Houston Texans Trade Linebacker DeMeco Ryans

The Houston Texans dealt linebacker DeMeco Ryans to Philadelphia for a fourth-round pick from the Eagles, and the two-sides will swap third-round selections in next month’s draft.

Houston gets the fourth pick in the fourth round that Philadelphia acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay. By switching positions in the third round the Texans move up 12 spots and have the 77^th overall pick and the Eagles 89^th.

“DeMeco contributed significantly toward helping us build the foundation we hope will bring a world championship to the city of Houston,” general manager Rick Smith said. “His professionalism and leadership cannot be over-exaggerated.”

The Texans took a $2 million salary cap hit because the remainder of Ryans’ prorated signing bonus comes out of this year’s cap, but they cleared $9 million for next year when they’ll be trying to re-sign players like quarterback Matt Schaub, left tackle Duane Brown and outside linebacker Connor Barwin.