He had been rumored to be heading to Buffalo in exchange for Travis Henry. Instead, Arizona just released him outright. I think he'd be a great pickup for the Texans... http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-cardinalsmoves&prov=ap&type=lgns
Here is another article on Shelton http://www.houstonprofootball.com/ May 20, 2005 Texans Singing 'Gimme Shelton' Pitts, Wand Flipping Out? The Texans remained busy during a normally quiet period of the offseason on Friday, as there have been reports that the team has expressed an interest in signing left tackle L.J. Shelton. Shelton, 29, was released by the Cardinals on Wednesday after losing his starting job midway though the 2004 season. At 6'6" and roughly 340 pounds, Shelton will likely command a lot of attention from other teams before he signs with any of them. After being selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the 1999 draft, Shelton served as the Cardinals' starter for roughly five seasons. Until he was benched by new head coach Dennis Green last year, Shelton had been a consistent performer for the Cardinals, showing off his strength and athleticism. Shelton signed a five-year contract extension in 2003 that paid him a $5 million signing bonus and $3 million per season in base salaries. Prior to last month's draft, his name was mentioned often in trade speculation with the Bills, though the Bears and Buccaneers were also rumored to have interest as well. The Houston Chronicle reported on Saturday that the Texans' current starter, Seth Wand, had been swapping positions with left guard Chester Pitts during last week's coaching session workouts. The pursuit of another left tackle comes after the team substituted Marcus Spears for Wand late last season on passing downs, followed by the Texans' attempted acquisition of Rams' frachised player Orlando Pace. The Texans also signed former Saints' right tackle Victor Riley earlier this month, though he reported to last week's coaching sessions out of shape.
Wow, the guy is huge. Size alone makes him better than what we have... I've never seen a qb sacked more than Carr. He needs help... seriously...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2068522 ESPN.com news services Houston Texans: The Texans don't know why offensive lineman L.J. Shelton was released by Arizona, but they are willing to explore whether the former first-round pick can bring elusive stability at left tackle. Shelton, who started 77 of 82 games in six seasons with Arizona, was scheduled to begin a two-day visit with the Texans on Wednesday after the Cardinals released him last week. Shelton, selected No. 21 in the 1999 draft out of Eastern Michigan, has visited the Chicago Bears, agent Vance Larimer said. He will talk to a few more teams following the trip to Houston and would like to make a decision by the end of next week, Larimer said. If he signs with the Texans, Shelton probably will replace unproven second-year player Seth Wand as the starting left tackle. The Texans have struggled to stabilize the position that protects quarterback David Carr's blind side since starting play in 2002. The Texans allowed 49 sacks last season, seventh-most in the NFL. "We'll go through the process of evaluating him and figuring out how he might fit in," Texans coach Dom Capers said. "I can't tell you why he's available right now. But when there's a guy that has athletic ability, we're going to look into it." The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Shelton spent most of his career in Arizona at left tackle before playing 12 games at right tackle in 2004. He made nine starts last season before sustaining a season-ending injury to his left knee Dec. 14 against San Francisco. In November 2003, Arizona signed Shelton to a five-year contract extension worth up to $25 million. But he fell out of favor last season with new coach Dennis Green, and the Cardinals reportedly were looking to trade him before the 2005 draft.
This guy is suppose to be atheletic for guy his size. There is no word on why Zona let released him. If Zona just released him just to then I say give him a steele blue helmet , number, and pads.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=2069227 Shelton likes what he sees during visit to Houston Associated Press National Football League News Wire HOUSTON -- After spending lots of time on Arizona's bench last season, offensive tackle L.J. Shelton is looking for a place to revive his career. Shelton wrapped up a two-day visit with the Houston Texans on Thursday, continuing a free-agent tour that began after the Cardinals released the former first-round pick last week. "This is a great organization. I like what I see so far," Shelton said during a tour of the Texans' facilities. "I have to weigh all my options. I'm kind of waiting to see what happens." Shelton, selected No. 21 in the 1999 draft out of Eastern Michigan, has already visited the Chicago Bears and has a trip set for Kansas City later in the week. Jacksonville is also believed to be interested. Shelton's agent, Vance Larimer, has said his client would like to make a decision by the end of next week. If he signs with the Texans, Shelton probably will replace unproven second-year player Seth Wand as the starting left tackle. Wand and Chester Pitts, who started all 16 games at left guard in 2004, have rotated at the position during this week's coaching sessions. "I'm not expecting to come in and start," Shelton said. "But I'm looking for an opportunity to compete." The Texans have struggled to stabilize the position that protects quarterback David Carr's blind side since starting play in 2002. Carr has been sacked 140 times over the past three years -- the most of any quarterback over that stretch. The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Shelton spent most of his career in Arizona as the starting left tackle before playing 12 games at right tackle last season. He made nine starts before sustaining a season-ending injury to his left knee Dec. 14 against San Francisco. In November 2003, Arizona signed Shelton to a five-year contract extension worth up to $25 million. But he fell out of favor last season with new coach Dennis Green, and the Cardinals reportedly were looking to trade him before the 2005 draft. The Texans, meanwhile, are eager to add more depth to their offensive line after signing veteran Victor Riley last week. "It will be a look-see for us to kind of find out where he is on things," Texans coach Dom Capers said. "We'll go through the process of evaluating how he looks in workouts, where he is and how he might fit in. He obviously has lots of athletic ability." Shelton said he wasn't upset with Arizona for releasing him, saying that it gave him a head start in finding a new team over the players who will be cut after June 1. He went through an almost hour-long workout Thursday morning, then spent the rest of the day visiting with team officials and doctors. "I've never seen anything like this," Shelton said of the team's facilities. "This is a first-class organization."
I suspect if the Texans let LJ get out of town without an offer then he is LG (long gone) from Texans' plans.
According to ESPN790 Shelton is back in Houston and they are heating up contract talks. We could hear something by today or tomorrow!!!
Arizona tried to trade him for Henry. Buffalo wanted picks to be added to the deal and that is why it never happened.
John Clayton was on and said expect these guys to be cut on June 1st or 2nd: Kyle Turley (weighs only 260lbs now) Koren Robinson Rod Gardner Bobby Taylor Johnny Morton
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/car...shelton-ON.html Looks like we lost out on the Shelton sweepstakes......he signed a one year deal w/ the browns....
