11:56 AM
Culley confirmed that the Texans have nixed Cunningham.
Cunningham was released by the Texans after he was suspended for the Week 13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts for being late to his COVID-19 test.
Cunningham did not play again this season because of violating team rules. He was benched for the first quarter in Week 2 for being late.
"We have standards." I didn't feel like those standards had been met consistently. I think I made the best decision for our team. Culley said that this was not about any individuals.
The coach said the decision to leave Cunningham was not difficult.
It's not about any individual player, it's about the team. Being the best player for the team is the motto, and one thing that we always talk about is that it's not necessarily trying to be the best player on the team, but being the best player for the team.
Cunningham signed a four-year contract extension in 2020. The linebacker has made 67 tackles this season.
During training camp and before the trade deadline, the Texans explored trading Cunningham, but could not find a trade partner.
If Cunningham is claimed, the Texans would save $275,000 against the cap in 2021, plus his per game roster bonus. There is a $10 million injury guarantee attached to Cunningham's contract.
The move will leave the Texans with dead money in the form of Cunningham's contract.
