Defensive end Earl Cochran recorded a career-high two sacks with the Texans last season.
The Texans rescinded their tender to restricted free agent Earl Cochran, effectively releasing the defensive end. Houston first extended an offer to him on Feb. 26, and the team had the right of first refusal if another team had signed him to an offer sheet.
Last year, Cochran recorded 17 tackles and a career-high two sacks before being placed on the injured reserve list on Nov. 19 with a toe injury. Cochran (6-5, 284) had been spending most of the offseason rehabbing the injury at Reliant Stadium and expected to be healthy for the 2009 season.
"They say my rehab is ahead of schedule, but there is a lot that goes into it," Cochran told Texans TV in January. "People say a toe injury sounds minor, but I had to relearn to walk. Right now, I'm at the walking stage, but I will be ready for next season."
Cochran has been a journeyman in the league for the last six years. The Texans signed him to the practice squad on Nov. 14, 2006 and activated him the following month.
Before landing in Houston, Cochran had a cup of coffee with the Vikings in 2005 and the Packers in 2003. He was out of football for the 2004 season.
Cochran grew up in the tiny town of Bessemer, Ala., and attended the same high school as linebacker DeMeco Ryans before playing collegiately at Alabama State. He was not drafted coming out of college.
"Anyone that knows me knows that I am a hard worker," Cochran said weeks before free agency began. "I'll be ready to go when it's time to put on the pads and helmet. People know what they are going to get from me. The proof is on film."
