Texans release franchise-leading rusher Arian Foster

The free agent market is gaining another bold-name player: via a tweet from his agent and multiple reports, the Houston Texans are releasing running back Arian Foster.

The franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards, Foster has struggled mightily to get and stay on the field in his career due to injury, and played in just 25 of 48 games from 2013-2015. Last year, he was in uniform for just four games; Foster missed three early contests with a groin injury, then was knocked out for the year when he tore his Achilles against the Dolphins on Oct. 25.

Foster's agent, Mike McCartney, tweeted this on Thursday morning:

	Mike McCartney @MikeMcCartney7
What a great RUN @ArianFoster had with the @HoustonTexans! Thanks to the Texans & I'm personally excited what lies ahead for Arian! 6:48 AM - 3 Mar 2016

The Texans confirmed the move on Twitter, and included a quote from general manager Rick Smith: "There are not many players I respect more than Arian Foster. He maximized his opportunity as an undrafted college free agent and worked to become the most productive back in franchise history, and one of the most complete backs in the NFL during his tenure with the Texans. Arian has contributed much, and meant a great deal to the success of the franchise over the past seven seasons and wish him only the best as he continues is playing career."

Smith was asked about Foster's status with the team at the combine last month and said, "I'll tell you this: his salary is not a reason why we will cut him."

But cutting Foster does save Houston $6.625 million against the salary cap.

An undrafted free agent out of Tennessee in 2009, Foster played in 16 games just twice in seven seasons, but was a four-time Pro Bowler and was selected All-Pro in 2010, when he had 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, plus 66 catches for 604 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Earlier Thursday, the Carolina Panthers announced they were releasing DE Charles Johnson, he of 63.5 career sacks; on Wednesday, the Atlanta Falcons released their franchise-leading receiver, Roddy White, and on Monday the Buffalo Bills released former All-Pro Mario Williams.