In what might just be a move to try to gain some leverage in their contract negotiations with Reggie Bush, the Houston Texans have exchanged contract proposals with both Bush and NC State defensive end Mario Williams.
Because they own the first choice, the Texans are free to speak with any of the prospects and to conduct simultaneous negotiations.
Houston general manager Charley Casserly said earlier this week that the Texans would likely not settle on a top pick until next week. Like most teams, the Texans are deep into their draft evaluation meetings, which will continue this weekend. The choice, Casserly all but acknowledged this week, comes down to Bush or Williams, but the consensus in the league is that the Texans will choose the former Trojans star.
The Texans have yet to receive any firm offers from other teams trying to trade up to the top spot. Certainly they have the right, and ability, to financially leverage Bush and Williams against each other by negotiating with both at the same time and to strike a deal most advantageous to the team.
The Texans already have a pretty good running back on the roster in Domanick Davis, so the idea of going with Williams isn’t necessarily a bad one.
