villain_the_foe Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Texans to trade linebacker DeMeco Ryans to Eagles for draft picks Posted on March 20, 2012 at 6:23 pm by John McClain in General share E-mail DeMeco Ryans (59) was the Texans defensive captain and team leader. (Brett Coomer/Chronicle) By trading linebacker DeMeco Ryans to Philadelphia, the Texans will receive a fourth-round pick from the Eagles and exchange third-round selections in next month’s draft. The Texans get the fourth pick in the fourth round. Philadelphia got it in a trade with Tampa Bay. By switching positions in the third round, the Texans move up 12 spots and have the 77th overall pick and the Eagles’ the 89th. “DeMeco contributed significantly toward helping us build the foundation we hope will bring a world championship to the city of Houston,” general manager Rick Smith said. “His professionalism and leadership cannot be over-exaggerated. “This move was mutually beneficial for the Texans immediate and long-term goals, DeMeco’s career and the Eagles. We appreciate all the hard work and effort DeMeco invested in our organization and wish him only the best moving forward. He’s a class act.” The Texans took a $2 million salary cap hit because the remainder of Ryans’ prorated signing bonus comes out of this year’s cap, but they cleared $9 million for next year when they’ll be trying to re-sign players like quarterback Matt Schaub, left tackle Duane Brown and outside linebacker Connor Barwin. It’s a win-win situation. Ryans gets to play middle linebacker in the Eagles’ 4-3. And the Eagles are a Super Bowl contender. Ryans, a seven-year veteran, was not suited to be a one-down player in the Texans’ 3-4. His role was diminished. He was removed every time the Texans went to their nickel defense. Defensive tackle J.J. Watt and defensive end Antonio Smith were on the NFL Network’s Total Access on Tuesday. They commented before they learned what the Texans got in the trade. “DeMeco by far and away (is) the most respected guy on the defense, our leader,” Watt said. “He’s a guy that everybody turns to, especially when things are going tough. “It’s tough to see him go. He’s, obviously, going to go play great football for the Eagles. Now it’s time for the rest of us as a defense to step up and find a new leader and go out there and play football.” Like his teammates, Smith was caught off guard by the trade. “It’s a big surprise to me,” he said. “I don’t know what’s going on at this moment, but DeMeco is a great player, a leader. Our defense is going to miss him.” Ryans fills what was a gaping hole in the middle of the Eagles’ defense. “DeMeco is a proven Pro Bowl linebacker in this league, and we’re excited to be able to plug him into the middle of our defense,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said in a statement. “He’s been the signal-caller and a leader on a very good Texans defense for the last several years. He’s a tough, instinctive football player and he’ll be a great fit for our team.” Ryans will be replaced by Darryl Sharpton. He rotated with Ryans until he suffered a season-ending torn quad tendon. Sharpton was a fourth-round pick in 2010. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustInFudge Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Weird. The Texans finally make the playoffs and cut their RT and trade a staple of their defense for a 4th round pick while losing Mario Williams, granted he didnt real do much for their run. Are they in cap hell? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYGiantFan10 Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Ryans didnt make a great switch to 3-4 and also only played like 56% of snaps or something like that this season.. add to that that he blew out his achilles in 2010 and he cost like 6 mil rumor is that Texans didnt like his health Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bitonti Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 rumor is that Texans didnt like his health yup been hearing that for a while. Ryans was a stud before the injury. Afterward it's really iffy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason423 Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Weird. The Texans finally make the playoffs and cut their RT and trade a staple of their defense for a 4th round pick while losing Mario Williams, granted he didnt real do much for their run. Are they in cap hell? They were in pretty rough cap shape. and fighting to get under days before free agency began. They are fine now after the cuts but are also saving up for next year when I think they are in bad shape again especially with no QB under contract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SenorGato Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 The Texans are being proactive. They've been an interesting team to follow from a distance. Their drafts have been solid to explosive lately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HessStation Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 The Texans are being proactive. They've been an interesting team to follow from a distance. Their drafts have been solid to explosive lately. As have my trips to the bathroom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurnleyJet Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 I'm remember not to long ago talk of him better than Harris. There must be something up wit him if their trading him for a 4 th and exchanging picks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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