Linebacker Brian Cushing returned to Los Angeles to work on his college degree and to workout. Going back to USC to earn a degree in sociology was the easy part. Participating in a workout regimen designed for mixed martial arts by Fox insider Jay Glazer has been testing Cushing's resolve and allowing him to reach a mental and physical level he didn't know he had. ?Brian's a beast, an absolute animal,? said Glazer, who has been involved with MMA for 11 years. ?Usually, NFL players come to us in March, but Brian started the week after the Super Bowl. That shows the kind of player and person he is, the kind of determination he has. He's a cyborg.?

Former Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers has reached an agreement with the Texans on a two-year, $4.1 million contract, according to a league source. The contract has just $350,000 in guarantees. The Jets were scheduled to meet with Rackers on Tuesday, but the Texans acted fast to grab the kicker.

Texans strong safety Bernard Pollard signed his tender offer Friday, meaning he'll make $2.521 million this year. He was given the second-highest tender, meaning a team would have to sacrifice a first-round pick if it wanted to sign him and the Texans declined to match.