million in salary for next season. Foster missed most of the season with injuries and while a pay cut is an option, Wilson writes that sources say that they "believe Foster will be released this offseason."
Foster has dealt with injury issues in the past, but when he is healthy he is one of the best running backs in football. Last season Foster played in four games and rushed for just 163 yards on 63 carries for Houston. Alfred Blue stepped in for Foster and led the team with nearly 700 yards rushing and he likely would be in line to start if Foster is gone next season. Adding to things is the fact that Foster will be 30 when next season starts and that is the age that most backs start to fade.
Foster has missed 23 games over the past three seasons and that could be a major factor in the Texans making a move with the running back. Foster still managed to put up 1246 yards and eight touchdowns last season while missing three games and if he agrees to take a pay cut, there is a chance he could stick around in Houston. Foster dealt with a groin injury heading into the season and later tore his Achilles, knocking him out for the rest of the season.
The Texans are also expected to make a move at quarterback this offseason, as the team ended up using four different starters this season. Brain Hoyer likely will stick around despite his tough performance in the playoffs, but owner Bob McNair said to the Houston Chronicle last week that the team will be looking for some options at the position. McNair added that "the question is what's available, and what's the price?"
The team has Tom Savage as an option to compete next season behind Hoyer, while players like Johnny Manziel, Colin Kaepernick, San Bradford and Robert Griffin also could be potential options. Manziel may be released or traded by the Browns, while Griffin is expected to be released by the Redskins. Kaepernick could be traded or released by the 49ers, while Bradford is a free agent along with Kirk Cousins and those players could be potential targets if the team wants to add more competition for Hoyer.
Also quick update: JJ Watt had groin surgery on Tuesday after getting injured in the playoffs game against the Chiefs.
