The Houston Texans have reportedly told linebacker Brian Cushing he will not be returning to the team in 2018, according to Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston.
Cushing, who won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2009, was due to count $8.84 million against the cap in 2018, and the Texans can save $7.64 million by cutting him. With that in mind, Cushing is certainly a cap casualty here, as he's long been a favorite of of head coach Bill O'Brien, and he knows the team's 3-4 scheme inside and out.
That said, perhaps Cushing's 10-game suspension last year for PEDs also factors in here.
Cushing has spent his entire career in Houston. He's racked up 664 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, eight interceptions and scored one touchdown since 2009.
When healthy and in the lineup, he's a very effective player. He'll likely have little trouble landing on his feet, though any contract he signs will likely be incentive-laden, considering his red flags for health and past suspensions.
