Cushing has retired and joined the Texans as a strength and conditioning coach, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cushing played his entire career for Houston before being released last offseason and failing to catch on with another team. In nine seasons, the 2009 first-round pick amassed 424 tackles, including 13.5 sacks, and 30 passes defensed, including eight interceptions across 104 games played.

Cushing visited with the Seahawks on Wednesday, Liz Mathews of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

When he wasn't injured or suspended during nine seasons with the Texans, Cushing was quite productive, averaging 6.4 tackles per game while accumulating 13.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and eight interceptions across 104 contests. Working alongside Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, Cushing would solidify the second level of the Seahawks defense, assuming the two sides reach agreement on a contract.

The Texans officially released Cushing on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

The transaction was a formality after the Texans informed the Cushing two days earlier that they would part ways with him before the start of the new league year. While Cushing missed 10 games due to suspension last season, rookies Zach Cunningham and Dylan Cole proved to be capable options at inside linebacker, which likely contributed heavily to the Texans' decision to cut the veteran.

Cushing has been informed that he will be released by the Texans prior to the start of the new league year Mar. 14, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Texans will save roughly $8 million against the cap by releasing Cushing, who has performed well below his paygrade the past few years and was suspended 10 games this past season for his second violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Making this an even easier decision for Houston was the emergence of 2017 rookie linebackers Zach Cunningham and Dylan Cole, who evidently combined to make Cushing expendable. The 2009 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year will finish his time in Houston as the Texans' all-time leading tackler and will certainly draw interest from other organizations at a reduced price when he hits the open market.

Cushing had six tackles (four solo, two assists), including a sack, in Sunday's 45-7 loss to the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

Cushing has played two games since returning from a 10-game suspension and recorded a sack in each game. An inside linebacker for his entire career, Cushing is now playing outside linebacker, where his chances to rush the quarterback and record sacks increase.

Cushing returned from a 10-game suspension and had five tackles, including half a sack, in Week 14's 26-16 loss to the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

Cushing was at strong-side outside linebacker -- not his usual position, but one that could lead to more sacks for the eight-year veteran, who has spent most of his career at inside linebacker.

Cushing (suspension) received a repeal of his roster exemption Monday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

With the roster exemption no more, Cushing is set to play this Sunday's game against San Francisco. The timing could not be better with the news of Brennan Scarlett (foot) landing on injured reserve. Cushing will likely resume his starting spot when the team takes the field Sunday.

The Texans were granted a one-week roster exemption Wednesday to evaluate Cushing's condition following his completion of a 10-game suspension, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports. Cushing hasn't been added to the 53-man roster and isn't expected to play Sunday against the Titans. "We talked for a while," Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said, regarding whether or not to reinstate Cushing this week. "We're going to really condition this week to look at where he's at in that respect. He's been working out obviously, but football conditioning, see where he's at. It's great to have him back in the building and he's happy to be back and kind of take it from there."

EDGE Analysis

Cushing was unable to practice with the team while he served his suspension for being a repeat offender of the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy, so he'll take the next several days to get back up to full speed following the lengthy layoff. The Texans have lost multiple key players due to injury this season, but middle linebacker counts as one of the team's areas of strength. With that in mind, Cushing isn't certain to displace Benardrick McKinney or Zach Cunningham of their respective starting roles once he rejoins the roster.

Cushing returned from his suspension Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cushing returned to the Texans' facilities this week after he was suspended for 10 games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. Head coach Bill O'Brien noted that the Texans are in no rush to get the linebacker back on the field, as he may not be up to speed given his extended absence. Look for more updates on Cushing's status to come over the next handful of weeks.

Cushing (suspension) reported to team facilities Wednesday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cushing is eligible to return from a 10-game suspension next Tuesday. It isn't clear if he'll instantly assume his usual starting role off the bat.