Zach

Fulton

Fulton joins Joe Looney and Todd Davis as the latest Giants player to retire this week. Coach Joe Judge “left the door open” for all three to return later in the year. Fulton, a starter since 2014, was coming off a down 2020 for the Texans, allowing 11 sacks on 953 (97%) snaps.

Fulton has been a starter since 2014, including the past three seasons with the Texans. He was amongst the league’s very worst interior linemen in 2020, allowing 11 sacks. Fulton will nevertheless be part of the mix as the G-Men look to replace Kevin Zeitler on the right side.

Fulton, 29, was a starting guard for the last three seasons. He’s been a fringe-starter since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2014, and he may have to settle for a backup job in 2021. The Texans were unable to run the ball between the tackles last season and continue to turnover their roster under a new regime. His release saves $3.0 million against the Texans’ 2021 cap.

Initially due $14 million with no guaranteed money over the next two seasons, Houston and Fulton simply agreed to rework his deal to include $5 million (all guaranteed) in 2020 and another $3 million in non-guaranteed cash in 2021. He, along with LT Laremy Tunsil, LG Max Scharping, C Nick Martin, and RT Tytus Howard, are considered key pieces of the Texans’ O-line if only because all five are set to return and ensure continuity in front of Deshaun Watson despite the team’s (and league’s) tumultuous offseason. Fulton turns 29 in September.

Bill O’Brien didn’t offer a firm timetable for Fulton, though the Texans are calling his injury “mild,” suggesting he won’t miss much time. Houston’s beat-up O line was already on fumes before Fulton got hurt. That could be a problem for Deshaun Watson, who absorbed a league-high 62 sacks last season.

Fulton’s injury occurred just a few plays after Lamar Miller also exited on a cart. It has since been diagnosed as turf toe. That can linger, but it appears Fulton will be ready for the opener. Fulton is trying to hold off second-rounder Max Scharping on the right side.

Both were listed as questionable, and having both in the lineup is a boost to Deshaun Watson and Lamar Miller. Inactive for the Texans are OLB Duke Ejiofor, CB Natrell Jamerson, WR Vyncint Smith, CB Deante Burton, ILB Josh Keyes, DE Carlos Watkins, and DE Joel Heath.

It’s terrible news for the Texans’ pass protection, which has struggled mightily even with Fulton in the lineup. Greg Mancz is expected to start at right guard in Fulton’s place.

Both the Texans and Dolphins are extremely banged up for their short-week tilt. Greg Mancz is making another start in Fulton’s absence.

Fulton split first-team reps with Jeff Linkenbach and Rishaw Johnson during OTAs. At 6'5/316, he has mauler potential and good arm length (33 1/4") for pass protection. The Chiefs believe Fulton is capable of being a Week 1 starter.