Brandon Dunn‘s stint in Houston has come to an end. The Texans are releasing the veteran defensive tackle, according to Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk790 in Houston (via Twitter).
The former undrafted free agent caught on with the Texans in 2015, and he’s remained in Houston for the past six years. The veteran inked a three-year, $12MM deal with the organization last February, and he proceeded to have one of his best NFL seasons. In 13 games (13 starts), Dunn collected 26 tackles and three QB hits. His season ended on IR after he suffered a fractured hip, but Wilson notes that the 28-year-old has made a full recovery.
“Yeah, surprised,” Dunn responded when asked for his reaction to the move (via Mark Berman on Twitter). “Like anybody, it always surprising to get released, but it’s a business and I understand.”
Dunn ultimately saw time in 72 games (37 starts) for Houston, collecting 114 tackles, eight tackles for loss, nine QB hits, and one sack. He also played in four postseason games for the Texans, including a 2019 start where he picked off Andrew Luck.
Even with Dunn out of the picture, the Texans have a muddled depth chart at defensive tackle. Any of Maliek Collins, Vincent Taylor, Ross Blacklock, Auzoyah Alufohai, DeMarcus Walker, Roy Lopez, or Jaleel Johnson could jump the depth chart by the start of the regular season.
$3.6 million in cap savings by cutting him now, per OTC, which helps out a team that otherwise has only $6.5 million in available cap space this year.
They Dunn made a mistake
Brandon is DUNN in Houston !!
He’s probably thanking whatever god for him getting out of that organization. He’ll get picked up quick.