NFL.com's Ian Rapoport noted last week that safety Glover Quin is generating interest as an "underrated" free agent, who likely will have multiple suitors on the open market.
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Although ProFootballTalk mentioned "persistent buzz" that Quin will draw the franchise tag, the always reliable John McClain of the Houston Chronicle believes otherwise.
"The reason the Texansaren't using the franchise tag on a player like Quin is because he would get $6.9 million this year," writes McClain, "which would use almost all of their current (salary) cap."
Although the Texans "badly" want Quin back in the fold, that will prove problematic once he starts drawing lucrative offers in free agency.
If the Texans do lose Quin to another team, they could devote more money to long-term contracts for fellow free agents Connor Barwin, James Casey and Brice McCain. Extending the deals of defensive end Antonio Smith and linebacker Brian Cushing -- each of whom are entering contract years -- would free up even more cap space.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
