Mike Jones of USA Today is reporting that the Texans have informed RT Derek Newton that he’s being released.
- According to Jones, the Texans failed Newton on a physical back on March 23 before he was due a $500,000 roster bonus on April 1.
- Jones says that Newton sought a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews, who deemed him fit to take part in workouts that are set to open next week.
- Sources tell Jones that Newton will file a grievance against the Texans for not paying him the $500,000 bonus he was owed.
The Texans have officially announced the release of Newton on Thursday.
Here’s a statement from HC Bill O’Brien:
“I’ve always admired Derek Newton’s work ethic and dedication to the game of football. He has been a terrific teammate and someone who constantly put the team first. We wish him the best.”
Newton, 30, is a former seventh-round pick of the Texans back in 2011. He was entering the third year of his five-year, $26.5 million contract that includes $10 million guaranteed and was set to make a base salary of $2.25 million for the 2017 season.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Newton will free up $2 million of available cap space while creating $1.5 million in dead money.
In 2016, Newton appeared in six games for the Texans and was rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 47 offensive tackle out of 78 qualifying players.
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