As The Houston Texans look to return to the postseason next year, the 2015 AFC South champions face decisions on a number of key contributors.
The Texans are currently an estimated $27 million under the salary cap heading into 2016. That number will increase once the NFL announces the official cap number for next season, but even with money to spend, changes to the roster will be necessary.
Whether it's because of age, salary or a lack of production, here are five players the Texans need to move on from in 2016.
1. Arian Foster
Foster dealt with a pair of significant injuries in 2015, including the torn Achilles that sidelined him for the season in Week 7. He carries a cap number of $8.9 million and turns 30 in 2016. Foster played in 13 games in 2014 and just eight the season before that. Given his injury history and salary, it's time for the Texans to part ways with one of their all-time greats.
2. Rahim Moore
In his first season with the Texans, the 25-year-old Moore didn't play after Week 7 and recorded just 16 tackles and one interception. Moore called his benching "mortifying," and this is a free-agent signing that simply didn't pan out. Cutting him with a post-June 1 designation will save the Texans $3 million against the cap.
3. Nate Washington
Washington caught 47 passes for 658 yards and four touchdowns in 2015, but he'll be 33 next season and is a free agent. The Texans need to get more help for DeAndre Hopkins and should look for a younger option to pair with their star receiver
4. Garrett Graham
For the second straight season, Graham was largely a non-factor for the Texans. The six-year veteran appeared in eight games, catching just four passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. Houston already has Ryan Griffin and C.J. Fiedorowicz on the roster at tight end and can save $3.1 million by releasing Graham and using those resources elsewhere.
5. Chris Polk
Polk played in 15 games this season and even without Foster in the lineup, failed to distinguish himself. The four-year veteran carried the ball 99 times and averaged 3.4 yards per carry in 2015. The Texans will need to address the running back position during the offseason, but Polk doesn't appear to be part of the solution. The Texans should move on from the free agent.
*All salary cap information comes from OverTheCap.com.
