Texans GM Casserly resigns post
Houston Texans general manager Charley Casserly shook hands with owner Bob McNair after resigning Wednesday.
The two said there was no firing and no ugly divorce at the top of the 6-year-old franchise after a 2-14 season, a coaching change and a controversial No. 1 draft pick.
Casserly said he’s leaving on his terms to chase a job in the NFL’s front office.
“I have an interest in doing other things right now,” he said. “This was not an easy decision, but it was a decision I felt I had to make at this point in time.”
Speculation had swirled for months that Casserly would follow coach Dom Capers and be fired in the aftermath of the 2005 season. His future seemed more tenuous after the team used the No. 1 overall pick to draft defensive end Mario Williams – and pass up Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush and University of Texas star Vince Young.
Many fans were outraged, but McNair said Casserly was never going to be fired. Their friendly handshake at a news conference seemed to indicate the two are parting on good terms.
Casserly will officially step down June 1.
Casserly had been with the Texans since the franchise joined the NFL six years ago. The Texans played their first season in 2002.
Dolphins, Saints reach deal
New Orleans and Miami swapped young linebackers in a trade that sent Courtney Watson to the Dolphins and Eddie Moore to the Saints.
Moore, a second-round pick by Miami in 2003, played in five games last season, primarily on special teams and as a reserve linebacker, before being placed on injured reserve after fracturing his right knee.
Watson was drafted in the second round in 2004 and has far more experience as a starter. He started eight of 12 games in which he appeared his rookie season.
Around the league
Former Green Bay receiver Javon Walker signed a five-year extension with Denver that kicks in after next season and is worth more than $40 million. … Receiver Troy Williamson had an abscess removed from his left hip this week and will not participate in Minnesota’s minicamp this weekend. … Atlanta re-signed wide receiver and return specialist Jerome Pathon.