LB Cato June to Visit (Signed 1-yr, $500k bonus)

[Keith]

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/spor...ans_visit_june

In an effort to shore up their linebacking corps, the Houston Texans will visit Tuesday with free agent linebacker Cato June.

A six-year veteran, June played the last two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before that he spent four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. ...

Given how the Shaun Cody signing has people (incorrectly) presuming that DL is no longer a draft need, I wonder what effect this signing would have if it happened?

Credit the Texans for trying to shore up needs with veterans. They've done it before with limited success, but credit the effort nonetheless.

June was thought to be a pretty decent player with the Colts (10 INTs in his last 3 years in Indy, 4 defensive TDs in 2005). He went on to start for the Bucs the last two years, but his star no longer shines as bright. Bucs mostly had him at SLB, but he seems better suited to the weakside. Turns 30 in November. Visited the Bills earlier this month, nothing coming of it apparently.

[jwallace262]

I would like to have June, his experience and intensity, inside and outside the locker room, would be much appreciated. I don't see him as an every play guy but someone to go in and keep the rest of the LBs fresh.

[Mike]

I am lukewarm to him. I thought he was good in the Colts system that had speed everywhere, but think he was ill suited for the SAM. I am OK with Adibi and Diles at the WILL. (I put my healing hands on both to stay healthy).

We need size and a thumper at the SAM.

Of course, in the past the Colts defenders looked like supermen compared to the the old Texans offense.

[Keith]

If the Texans are asking June to play SLB, then they should keep looking. June was a college safety iirc, and he is pretty good in coverage.

I would have to think that maybe Diles could shift over to Sam if June signed. That, or the team's new rookie, of course.

The official site is recognizing the media reports of June's visits.

Free agent linebacker Cato June (6-0, 227) is visiting with the Texans today, according to reports by multiple Houston media outlets.

Per team policy, the Texans do not officially announce free agent visits, and all transactions, such as trades and free agent signings, are not official until they are announced by the team. ...

Of course, they posted something similar when Kevin Burnett visited.

[edo783]

I suspect that if we keep him, it would be for more for the nickel package when a cover LB is important. He and Ryan could cover well. Probably would see some time spelling the weak side backer, but probably not starting there, but ya never know.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by edo783

I suspect that if we keep him, it would be for more for the nickel package when a cover LB is important. He and Ryan could cover well. Probably would see some time spelling the weak side backer, but probably not starting there, but ya never know.

That's my thought. We sub in a pass-rush specialist, why not a coverage LB? He also adds some veteran presence to the lockerroom. As long as we aren't paying him starter money, but role player/mentor money, I'm all for it. Otherwise, I'll get Stephen Hodge as a UDFA and make him my cover WILL.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by Keith

If the Texans are asking June to play SLB, then they should keep looking. June was a college safety iirc, and he is pretty good in coverage.

I would have to think that maybe Diles could shift over to Sam if June signed. That, or the team's new rookie, of course.

The official site is recognizing the media reports of June's visits.

Of course, they posted something similar when Kevin Burnett visited.

Diles was the starting SAM last season before his injury. When did he become a WILL?

Greenwood and Adibi where the main WILL starters last season.

[barrett]

I thought that late in the season Bentley played as well as any LB we had.