I can't see it happening, not a real one anyway. They might bring in a BOB puppet, but that's not a better situation really.
There's no team that would be willing to offer us a 4th or 5th round pick for him?? He's a former first round draft pick that still has some gas left in the tank in terms of being a pure pass rusher. It's when he's asked to drop back in coverage that his value drops like a rock.
Mercilus is a pass rusher who’s not being utilized correctly. Six million for a 10 plus sacks pass rusher is a steal. I’ve said it before but I thought it was a mistake to not trade clowney last offseason when they could’ve gotten a 1st and possibly 2nd round pick for him.
Exactly. Cutting him would be like letting Connor Barwin go all over again. This season he was recovering from the pec injury, his numbers should rebound significantly next season
He has only done it once in his career so I wouldn’t exactly call him a 10 sack guy. I’m either or on merci keep him fine cut him fine. But I admit his contract is plus.
Hope your right. But I also like the possibility of giving Duke more reps outside and not just putting him inside in passing situations. Like I said I’m either or on Whitney bcuz he was literally ghost all year.
Sounds like a good idea. He's been invisible and they could spend that money better elsewhere. Also, if they got a guy that was capable of dropping into coverage they'd be a lot better off.
Texans have never figured out how to use Clowney and Mercilus on the field together. I don't expect both of them to be back next year.
Or Watt for that matter. As good as all three can be individually, their skills haven't complemented one another. That's why a new defensive voice may be needed. They have A+ talent on defense up front (while having no talent on on offense up front). I understand the desire for a true offensive coordinator, but without an O-line, that severely limits what their ceiling can be even with an awesome Watson and a healthy Fuller/Hopkins. The defense, OTOH, has the talent to be the absolute/runaway best in the NFL... even including their lack of depth in the secondary (where if the pass rush is doing what they're supposed to do, the secondary should be able to cover their guys).
The problem is that Mercilus is not capable of dropping into coverage, OR being all that good at setting the edge, OR at beating a blocker on his way to the QB. He's just not that valuable to the Texans and he makes far too much to keep him around. I could see them drafting a replacement.
I'm betting Mercilus will be back to form next season after another off-season of healing, rest and strengthening.
