The Houston Texans are releasing veteran safety Jimmie Ward, according to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN. The move comes as the Texans continue to shape their roster and manage their financial flexibility for the upcoming season.
By releasing the veteran defensive back, Houston will save approximately $750,000 on their salary cap, per Schefter. Ward was brought to the Texans to provide a veteran presence in the secondary, reuniting with head coach DeMeco Ryans after their successful tenure together with the San Francisco 49ers.
Ward, a former first-round pick, has been a staple in NFL secondaries for a decade. While he was expected to be a leader for the Texans' defense, his release allows the team to gain cap relief and potentially look toward younger options at the position. The Texans have not yet announced a corresponding roster move to fill the vacancy left by the veteran safety.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting