Minor NFL Transactions: 8/23/21
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here. Teams have until 4pm ET/3pm CT Tuesday to reach the 80-man roster limit.
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived: CB Luq Barcoo (failed physical), TE Ian Bunting, WR Rico Gafford
Baltimore Ravens
Carolina Panthers
- Waived: G Marquel Harrell, WR Krishawn Hogan, DT Walter Palmore
Chicago Bears
- Released from IR via injury settlement: LB Ledarius Mack
Cincinnati Bengals
- Waived: DB Donnie Lewis
Cleveland Browns
- Waived: WR Alexander Hollins, CB Robert Jackson, OT Alex Taylor
- Placed on IR: TE Connor Davis, LB Montrel Meander
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: S Malik Hooker, WR CeeDee Lamb, S Israel Mukuamu, DT Carlos Watkins
Denver Broncos
- Signed: RB Stevie Scott
- Placed on IR: C Brett Jones
- Released: LB Pita Taumoepenu
- Waived: G Nolan Laufenberg
Detroit Lions
- Waived: DT P.J. Johnson, RB Javon Leake, OLB Robert McCray, QB Jordan Ta’amu
- Released: WR Darius Jennings
- Released from IR via injury settlement: OL Evan Boehm
Green Bay Packers
- Waived: TE Daniel Crawford
Houston Texans
- Waived: DT Auzoyah Alufohai, RB Darius Jackson, OL Drake Jackson
Indianapolis Colts
- Waived: DT Joey Ivie, LB Skai Moore, TE Andrew Vollert
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: OT Devery Hamilton
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: RB Raymond Calais (injured), DB Paris Ford, QB Devlin Hodges
Minnesota Vikings
- Waived: LB Christian Elliss, QB Danny Etling, DT Jordon Scott (waived/injured)
New York Jets
- Placed on IR: DE Carl Lawson (story)
- Signed: DE Aaron Adeoye, OL Isaiah Williams
- Waived: CB Corey Ballentine
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived: WR Jhamon Ausbon, WR Hakeem Butler, C Harry Crider, S Lavert Hill
Seattle Seahawks
- Placed on IR: WR John Ursua
- Waived: DT Cedrick Lattimore, QB Alex McGough
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OT Jonathan Hubbard
- Released from IR via injury settlement: Sam Renner
Tennessee Titans
- Claimed (from Bengals): DL Freedom Akinmoladun
- Waived/injured: OL Paul Adams, K Tucker McCann, G Ross Reynolds
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: DT Anthony Rush
Texans To Waive CB John Reid
For the second straight day, the Texans will make a recent midround draft choice an early cut. They are waiving second-year cornerback John Reid, according to Sports Talk 790’s Aaron Wilson (on Twitter).
The Texans drafted Reid in the 2020 fourth round and used him as a starter in a game last season. Of course, considerable changes have taken place in Houston since. Many of the franchise’s Bill O’Brien-era draft picks are no longer on the roster. Three years remain on Reid’s contract, should another team use a waiver claim on last year’s No. 141 overall pick.
[RELATED: Packers Trade CB Ka’Dar Hollman To Texans]
Reid’s departure comes a day after the Texans informed former third-round tight end Kahale Warring he did not make it through their second round of cuts. Teams have until 3pm CT Tuesday to slash their rosters from 85 to 80.
A Penn State product, Reid played in 13 Texans games last season and made 13 tackles. Houston used Reid on 145 defensive snaps during his rookie year. New GM Nick Caserio did not draft any corners this year but did add Desmond King, Terrance Mitchell and Tavierre Thomas this offseason, creating a more crowded mix for the team’s holdovers to navigate. Monday’s Hollman acquisition further increased the Texans’ numbers here, and Reid wound up on the wrong side of the roster crunch.
Packers To Trade Ka’dar Hollman To Texans
New Texans GM Nick Caserio continues to wheel and deal. Houston has agreed to a trade to acquire cornerback Ka’dar Hollman from the Packers, a source told veteran NFL reporter Aaron Wilson (Twitter link). The Texans will send back a 2022 seventh-round pick via the Bears for Hollman, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.
Caserio has made several trades recently, and this isn’t even his first one with Green Bay. The two teams recently worked out a deal for receiver Randall Cobb, at the behest of Aaron Rodgers. Caserio just traded corner Keion Crossen to the Giants last week, so Hollman can essentially be seen as a replacement in the secondary.
The Packers drafted Hollman in the sixth-round out of Toledo in 2019. He barely saw the field as a rookie, but took on a real role this past season. He appeared in 14 games for Green Bay, and even started one.
Hollman ended up playing a bit over 10 percent of the defensive snaps, finishing with 10 tackles and three passes defended. He was also a contributor on special teams, and is a bit on the older side for a third-year pro as he’ll turn 27 next month. Caserio is certainly being aggressive if nothing else as he continues to completely remake Houston’s roster.
Texans To Waive TE Kahale Warring
The Texans are giving up on Kahale Warring, a third-round pick from the 2019 draft. Houston is waiving the young tight end, Mark Berman of Fox 26 tweets.
Teams must trim their rosters from 85 to 80 players by 3pm CT Tuesday, and the Texans have made Warring one of their second-wave cuts. Two years remain on Warring’s rookie contract, which will only be relevant if another team claims him.
A San Diego State product who went off the 2019 draft board at No. 86 overall, Warring has struggled with injuries and has not played much during his time in Houston. The 6-foot-5 pass catcher has played in just seven games in two seasons. Warring missed all of the 2019 season due to injury and spent a chunk of the 2020 season on IR as well.
GM Nick Caserio‘s regime authorized numerous deals for midlevel veterans across the Texans’ depth chart, but the team is light on proven tight ends. The Texans cut previous starter Darren Fells earlier this year. The Texans used a fifth-round pick on former Miami tight end Brevin Jordan this year, though they still have former Bill O’Brien-era third-round pick Jordan Akins on their roster.
Latest On Texans, Deshaun Watson
The Texans are willing to part ways with Deshaun Watson, but only if their conditions are met. They’re still sticking to their lofty asking price and have zero intention of dialing it down for the Dolphins or other AFC teams (Twitter link via Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports). 
[RELATED: FBI Involved In Watson Investigation]
The Texans are seeking two first round picks plus two second rounders — or two starting-caliber veterans. That’s a significant ask considering that Watson is still facing civil suits from 20+ women, the possibility of an NFL suspension, and potential criminal charges.
The Panthers and “several” other teams have monitored Watson in recent months, but the Texans would prefer to send him out of the conference. Meanwhile, GM Nick Caserio doesn’t seem to be in any rush. The Texans would be okay with paying Watson to not play if he’s placed on team or the Commissioner’s Exempt list. Then, after paying his $10.54MM salary for 2022, they could pursue a better haul next year, when/if his off-the-field matters are resolved.
With the season opener just days away, Watson sits fourth on the Texans’ quarterback depth chart. Barring any sudden changes, the Texans will move forward with Tyrod Taylor and third-round pick Davis Mills as their top QBs.
Texans To Release DT Brandon Dunn
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.
FBI Involved In Watson Investigation
As Deshaun Watson continues to train intermittently at the Texans’ facility but away from the team’s drills, the off-field issues that have ensnared him for months have kept churning. The FBI is now involved.
The attorney representing the 22 women who have filed civil suit against Watson, Tony Buzbee, said the FBI has contacted him regarding the suits, via League of Justice’s Amy Dash. The FBI has met with Buzbee three times, met with some of his clients and spoken with Watson. The Texans quarterback reaching out to two out-of-state masseuses over the internet brought the FBI into the equation, per Buzbee.
[RELATED: Grand Jury To Be Convened In Watson Case]
Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said the FBI is investigating one of the plaintiffs for extortion, indicating (via ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop). Watson spoke to the FBI to discuss one of his accusers’ allegations, per Hardin, who said he will continue to cooperate with the FBI.
The civil suits emerged first, and this matter remains ongoing. The Houston Police Department’s investigation now involves at least 10 women — eight of which are part of the civil case — and a grand jury. An indictment may be in the cards for Watson, which could well prompt the NFL to place the Pro Bowl passer on the commissioner’s exempt list. The league has thus far refused to do so, leaving the Texans in an awkward spot. The NFL is not planning to interview Watson until its interviews with all 22 civil accusers have commenced.
With less than a month remaining until the regular season, Watson sits fourth on the Texans’ depth chart as the team transitions to a new offensive system. Having requested a trade before the accusations emerged, Watson remains in limbo. He has not missed a game since tearing an ACL in 2017, but given the multiple legal issues, the fifth-year QB looks highly unlikely to suit up to start this season.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/19/21
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:
Arizona Cardinals
- Placed on reserve/COVID-19 list: DL Jordan Phillips; Phillips tested positive for the coronavirus
Buffalo Bills
- Waived: G Steven Gonzalez
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: OL Marquel Harrell
- Waived: WR Micah Simon
Cleveland Browns
- Released from IR via injury settlement: DB Kiondre Thomas
Dallas Cowboys
- Waived/injured: P Hunter Niswander
Denver Broncos
- Released from IR via injury settlement: DL Deyon Sizer
Detroit Lions
- Waived: TE Hunter Thedford
Houston Texans
- Released from IR via injury settlement: RB Dontrell Hilliard
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Waived: CB Luq Barcoo
- Released from IR via injury settlement: DT Daniel Ross
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: LB Josh Harvey-Clemons
Texans Waive OT Roderick Johnson
The Texans activated Roderick Johnson and Tytus Howard from their reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, but only Howard will move forward with the team. Following Johnson’s move back to Houston’s active roster, the team waived him.
Johnson re-signed with the Texans this offseason, collecting $350K in fully guaranteed cash, but will hit waivers. The Texans placed Johnson, Howard and Laremy Tunsil on their reserve/COVID list last week, with Aaron Wilson of 790 Sports Talk noting (via Twitter) Johnson was a high-risk close contact. Players can only be classified as such if they have not been vaccinated.
A former Browns draftee, Johnson has been with the Texans since the 2018 offseason. He started six games over the past two seasons and played 245 snaps in 2020. However, offseason waiver claim Geron Christian — a former Washington starter at tackle — had surpassed him in training camp, per Wilson.
Houston has Tunsil in place as its left tackle, and its most recent depth chart has Howard sticking at right tackle. Trade acquisition Marcus Cannon resides behind Howard on the right side.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/17/21
Tuesday afternoon marked the deadline for teams to cut down from 90 to 85 players. We’ll keep track of those cuts and the day’s other minor moves here:
Arizona Cardinals
- Claimed (from Packers): P Ryan Winslow
- Waived: P Tyler Newsome
Atlanta Falcons
- Released from IR via injury settlement: WR Jeff Badet
Baltimore Ravens
- Waived: P Johnny Townsend
Carolina Panthers
- Waived/injured: LB Nate Hall, C Mike Panasiuk
- Placed on IR: CB Troy Pride Jr.; Pride suffered a torn ACL
Chicago Bears
- Released: WR Justin Hardy
- Waived: DB Michael Joseph, LB Ledarius Mack
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on IR: LB Anthony Hines, FB Sewo Olonilua, CB Reggie Robinson
- Waived: CB Kyron Brown, WR Brennan Eagles
Denver Broncos
- Signed: RB Adrian Killins
- Waived: DB Rojesterman Farris, LB Peter Kalambayi, DT Lorenzo Neal Jr.
- Waived/injured: WR DeVontres Dukes, RB LeVante Bellamy, DL Deyon Sizer
Detroit Lions
- Placed on IR: LB Shaun Dion Hamilton
- Signed: QB Jordan Ta’amu
- Waived: DT Michael Barnett
- Released from IR via injury settlement: WR Chad Hansen
Green Bay Packers
- Re-signed: QB Jake Dolegala
- Placed on IR: TE Isaac Nauta, WR DeAndre Thompkins
- Waived: OL Zack Johnson
Houston Texans
- Reverted to reserve/NFI: RB Dontrell Hilliard
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LB Te’von Coney
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: LB David Bellamy
- Waived: QB K.J. Costello, TE Matt Seybert
Minnesota Vikings
- Waived: CB Amari Henderson
- Reverted to IR: K Riley Patterson, WR Blake Proehl
New England Patriots
- Waived/injured: TE Troy Fumagalli
New York Jets
- Placed on IR: OL Cameron Clark
- Waived: DL Michael Dwumfour, S Bennett Jackson, RB Austin Walter
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Waived: DL Abdullah Anderson, DB Stephen Denmark, WR Isaiah McKoy, K Sam Sloman, OT Brandon Walton
San Francisco 49ers
- Claimed (from Ravens): CB Davontae Harris
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: OL Jake Benzinger
- Placed on IR: G Sadarius Hutcherson
- Waived/failed physical: WR John Franklin III
- Waived/injured: G Donell Stanley
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: S Jamal Carter
- Placed on IR: DL Trevon Coley, S Tedric Thompson
Washington Football Team
- Waived: TE Nick Guggemos, CB Greg Stroman