The Houston Texans have decisions to make in free agency, and one of them revolves around defensive tackle D.J. Reader. Despite center Nick Martin and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus earning contract extensions throughout the regular season, Reader and the Texans weren’t able to work anything out between August and December.
If the Texans and Reader aren’t able to come to terms, one option the club could keep an eye on is Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
According to Joel Corry of CBS Sports, the two-time Pro Bowler may be looking for his third team as he could be a salary cap casualty in the 2020 offseason.
Dareus took a $2.5 million pay cut last offseason in order to avoid being a cap casualty. He had a chance to make back the $2.5 million with at least 55 percent defensive playtime for the season. Any chance of earning the incentive went out the window when a core muscle injury requiring surgery ended Dareus’ season after Jacksonville’s seventh game. Dareus’ 2021 contract year was eliminated in the renegotiation while his 2020 contract year became an option year that the Jaguars must exercise by the 22nd day before the start of the 2020 league, which is Feb. 25. If exercised, Dareus’ $9.5 million 2020 base salary becomes fully guaranteed and a $10 million fifth day of the 2020 league year roster bonus due on March 22 will be guaranteed for skill and injury.
Dareus would be 30 years old by the time Week 1 kicked off. At 6-3, 331 pounds, he would be 16 pounds lighter than Reader, but the same height. Dareus would be the perfect role to bridge the gap between the present and the future, much the same way Vince Wilfork played nose tackle for the Texans from 2015-16 while Reader developed into the interior defensive line force he has become.
Of course, the Jaguars would have to release Dareus, and the Texans would have to move on from Reader. If both of those possibilities become reality, then at least Houston would have an option.