Arian Foster rushed for 6,472 yards and 54 touchdowns in his career with the Texans, both franchise career highs. He was given a shot after going undrafted in 2009 and he made the most out of his shot. He also led the NFL in rushing in 2010 and has been named to the Pro Bowl four times but health has also been an issue with the running back.
The last time Foster played in all 16 games was in 2012 and during the 2015 campaign, he missed 12 games due to a torn groin suffered during the Texans’ first full training camp practice in August and then he suffered a torn achilles tendon in Week 7. He had his second surgery of the season after the tendon tear and was placed on injured reserve, missing the rest of the season and the playoffs.
Now it appears that Foster’s time with the Texans is over.
Following from Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Big move: Arian Foster has been told the Texans are releasing him, per a source close to him. After great run, Foster finished in Houston.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2016
In 2009, HOU gave an undrafted RB a $7,500 signing bonus. Arian Foster then gave HOU more rushing TDs + yds than anyone in franchise history
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2016
Texans general manager Rick Smith said the following in a statement.
“There are not many players I respect more than Arian Foster, He maximized his opportunity as an undrafted college free agent and worked to become the most productive back in franchise history, and one of the most complete backs in the NFL during his tenure with the Texans.
“Arian has contributed much, and meant a great deal to the success of the franchise over the past seven seasons and we wish only the best as he continues his playing career.”
The 29-year-old Foster was due a $6.5 million base salary with a salary-cap number of almost $9 million for the 2016 season and with releasing him, the Texans save around $6.6 million. It now appears that the Texans are ready to rebuild their offense coming off a season that was carried by their terrific defense.
