Texans acquire quarterback Mallett in a trade with Patriots

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans made a flurry of moves Sunday, swapping out backup quarterbacks and welcoming back safety Danieal Manning.

The Texans acquired quarterback Ryan Mallett in a trade with New England and released Case Keenum, who had been competing with rookie fourth-round pick Tom Savage for the No. 2 role behind Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The 6-foot-6 Mallett, a third-round pick in 2011, was Tom Brady’s backup the past three seasons, but was passed up in training camp this year by second-round draft pick Jimmy Garoppolo. Mallett played in only four games in three seasons in New England and he’ll have a bigger opportunity in Houston under Bill O’Brien, who was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator in Mallett’s first year.

Keenum, a record-setting quarterback at the University of Houston, went 28 for 52 with two interceptions in the preseason, not enough to keep his roster spot after he started eight games last season.

The Texans also claimed receiver Damaris Johnson from the Eagles, cornerback Daryl Morris from the 49ers and offensive tackle Jeff Adams from Tennessee. Johnson was a record-setting kick returner at Tulsa before the Eagles signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Johnson had 21 catches for 270 yards in two seasons with Philadelphia.

Receiver Mike Thomas and safety Chris Clemons were cut. Thomas was expected to challenge DeVier Posey for the No. 3 receiver position. Thomas was a fourth-round draft pick in 2009 by Jacksonville and hasn’t played since finishing the 2012 season with Detroit. He has 176 catches for 1,796 yards in his career.

Clemons played five seasons in Miami and was brought in to provide veteran leadership after Manning signed with Cincinnati. The Bengals left Manning off their 53-man roster and the Texans decided to bring him back and let Clemons go.

Manning was a second-round pick by Chicago in 2006 and played his first five seasons with the Bears. He was signed along with cornerback Johnathan Joseph in 2011 to provide leadership to a secondary that was part of the league’s worst pass defense the previous season. Manning made 124 tackles and intercepted four passes in his previous three seasons in Houston.

He started six games last year before his season ended with a right knee injury in a mid-October game against St. Louis. Manning’s agent, Russel Hicks, confirmed on Sunday that Manning will sign with the Texans pending a physical.

Houston also waived cornerback Josh Victorian and placed offensive tackle Will Yeatman on injured reserve. The Texans reached an injury settlement with rookie receiver Anthony McClung.

The Texans also announced their practice squad: receivers Travis Labhart and EZ Nwachukwu, defensive end Keith Browner, linebacker Max Bullough, tight end Anthony Denham, fullback Toben Opurum, cornerback Marcus Williams and offensive linemen Matt Feiler, James Ferentz and Alex Kupper.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.