The reigning NFL champions have commenced the process of identifying the best 53 players to attempt to defend the crown.
The team officially announced on Monday a variety of roster moves, headlined by the release of veteran tackle Wade Smith and veteran cornerback Terrell Thomas.
Smith, a 12-year veteran, started every game in Houston from 2010 through 2013. He signed with the Seahawks on August 4.
Also gone are tackle Cory Brandon, running back Demitrius Bronson, safety Mike Dobson, defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat, receiver Kevin Smith, and cornerback Thomas Wolfe.
Jeffcoat, the 2013 Big 12 defensive player of the year and winner of the Ted Hendricks Award, arrived as an undrafted free agent with a “boulder” on his shoulder. That still wasn’t enough to get Jeffcoat to the final 75.