Arian Foster’s status with the Houston Texans for the 2016 season remains to be seen, but his contract will not be the reason deciding force. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle quoted general manager Rick Smith talking about the status of Foster.
“As it relates to all the free agent conversations, I’m never going to tell you one way or the other what we’re doing, but I will tell you this: His salary is not a reason why we would cut Arian.”
Given that Foster has a cap number of just under $9 million, this is a little surprising to hear. It would be very easy to cut Foster and explain it as a business decision.
With that said, it’s still possible that Foster will not be back with the Texans, and there are other sensible reasons to cite.
One, Foster has had a real problem staying healthy. He hasn’t played a full, 16-game season since 2012. He did manage 13 games in 2014, but it was sandwiched in between an eight-game season in 2013 and a four-game season in 2015. When Foster did play in 2015, he was ineffective, averaging less than three yards per carry.
Secondly, Foster will be 30 by the time the 2016 season begins. A running back on the wrong side of 30 doesn’t often have a long shelf life, especially when he has Foster’s injury history.
While Arian Foster might not be cut because of his salary, it certainly won’t help his cause in Houston when all facts are considered.