[Texans] OT Winston Agrees to Contract, All Draft Picks Signed, Sealed, Delivered

July 25, 2006, 12:30AM
Texans lock up draftees
OT Winston agrees to contract; deal guarantees full rookie class


By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

The Texans will enter training camp Friday with no concerns of a holdout.

By signing offensive tackle Eric Winston to a four-year contract, the Texans became the second team in the NFL with all of their draft picks signed. The Chicago Bears finalized deals with their rookies this month with the advantage of not having to sign a first-round pick.

This year marks the fourth time in five seasons that the Texans have had all of their picks signed on time. Defensive tackle Travis Johnson, last year's No. 1 pick, was the only holdout the Texans have had. He missed the first day of training camp.

Dan Ferens, Texans vice president of football operations, handled the negotiations.

"Dan Ferens did a great job," coach Gary Kubiak said. "It was very important for us to make sure those guys were part of practice from the start. We were able to get it all done, and it shows their willingness to be a part of this."

Winston was the last player the Texans signed. He agreed to a $608,000 signing bonus in a four-year deal, which likely will be restructured after three years. He is slated to make $275,000 this season, $360,000 in 2007 and $440,000 in 2008.

Winston, who was drafted 66th overall, is expected to back up right tackle Zach Wiegert this season.

To make room for Winston, 6-6 and 311 pounds, and fellow third-round offensive tackle Charles Spencer on the roster, the Texans waived defensive back Jammal Lord and running back Nick Luchey.

The Texans are assured of having all of their players in camp. Those who missed some of the offseason program with injuries are expected to rejoin the team for practice Friday.

Running back Domanick Davis (knee inflammation), linebacker Charlie Anderson (knee) and Johnson missed much of the offseason. They are expected to be eased into practice when training camp starts. Linebacker Kailee Wong (knee) and receiver Jerome Mathis (foot) will be placed on the physically unable to perform list. Wong likely will come off that list before camp ends.

The upcoming weeks will be critical for the Texans rookies, and for players such as Johnson, entering his second season. Johnson missed most of the offseason program with a calf strain. Prior to the injury, he was struggling to find his niche and practicing with the second- and third-team defenses.

Kubiak said he was impressed with Johnson in recent weeks and said he looks forward to seeing how competitive the lineman is on the field.

"Travis basically missed all of our offseason except for a few days," Kubiak said. "This is his second year, and it's very important for him. He's got to make a big step as a pro to make himself and this team better.

"I told him that if you're not taking care of your business and rehabbing (in July), it'll set you back. I think he's really stepped it up this month, though, and I think he's ready for camp."

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