Texans make final Brett Rypien roster decision

The Houston Texans have a potentially historic defense and a talented yet inconsistent quarterback who is coming off an abysmal playoff performance. That combination is producing heaps of scrutiny. After seeing CJ Stroud throw four interceptions in an AFC Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots in January, fans will be quick to call for a replacement if he struggles again this season. Brett Rypien will not be one of the names they potentially shout, however.

Houston is releasing the veteran QB, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. The Texans picked up the former Boise State star after Graham Mertz suffered a torn ACL in the team’s preseason opener versus the Los Angeles Chargers, but he had little chance of jumping backup Davis Mills on the depth chart.

Rypien completed 19-of-33 passes for 145 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions across the last two preseason matchups. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old is on the move once again. He has played for the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals in parts of five NFL seasons, while also spending brief stints with the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts.

The 2018 Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year has four career starts under his belt. Stroud and Mills are currently the only signal-callers on the Texans’ roster. Perhaps the front office will scoop up another one to keep on the practice squad in case of emergency.

Regardless of who occupies the QB room, an unrelenting defense will continue to serve as the identity of this franchise.