[CHRON] Texans part ways with Walker, Coleman, Banks, Hollings

Texans part ways with Walker, Coleman, Banks, Hollings

By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Defensive tackle Gary Walker and cornerback Marcus Coleman, cornerstones of the franchise for four seasons, were among four Texans who were informed today that they are being released.

Walker, Coleman, quarterback Tony Banks and running back Tony Hollings have played their last game for the Texans.

"I told them after evaluating the film that we had decided to go in another direction," coach Gary Kubiak said. "Because they've been in the league a while, I think this is the best time to tell them because it gives them more time to find another job."

Walker hasn't been officially released because of the salary cap. He was told that if the NFL doesn't have a new collective bargaining agreement in place with the Players Association that he won't be released until June 1. If they extend the CBA, Walker will be released immediately.

Walker, who had four years left on his contract, has the second-highest cap figure on the roster to quarterback David Carr.

Coleman wasn't a surprise. He played poorly last season and lost his starting job to rookie C.C. Brown.

Banks, an 11-year veteran, was the backup quarterback behind Carr. Dave Ragone moves up a spot on the depth chart, but that will change. If the Texans don't use their top pick on a quarterback, they'll sign a veteran to back up Carr.

Hollings was a huge bust. Taken in the second round of the supplemental draft, he cost the Texans a No. 2 pick. He was hurt a lot early in his career. When he was healthy, he still languished on the bench.