This offseason is going to be full of cap-saving moves, and the Houston Texans parted ways with two rotational players — Senio Kelemete and Peter Kalambayi — according to Ian Rapoport.
The #Texans are releasing versatile veteran OL Senio Kelemete today, per the wire, creating about $1.5M in cap space. The 30-year-old has started 42 games in his career. They also released LB Peter Kalambayi.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 23, 2021
Kelemete is a versatile veteran offensive lineman with a past linked to Terry Fontenot. He was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2012 and has been in Houston for the last three seasons, spending the five years in between with the New Orleans Saints.
As Rapoport noted, Kelemete has started in 42 of his 88 career games played. He was a 14-game starter in 2018 but was regelated to more of a reserve role over the last two seasons, starting in just five games. Kelemete didn’t let that affect his effort, though, as his impressive work ethic never faltered, which will be a staple of anyone Fontenot and Arthur Smith bring in.
“He came in and was physical every day,” former offenisve coordinator Tim Kelly said. “He came in with the right mindset, the right attitude. Put in the work. Didn’t say really anything, just came in and when he got his opportunity, he went out there and was productive. So, we continued to give him a little bit more and as that happened, he continued to be productive.”
The former Washington Husky would give the Falcons a versatile interior offensive lineman that could serve in a reserve role and not hurt the team, which is kind of a best-case scenario considering the team’s standing with the salary cap. Not only that, but he is also a knowledgeable offensive lineman. A veteran player like Kelemete could mentor the younger players, like Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary, as well as play multiple positions across the offensive line in a rotational role.
The only reservations I have about signing someone like Kelemete is that he has struggled with run-blocking in recent years, which is paramount in Arthur Smith’s offense. He’s always reliable in pass sets, but as a rotational player, you can’t expect Kelemete to have it all — he’d still be Houston if that were the case.
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Photographer: Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire
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