Texans Decline To Pick Up OLB Whitney Mercilus’ Option

Update:

ESPN’s Field Yates reports that the Texans have declined to pick up OLB Whitney Mercilus‘ fifth-year option before yesterday’s deadline.

———

Texans GM Rick Smith told reporters on Tuesday that they are still in the process of discussing whether or not to pick up OLB Whitney Mercilus‘ fifth-year option, per Brian T. Smith.

It would cost the Texans $7.751 million for the 2016 season if they were to exercise Mercilus’ option. However, this figure is guaranteed for injury only and wouldn’t prevent them from working out a long-term deal that would come with a lower cap figure.

Mercilus, 24, still has one year remaining on his four-year, $7,634,088 rookie contract that included $6.55 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $1,431,012 for the 2015 season.

In 2014, Mercilus appeared in 15 games for the Texans and recorded 50 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass defense. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 35 outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense out of 46 qualifying players.