Sun Sep 2 04:04:56 2007

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Texans Acquire Boulware, Finish Cuts

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Houston, TX (Sports Network) - The Houston Texans acquired safety Michael Boulware from the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, exchanging former first-round draft pick and defensive end Jason Babin for the defensive back on a day that also saw Houston reach the 53-man roster limit.

Boulware was a second-round pick of the Seahawks in 2004, and played in every game for Mike Holmgren's team over that span. The Florida State product and brother of former Ravens Pro Bowler Michael Boulware has 11 interceptions in his NFL career, and is expected to bolster a Houston secondary that has had trouble turning in big plays in recent years.

Babin was selected out of Western Michigan with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2004 Draft, but did not make much of an impact in his three years with Houston. The defensive end totaled 13 sacks during his three years with the Texans, and started a combined five games in 2005 and 2006.

Also on Saturday, Houston announced the release of defensive tackle Cedric Killings, who appeared in four games with the team last season, and placed fifth-round draft choice and safety Brandon Harrison (hamstring) on season- ending injured reserve.

On Friday, the team released the following players: fullback Jon Abbate, wide receiver David Anderson, linebacker Trent Bray, guard Mike Brisiel, defensive tackle Tim Bulman, defensive end Victor Degrate, tackle Brandon Frye, center Drew Hodgdon, wide receiver Bethel Johnson, running back Wali Lundy, defensive end Alfred Malone, wide receiver Keenan McCardell, cornerback Dexter McCleon, free safety Brandon Mitchell, cornerback Tyrone Poole, defensive end DelJuan Robinson, punter Chad Stanley, running back Darius Walker, free safety John Walker, and quarterback Jared Zabransky.

The Texans will open the regular season on Sept. 9, when they host the Kansas City Chiefs.