Texans coach Gary Kubiak plans to be cautious with quarterback Matt Schaub when the team assembles for offseason training activities. Kubiak told Sirius XM Radio that Schaub is making great progress in his recovery from season-ending Lisfranc surgery on his right foot. "He's actually playing some golf and stuff now, so he's out getting around," Kubiak said. "He's got a little hardware in his foot that he'll have to have removed here in a couple of weeks. But he will be released and be fine. "I will probably, throughout the course of OTAs, keep him out of team situations just to be smart. But he will do everything else, individual (drills), 7-on-7, those types of things."

The Texans have lost a number of players in free agency, including outside linebacker Mario Williams to Buffalo, guard Mike Brisiel to Oakland and cornerback Jason Allen to Cincinnati. Houston also traded linebacker DeMeco Ryans to Philadelphia for a fourth-round draft choice and an exchange of third-round picks. "Obviously, it's been a difficult 10 days," coach Gary Kubiak said. "We've lost some key players who are tremendous people and leaders. They played a big part in our building process. "It's going to be difficult to replace them, but obviously we have to move on and other players have to step up."

The Texans have traded DeMeco Ryans to the Eagles for a fourth round pick and they will also exchange picks in the third round. Houston will assume the fourth pick of the fourth round that Philadelphia had previously acquired from the Buccaneers. “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. “This move was mutually beneficial for the Texans immediate and long-term goals, DeMeco’s career and the Eagles. We appreciate all the hard work and effort DeMeco invested in our organization and wish him only the best moving forward. He’s a class act.” The move will clear $9 million of cap space next season. Ryans will have the opportunity to play middle linebacker for the Eagles in their 4-3 scheme.

The Texans have re-signed free agent center Chris Myers. Since free agency began, Houston has lost two offensive linemen and star outside linebacker Mario Williams. A league source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the four-year deal is worth $25 million, including $14 million guaranteed.

The Bills have met most of the conditions for a contract with Texans free-agent defensive end Mario Williams and are "close to a deal," a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. One source said the Bills will "do the deal," but they still are trying to satisfy another condition that concerns Williams. An answer is expected "real soon."

The Texans have released backup quarterback Matt Leinart and starting right tackle Eric Winston. A league source revealed Leinart's release earlier Monday, which the former Heisman Trophy winner confirmed on Twitter. "I appreciate and thank (Texans owner) Mr. (Bob) McNair and the Texans organization for giving me the opportunity to play. I will miss the Texans fans and most Importantly my teammates. I have no time to get down, focus is on getting healthy and being ready to go again! #believe," Leinart wrote. Winston, a former third-round pick by Houston, also tweeted his release. "Unfortunately I have bad news. The Texans have decided to release me today. Although it is a surprise, I have nothing but positive memories," Winston wrote Monday, "And great relationships that I have built over the years. While my future seems uncertain, I am confident I will land on my feet."

To the surprise of many, the Texans recently inquired about Peyton Manning, according to a source. Unlike some of the other teams pursing Manning, Houston already has most of the pieces in place to win a Super Bowl. The Texans also have Matt Schaub at quarterback.

With less than 48 hours remaining before the start of free agency, the Texans still have a shot at retaining Mario Williams. Houston didn't use their franchise tag on the linebacker, but according to sources, they still have a 50-50 shot at re-signing the defender. Williams, the first pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, suffered a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in Week 5 last season.

Houston's Andre Johnson and Dez Bryant of Dallas have restructured their contracts in order to create more salary cap space for their teams, according to sources. Johnson converted his base salary ($6.5 million) to a bonus and spread it out over a number of years. Bryant converted a $1.435 million roster bonus to a signing bonus and prorated it as well.

The Chargers are interested in signing Mario Williams, according to The San Diego Union Times. San Diego spoke with the linebacker's agent during the NFL Combine last month, but it's unclear if Williams was discussed. Williams, 27, is considered the top defensive free agent in this year's class, after totaling 53 sacks in six seasons with the Texans.