Arian Foster released by Houston Texans

After seven seasons, the Houston Texans have decided to release all-time leading rusher Arian Foster.

Texans Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Rick Smith made an official statement about Foster's release:

"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 we wish him only the best as he continues his playing career."

Foster suffered a torn Achilles tendon during week seven last season that ended his campaign.

Foster played in just four games in 2015 after suffering a groin injury during training camp.

He was largely ineffective running the ball gaining just 2.6 yards per carry, far off his 4.5 yards per carry over his career.

Injuries plagued Foster throughout his time in Houston. He played in just 25 games over the last three seasons.

Arian Foster Games Played and Missed in Career | PointAfter

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Foster also caught 249 passes for 2,268 yards, which places him fifth on the team's all-time receiving yards list. He joined the Texans as an undrafted free-agent immediately after the 2009 NFL draft and would begin his first season as a member of the team's practice squad before being signed to the active roster in November. He made his first career NFL start in the final game of the 2009 season and gained 119 yards on 20 carries and scored two touchdowns against the New England Patriots.

In 2016, he was set to entering the final year of a five-year contract signed following his 2011 season in which he rushed for 1,224 yards and had 12 touchdowns. He followed that season by leading the NFL with 1,424 yards rushing and 17 total touchdowns. His 54 touchdowns rushing and 6,472 yards rushing are franchise bests for the Texans.
 

Arian Foster Career Rushing Stats | PointAfter

The team would clear just over $6 million in cap space with this move.

Foster posted a message on Instagram thanking everyone for the memories.

"I've got 7 years of beautiful memories with teammates, staff and coaches I'll never forget. thank you all for being a part of this journey. people that I call friends and brothers have all contributed to the success of what we did on the field, and also to the person that I am off. with everything in me, I love and respect the men and women you are. you are a part of me for good. and to the city of houston, I genuinely appreciate every ounce of love I've ever gotten. from seeing a small kid to an 80 year old man wear my jersey. I never took it for granted," he wrote.

Many people on social media have been reacting to Foster's release. Some are thanking him for his time with the Texans.

The Texans also released tight end Garrett Graham on Thursday.