Could 'M*****F*****' Texans Cut Steven Nelson & Sign Ronald Darby?

As the Houston Texans show interest in adding another cornerback, is Steven Nelson starting to become expendable?

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans are days away from the start of training camp as general manager Nick Caserio could add another cornerback to the position group. ... though they could lose one from the group as well.

NFL Network reported Friday morning that the Texans were hosting free agent cornerback Ronald Darby for a workout at the Houston Methodist Training Center. Darby is a former second-round pick who has put together a solid career since entering the league in 2015 as a member of the Buffalo Bills. 

Should the Texans invite Darby to training camp, his talents could make for a surprise roster cut: Could the acquisition of Darby be a sign that Steven Nelson's Texans days are numbered?

Nelson was Houston's most productive cornerback in 2022. He finished the year with 52 tackles, seven pass deflections, and one interception. According to Pro Football Focus, Nelson finished last season as a top 50 player at his position (No. 40).

KPRC reported in June on Nelson's desire for an extension. The speculation grew after Nelson hired Athletes First's David Mulugheta, who represents several of the NFL's top defensive backs. But as we write this, the Texans have yet to sign Nelson to an extension, and his actions on social media create the impression the player is disgruntled.

Nelson has posted several cryptic messages over the past few weeks, which included an apparent rip Caserio following mandatory camp, where the 30-year-old defensive back appeared detached during practice. (Did Nelson really mean to say that Caserio is a "MF'' and a "clown freak''? Wow.)

I don’t follow the cornerback Freddie Mitchell, but someone sent this to me.

This from Steven Nelson’s Instagram story?

Dude is a trip. Been amused by the weird water carrying and fake contract issue all off-season. pic.twitter.com/9CAUedEkN3

— Landry Locker (@LandryLocker) June 28, 2023

Each time the Texans held two-minute drills or 11-on-11 play, Nelson watched from the sidelines while newcomer Shaq Griffin took the majority of first-team reps. Observing while a potential successor takes the field with the starting unit is not an ideal situation for a player seeking a pay raise.

Griffin signed a one-year deal to join the Texans as a free agent on May 13. He is determined to return to his Pro Bowl form following an injury-plagued season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Darby and Griffin could make Nelson expendable. The Texans will still have veteran cornerbacks Desmond King II and Tavierre Thomas, while second-year prospect Derek Stingley Jr. could take the lead as the team's top cornerback.

Houston has a handful of players who could receive a pay raise before Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. But it is starting to appear that Nelson may not be one of them.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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