Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio has continued to rework the unfortunate salary cap issues he inherited, over the weekend re-working left tackle Laremy Tunsil’s deal.
This being just the latest in a series of moves made by Caserio as he plows on with his masterplan. … and earns from us surprisingly high marks for his initial time here.
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The reshuffle of Tunsil’s money (which, as a reminder, costs him nothing and is simply a bookkeeping trick) means the Texans have freed up $10.11 million more in cap space.
With Houston on a first-week spending spree, the team needed more space. And now they have that … and more players who, in the opinion of new management, will put 4-12 behind them.
Caserio’s strategy has been simple; Target low-risk, high-reward players – especially some with familiarity via this GM or David Culley’s coaching staff – on short-term contracts.
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The benefit of this is as the team begins its rebuild under a new front office hierarchy and coaching staff, 2021 can act as an extended tryout for players looking to be a part of Culley’s team in the long-term.
If they don’t work out, they can simply be let go after the season or cut. If they fit, the team can be the first to attempt to re-sign them on a longer and larger deal once the salary cap eventually rises and the team can afford to do so.
And hey … what if this collection of additions and this series of moves, including the switch-flip on Tunsil’s money, are more than just a bridge to the future? What if there is some level of hope creeping back into Houston?
Caserio’s plan has created at least a bit of faith that such a thing is possible. And his grade is certainly passing … quite an improvement over recent editions of Texans front-office bosses.
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