TAMPA, Fla. – Unprompted by a specific question about Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus’ pending free agent status, Texans coach Bill O’Brien made it clear how he feels about the veteran pass rusher.
“We want Whitney back,” O’Brien said Saturday afternoon after Mercilus recorded two sacks to help the Texans win their second consecutive AFC South division title. “We want Whitney back here and we want him to be a part of the team for a while.”
Mercilus’ four-year, $26 million contract is expiring and he’s scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. The 29-year-old first-round draft pick became emotional to hear how O’Brien feels about his contributions.