Adam Schefter told us Anthony Weaver was not long for Reliant Park, and that became official today. What we did not know, and thus what qualifies as news, is that your Houston Texans also cut ties with Ephraim Salaam and Will Demps this afternoon.

Examined critically, none of these moves should surprise us. We've already gone on at length about The Corpse Formerly Known As Anthony Weaver, so no need to pile on any more there. Ephraim Salaam was originally signed as a reserve swing tackle a few years ago, but was thrust into the starting left tackle spot after Charles Spencer went down. I always thought Salaam performed admirably in '06 and '07; he wasn't an impenetrable wall, but I thought he generally acquitted himself well. Once Duane Brown arrived last year, the clock was officially ticking on Salaam's career here, and Kubes' decision to name the rookie as his starter at LT from Day One virtually cemented a long goodbye for the veteran. Even when Salaam did get on the field this past season to spell Brown, he looked as if he'd lost a step. Thus, I'm not really shocked that the team decided to go with a younger, cheaper Rashad Butler as Brown's backup instead of Salaam. Nevertheless, best of luck to Ephraim in whatever he does next.

Will Demps is a fine example of the old adage that "NFL" stands for "Not For Long." Signed off the street as a free agent in September of 2007, Demps came in and fashioned a Pro Bowl (alternate) season. A free agent after the 2007 season, Demps parlayed that success into a two-year deal with the Texans and entered camp as the starting free safety. Then, it all fell apart. Demps didn't really look like the diamond in the rough Smithiak discovered in 2007, thus giving Nick Ferguson and/or Eugene Wilson an opening to take his job. Soon enough, Demps found himself inactive or special teams fodder, and it was all but impossible to envision a future for him in Houston. Disappointing '08 season aside, I wish nothing but the best for one of the smoovest cats around.