Get Casey Hampton to the Texans? Maybe.

It's been rumored that the Pittsburgh Steelers may be looking to move Ex-Texas Longhorn Defensive Lineman Casey Hampton to clear up cap space and future contract issues. A Pittsburgh columnist has reported that they would not be surprised to see Hampton cut next week or traded to another team for a contracted player with less salary.

Hampton, 32 yesterday, would be a great addition to the roster if the Houston Texans could find a way to nab him up. His 6'1" 325 lb frame would be a perfect fit to help fill the gaps in between Mario Williams and Antonio Smith. During his 8 career he has amassed 147 solo tackles and 5.5 sacks. These aren't HUGE numbers, but for a Nose Tackle are telling of a solid presence in the center of the Defensive Line...which is exactly what the Texans are lacking.

It was no surprise that the Texans would trade away Travis Johnson who despite his team spirit and locker room presence, his on-the-field play has never lived up to what it was supposed to be. This trade, however, has left the up-front run support on the Texans a little light. Second year player Frank Okam, Shaun Cody, Deljuan Robinson and Amobi Okoye are the Texans most likely remaining interior Defensive Linemen for the Texans in the 2009 regular season. None of which have proven to be of a true, hard-nosed, throw around your weight, run-stopping caliber. They are great to give another guy a spell, but not as starters. For Okam and Okoye, this could be their break-through years, but I emphasize "COULD."

Hampton would step in as an immediate improvement to this bunch, but I can't see the Steelers just cutting a player who holds so much value. They'll get something for him, but what will it take. One idea is for the Texans to trade their 1st round pick for next years draft straight up for him. While this trade is just about right in value (if the Texans end up having the season they are supposed to and end up with the 16-32 pick), it's missing something.

The Steelers can't lose Hampton this year and expect their Defense to perform as well as expected. It's not like they are in a "RE-BUILDING ERA" or anything, so a trade will take a little more and should include someone who can step in and take Hampton's place.

A trade like Okam and next year's 2nd or 3rd round pick for Hampton, is a much more likely scenario that the Steelers would take advantage of. Their president may be old and Irish, but he's not dumb.

I expect the Texans to make a move on Hampton. They'd be inappropriately optimistic of their current talent at interior Lineman not to. It's time to make a move, Kubiak and this is it! Let's have this be stage one in bringing those Longhorns back to Texas.