The Texans have signed second-round draft pick Ross Blacklock, a defensive tackle from TCU, to a four-year contract.Blacklock's four-year contract is worth $7.95 million and includes over $4.92 million guaranteed, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.It was an emotional moment for the former Elkins High School football standout.“I feel pretty good. I’ve been crying all morning — I’m not gonna lie to you," Blacklock said. "I think it’s just all the built-up emotions from the draft leading up to this moment. Just knowing all the hard work has paid off. It’s just the...…The Texans have signed second-round draft pick Ross Blacklock, a defensive tackle from TCU, to a four-year contract.Blacklock's four-year contract is worth $7.95 million and includes over $4.92 million guaranteed, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly.It was an emotional moment for the former Elkins High School football standout.“I feel pretty good. I’ve been crying all morning — I’m not gonna lie to you," Blacklock said. "I think it’s just all the built-up emotions from the draft leading up to this moment. Just knowing all the hard work has paid off. It’s just the...WW…

The final seconds of the play clock tick down before the football is snapped, with a chess match in progress as defensive players energetically move around the field.While a quarterback stands in the pocket barking out cadences before running the play, the architect of the NFL’s top-ranked defense is creating organized chaos.A lot of what Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley believes about football goes back to his roots as a quarterback at Dayton and Mercyhurst. When Staley talks to his players, the former John Carroll University defensive coordinator preaches the elements...…The final seconds of the play clock tick down before the football is snapped, with a chess match in progress as defensive players energetically move around the field.While a quarterback stands in the pocket barking out cadences before running the play, the architect of the NFL’s top-ranked defense is creating organized chaos.A lot of what Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley believes about football goes back to his roots as a quarterback at Dayton and Mercyhurst. When Staley talks to his players, the former John Carroll University defensive coordinator preaches the elements...WW…

Joe Brady’s path to becoming one of the most creative and rapidly ascending NFL head coaching candidates started humbly enough on the William & Mary practice field.A former walk-on wide receiver who primarily played on special teams, caught three career passes and earned a scholarship for his senior year because of his blue-collar work ethic, Brady was destined to be a coach.The Carolina Panthers’ 31-year-old offensive coordinator had a “really strong” interview Tuesday for the Texans’ head coaching vacancy, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly. The search...…Joe Brady’s path to becoming one of the most creative and rapidly ascending NFL head coaching candidates started humbly enough on the William & Mary practice field.A former walk-on wide receiver who primarily played on special teams, caught three career passes and earned a scholarship for his senior year because of his blue-collar work ethic, Brady was destined to be a coach.The Carolina Panthers’ 31-year-old offensive coordinator had a “really strong” interview Tuesday for the Texans’ head coaching vacancy, according to a league source not authorized to speak publicly. The search...WW…

CHICAGO — Texans veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb is contemplating his medical options and awaiting further information on whether it makes sense for him to try to play again this season.Cobb, 30, acknowledged in a telephone interview that there's a strong chance he doesn't play again this season.Cobb is on injured reserve and still in a walking boot for his injured toe, a medical setback sustained while catching a touchdown against the New England Patriots. A doctor will recommend next week whether Cobb should undergo surgery and not play again this season, allow it to heal without...…CHICAGO — Texans veteran wide receiver Randall Cobb is contemplating his medical options and awaiting further information on whether it makes sense for him to try to play again this season.Cobb, 30, acknowledged in a telephone interview that there's a strong chance he doesn't play again this season.Cobb is on injured reserve and still in a walking boot for his injured toe, a medical setback sustained while catching a touchdown against the New England Patriots. A doctor will recommend next week whether Cobb should undergo surgery and not play again this season, allow it to heal without...WW…

Texans veteran running back David Johnson is eligible to be designated for return from injured reserve, and the team is expected to launch his 21-day practice window to be activated.Because Johnson is feeling much better after absorbing a concussion on a hit from Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack in a Nov. 8 win at Jacksonville, he is expected to practice. If he clears the NFL concussion protocol, then he can be activated to help out a dismal running game."Well, he's made progress," Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel said Monday. "This week, we'll see if we get to practice, we'll see what he...…Texans veteran running back David Johnson is eligible to be designated for return from injured reserve, and the team is expected to launch his 21-day practice window to be activated.Because Johnson is feeling much better after absorbing a concussion on a hit from Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack in a Nov. 8 win at Jacksonville, he is expected to practice. If he clears the NFL concussion protocol, then he can be activated to help out a dismal running game."Well, he's made progress," Texans interim coach Romeo Crennel said Monday. "This week, we'll see if we get to practice, we'll see what he...WW…

Second in a seriesCounting down to the beginning of the NFL free-agent signing period March 18, we will look at different position groups. Today, we look at the interior defensive line:Big ticket playersD.J. Reader, TexansReader is one of the stoutest and most versatile defensive linemen in the game as he's capable of lining up all over the line of scrimmage. At 6-4, 337 pounds, Reader plays with a lot of power and athleticism and has sound technique. He may be too expensive for the Texans to retain and is expected to command an annual compensation of $11 million to $13 million. The Denver...…Second in a seriesCounting down to the beginning of the NFL free-agent signing period March 18, we will look at different position groups. Today, we look at the interior defensive line:Big ticket playersD.J. Reader, TexansReader is one of the stoutest and most versatile defensive linemen in the game as he's capable of lining up all over the line of scrimmage. At 6-4, 337 pounds, Reader plays with a lot of power and athleticism and has sound technique. He may be too expensive for the Texans to retain and is expected to command an annual compensation of $11 million to $13 million. The Denver...WW…

The Texans led the NFL in cash spending in 2020, according to documents shared by the NFL Players Association during a virtual registered agents' seminar.The timing of the Texans' large contracts and bonus structures for quarterback Deshaun Watson (four years, $156 million), offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (three years, $66 million) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (four years, $58 million) created major expenditures for the AFC South franchise.The Texans are facing a tight salary cap situation in 2021 even after terminating defensive end J.J. Watt's $100 million contract, which netted them...…The Texans led the NFL in cash spending in 2020, according to documents shared by the NFL Players Association during a virtual registered agents' seminar.The timing of the Texans' large contracts and bonus structures for quarterback Deshaun Watson (four years, $156 million), offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (three years, $66 million) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (four years, $58 million) created major expenditures for the AFC South franchise.The Texans are facing a tight salary cap situation in 2021 even after terminating defensive end J.J. Watt's $100 million contract, which netted them...WW…

Los Angeles Rams All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald joined an exclusive fraternity Saturday night.He joined Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and New York Giants Hall of Fame outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor as the only three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year honorees.Donald got 27 votes.Aaron Donald is an absolutely incredible player. I love watching him play & he’s headed to the Hall of Fame without question. This has nothing to do with AD personally.This is me saying what my brother won’t.TJ played 1 less game and STILL led the NFL in every major category. — JJ Watt...…Los Angeles Rams All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald joined an exclusive fraternity Saturday night.He joined Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and New York Giants Hall of Fame outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor as the only three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year honorees.Donald got 27 votes.Aaron Donald is an absolutely incredible player. I love watching him play & he’s headed to the Hall of Fame without question. This has nothing to do with AD personally.This is me saying what my brother won’t.TJ played 1 less game and STILL led the NFL in every major category. — JJ Watt...WW…

The Texans have dismissed director of football administration Kevin Krajcovic, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.Krajcovic has worked for the Texans for the past 15 years and became their primary contract negotiator and salary-cap management specialist a year ago when the Texans fired senior vice president of football administration Chris Olsen.Krajcovic helped negotiate several major contracts over the past year, including quarterback Deshaun Watson's four-year, $156 million extension, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil's three-year, $66 million deal, inside...…The Texans have dismissed director of football administration Kevin Krajcovic, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.Krajcovic has worked for the Texans for the past 15 years and became their primary contract negotiator and salary-cap management specialist a year ago when the Texans fired senior vice president of football administration Chris Olsen.Krajcovic helped negotiate several major contracts over the past year, including quarterback Deshaun Watson's four-year, $156 million extension, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil's three-year, $66 million deal, inside...WW…