Nick Novak was caught off guard when he was informed Saturday that he was being cut by the Texans coming off a record-breaking season.
Novak was replaced by strong-legged former UCLA kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn.
The former San Diego Chargers and University of Maryland kicker connected on a franchise-record 35 field goals and tied for second in the NFL for the most field goals.
Novak had been signed to a $1.15 million contract in the offseason that included a $250,000 signing bonus.
"Of course, it was a surprise for me, but I leave Houston with my head held high," Novak said in a telephone interview.