The Texans have also already parted ways with RB Ahman Green and LB Morlon Greenwood, helping them save $8.5 million on the salary cap.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The main priority for the Texans is to figure out what they are going to do with CB Dunta Robinson, who is an unrestricted free agent. He is coming off a serious injury, but he returned partway through last season and took back his starting job. He was not yet at 100 percent, but his knee held up well and Robinson is going to command money this offseason.

Robinson will likely be shooting for around $20-23 million in guaranteed money - an amount the Texans haven't given anyone other than Mario Williams in their short history.

As for their other current players facing possible free agency, there are no other players that will command nearly as much of their time - or money - as Robinson.

TOP THREE TEAM NEEDS

1. Defensive end: Given the team re-signs Dunta Robinson, they will be able to focus on bolstering their pass rush in the first round by signing another defensive end to help complement Mario Williams.

2. Linebacker: The Texans have questions surrounding young starters Zac Diles and Xavier Adibi. If they could get a big play outside linebacker, it would be key for them.

3. Running back: The Texans still need a situational-type back to spell Steve Slaton. He must be a little bigger and fit well into the zone-blocking scheme.

MEDICAL WATCH: The Texans have no major offseason injury concerns.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--S C.C. Brown could be re-signed to add some experience to the secondary, but he will have to compete to regain his starting job.

--TE Mark Bruener will not be back with the team. He is likely going to go into retirement. He spent most all of last season inactive.

--CB DeMarcus Faggins is one of the few remaining original Texans. He wants the opportunity to come back and compete for a job but he was the last corner on the roster by the end of last season and he could get bumped for younger players with more upside.

--S Nick Ferguson could come back. He was solid as a versatile backup last year and then played well in the starting job. Texans GM Rick Smith likes Ferguson and could bring him back as a backup.

--OL Scott Jackson has spent much of the past two seasons on the injured reserve list. His career is definitely in jeopardy. It's unlikely he would crack the lineup if he returns.

--LS Bryan Pittman was suspended for the final four games of last season and his replacement played well in his place and has more versatility since Pittman is strictly a long snapper. It's unlikely Pittman will return.

--CB Dunta Robinson is someone the Texans want back, but they will have to guarantee him a considerable amount of money or franchise him. He is the top priority of their free agents, but he won't come cheap.

--RB Cecil Sapp will likely return to compete for a job. His versatility helps since he can play fullback and running back.

--C/G Chris White has been a versatile backup on the offensive line. He will likely return to compete for a backup job again.

--CB Jimmy Williams spent all of last season on the injured reserve. He could return to compete for a job.

--S Eugene Wilson will likely return and compete again for a starting job. He played well when he moved into the starting role last season.

--DT Jeff Zgonina could return for another year as a backup. The Texans like to have veterans in the locker room, and he could remain in the mix as far as defensive line depth.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--WR David Anderson has proven to be a good special teams player and has picked up the offense. He's slow and lacks big-play ability, but the Texans like his work ethic and the fact he can make plays when needed.

--T Rashad Butler is improving as a player and will compete again to be one of the two backups at tackle on the offensive line.

--DT Earl Cochran played well last year before being hurt. He provides good power and speed as a backup on the defensive line.

--TE Owen Daniels just attended his first Pro Bowl and remains the future for the Texans at tight end. He is an integral part of the team's offense as a receiver and a blocker.

--TE Joel Dreessen moved up as the second tight end for all of last season. They like his size and athleticism.

--DE Stanley McClover was hurt all of last season and may get a chance to return to add some pass rush ability on the outside of the line.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--WR Harry Williams will not be re-signed. He had the injury to his spinal cord last year and will be forced to retire from football.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED: None.

PLAYERS LOST

--RB Ahman Green (released).

--LB Morlon Greenwood (released).