Texans Effort to Keep Daniels, Ryans, Pollard

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans have made qualifying offers to seven players who will become restricted free agents Thursday night.

The Texans made the moves in an effort to keep all seven players with the franchise, retaining the right of first refusal on all of them.

At the top of the list are Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels and Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who received the maximum tenders.

If the Texans were to allow Daniels and/or Ryans to leave they would receive first and third-round picks as compensation, which makes it unlikely either is going anywhere.

It's a similar situation with safety Bernard Pollard. If the Texans didn't match any offer he received, the Texas would get a first-round pick as compensation, which also means it is unlikely he will be leaving Houston.

Along with retaining right of first refusal on offensive tackle Rashad Butler and runningback Ryan Moats, the Texans would also receive compensation if they let either of them go.

In both cases the Texans would receive their original draft picks, which for each is the third round.

The Texans have also maintained right of first refusal with defensive tackle Tim Bulman and guard Chris White. The Texans would not receive any compensation if they don't match their offers.

Also, defensive tackle Deljuan Robinson signed his minimum tender and will continue with the Texans. He will make $470,000 in 2010.

Unless any of the players given qualifying offers sign multiyear contracts, they will get the one-year tender with the following salaries:

Owen Daniels $3.168 million
DeMeco Ryans $3.168 million
Bernard Pollard $2.521 million
Ryan Moats $1.226 million
Rashad Butler $1.176 million
Chris White $1.226 million
Tim Bulman $1.101 million

Pollard was signed as a free agent early in the 2009 season after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs. He became a major force in the Texans secondary, starting the final 13 games of the season.

He told FOX 26 Sports Wednesday, while he is pleased with the value the Texans have placed on him, he wants the security that goes with a multiyear deal.

"I love the Texans," Pollard said. "I love my teammates and I love the city.

"With this tender there's no security. I'm not trying to break the bank. I just want some security."

Pollard said the size of his paycheck will never determine his level of play.

"I am going to play my butt off this season," Pollard said. "I will bring my A-game.

"Everybody wants a multiyear deal. Your play gets you a first-round tender. We as players don't hold any cards right now. We have to take this deal."

The Texans top players who will become unrestricted free agents include cornerback Dunta Robinson, receiver Kevin Walter and guard Chester Pitts.

The Texans have already decided to let Robinson leave after six years with the club.