Andre

Hal

Hal is only 27 (in May). The No. 216 overall pick of the 2014 draft, Hal became a starter his second year in the league and remained so until 2018. His health was a big reason why, as he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last summer. In a statement, Hal said his cancer was not why he was stepping away. Although never a star on the field, Hal did pick off an impressive 12 passes in 55 games over the past four years. He is young enough that he could eventually attempt a comeback.

It’s an impressive recovery after Hal was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in June. The Texans will likely ease Hal back after missing all of training camp and the last six weeks, but this is an upgrade to their safety rotation. Houston released OLB Daeshon Hall to clear a roster spot.

The Texans will continue to monitor Hall as he advances through protocols, but this is obviously great news. Hall opened the season on reserve/PUP, so he’s eligible to return in Week 7. Houston has been rotating Kareem Jackson and Justin Reid opposite Tyrann Mathieu.

“I lifted more this year and gained some strength,” Hal said, “and the weight came with the strength.” The 2014 seventh-rounder entered the league as a 188-pound corner, but he has worked himself up close to 200 after switching to safety. After holding his own in 11 starts last year, Hal should retain a starting role this season.

A seventh-round pick in 2014, Hal was entering the final year of his rookie deal. The details are not yet known, but Hal earned a raise with solid play in 22 starts over the last two seasons. That said, the Texans could use a step forward from Hal this year with Quintin Demps gone.

Standing in at 5-foot-10, 188 pounds, Hall was a second-team All SECer each of his junior and senior seasons. He’s a slot prospect who could also be an option on returns.

Hal (5-foot-10 1/4, 188) earned second-team All-SEC honors as a junior and senior, finishing his Commodores career with six interceptions and 8.5 tackles for loss. He also has kickoff return experience. An average athlete for the cornerback position, Hal ran 4.50 at the Combine with a 35 1/2-inch vertical and 9-foot-11 broad jump. Due to short arms (30 1/2") and sub-optimal size, Hal profiles as a low-ceiling slot corner with special teams value.

Dre Hal started the first preseason game, but Pleasant has opened up each of the last two. A box safety who should be an asset in the run game, Pleasant is a better like-for-like replacement for D.J. Swearinger than Hal. He should open the season in the starting lineup.

“My faith in God and the support from my family, friends, teammates and coaches will see me through this difficult time,” Hal said in a statement. “I will not let this diagnosis stop me from fulfilling my dreams and I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me. I know how to beat this and I will beat it.” It is unclear what this means for Hal’s football future, but that is obviously a secondary concern at this point. We wish him a fast recovery.