Texans release veteran TE Darren Fells

The Texans are releasing Darren Fells (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The tight end was previously set to play out the second year of his two-year, $7M contract.

Fells, who will celebrate his 35th birthday in April, set a career high with seven touchdowns in 2019. It was an unexpected jump in offensive production for the veteran, who was previously known best for his blocking prowess.

Last year, he staved off competition from Jordan Akins and third-round pick Kahale Warring, but the Texans are going younger across the board as they rebuild. Akins led all Houston TEs with 37 grabs for 403 yards. Meanwhile, Warring stands at 6-5 with tons of promise as a blocker. If he’s healthy, he could be a featured part of the rotation.

By releasing Fells, the Texans will save upward of $1.2M on the books.