Texans Cut LB Zach Cunningham After Week 13

HOUSTON – Events Texans exempted pedestrians Zach Cunningham, coach David Culley confirmed Wednesday.

Cunningham released after he was suspended for Texas’ Week 13 loss to Indianapolis Colts because he was late for his scheduled COVID-19 test.

It marked the second time this season that Cunningham did not play for breaching team rules. In week 2 against Cleveland Browns, he was benched in the first quarter because of his constant tardiness.

“We have standards. I don’t feel like those standards have been consistently met. And I feel like I’ve made the decision that’s best for our team. This is about the team. , not about any individual,” Culley said.

The coach said the decision to move from Cunningham “wasn’t difficult at all.”

“It’s about the team, not about any individual player. And one thing we always talk about it, is not necessarily trying to be the best player on the team, but the good player. best for the team, and it happens,” he said.

Cunningham, who was selected in the second round in 2017, signed a four-year, $58 million contract extension in 2020. The pawnmaker has 67 tackles and one mandatory this season. .

The Texans explored the Cunningham trade in training camp and ahead of the trade deadline, but could not find a trading partner.

If Cunningham is declared, the Texan will save $275,000 (paddlers remaining base salary) over the cap in 2021, plus his per-game bonus. According to OverTheCap, there is a $10 million disability guarantee attached to Cunningham’s contract.

The move will leave the Texan $5.5 million in dead money in 2021 and $12.8 million in 2022 from Cunningham’s contract.