Houston Texans release Foster to free agency

The Houston Texans parted ways with four-time Pro Bowl running back Arian Foster March 3. Foster’s constant durability issues led to his release. In his seven years with the Texans, Foster only completed two full seasons and has missed 23 games since 2013.

Foster was undrafted after entering the 2009 NFL draft. Every team in the NFL overlooked Foster, but the All-Pro running back wasn’t discouraged. He fought, worked at his craft religiously and was signed by the Texans as an undrafted free agent.

In the 2009 season, the Texans were plagued by injuries and Foster got his shot carrying the ball rather quickly. Foster played six games, started one and finished the year with 257 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

After the 2010 season, Foster was a 4-time Pro Bowler (2010-2010, 2014), First-team All-Pro (2010), Second-team, All-Pro (2011), two-time NFL rushing touchdown leader (2010, 2012), NFL Rushing Champion (2010) and Most Improved Player in 2010.

All good things must come to an end.

The Texans cap was up to $155 million for the 2016 offseason, Houston had just $1.637 million in cap space available to them. Cutting Foster gives the Texans an additional $6.625 million in cap space. The Texans would also eliminate $43 million they would owe Foster for the final year of his contract.

The Texans choose to release Foster, free up money and pick up two young free agents.

Foster posted via Twitter hours after his acknowledgement of being released from the Texans addressing the city of Houston:

“…and to the city of Houston, I never took the opportunity for granted. We’re all just guessing our way through life, being the best people we can be, and the people of this city have put a lot of joy in the hearts of my family and myself. Onward we march, it’s been real. Nothing but love on this end.”

Namaste, Arian Foster. You will be missed.