CBS: Texans To Release Cushing

[HPF Bob]

Originally Posted by barrett

Is he the best ever Texans LB?

Depends on whether you define edge rushers as linebackers. If so, Whitney Mercilus is probably the best but Clowney could be better with another year or two of production.

If not, what is Cushing's competition? Jay Foreman? Kailee Wong? That is like being the prettiest girl in Rhode Island.

In addition, the Texans already have two ILBs in McKinney and Chamberlain so he won't be missed.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Depends on whether you define edge rushers as linebackers. If so, Whitney Mercilus is probably the best but Clowney could be better with another year or two of production.

If not, what is Cushing's competition? Jay Foreman? Kailee Wong? That is like being the prettiest girl in Rhode Island.

In addition, the Texans already have two ILBs in McKinney and Chamberlain so he won't be missed.

At this point I'd take Cushing over Mercilous. Cushing had a 2 year or so stretch as maybe the best MLB in football, and definitely the most violent. He cleaned off piles and friendly fired teammates in a frightening way. When he was at his peak he was a terror who the other 21 guys on the field had to keep their eyes peeled for. Mercilous could pass him, but probably not before he is himself passed by Clowney.

[HPF Bob]

Before he was cheap-shotted by the Jets, he was playing like a first-round LB. I don't think he was up there with Ray Lewis or Clay Matthews but he was a presence.

Once the knee was blown, he was done. Of course, now that Cushing and Duane Brown are gone, the only huge Texans contract one could dump for cap space is J.J. Watt and I'm guessing that won't happen for at least two years - regardless how healthy he is.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Before he was cheap-shotted by the Jets, he was playing like a first-round LB. I don't think he was up there with Ray Lewis or Clay Matthews but he was a presence.

Once the knee was blown, he was done. Of course, now that Cushing and Duane Brown are gone, the only huge Texans contract one could dump for cap space is J.J. Watt and I'm guessing that won't happen for at least two years - regardless how healthy he is.

Ray Lewis' deer antler spray might have been more effective than Cushing's female fertility drugs.