The Houston Texans announced Monday they released safety Danieal Manning.
Negotiations initiated by the Texans geared toward reducing Manning’s $6 million cap figure failed, and Houston opted to cut ties with the veteran, who will be 32 in August and is returning from a major knee injury.
Manning was due a $4.5 million base salary and refused to take a pay cut.
“I’m dealing with it great,” Manning told FOX 26 in Houston. “Both parties agreed to disagree. It’s nothing personal. I’m really not upset at all. … To be honest I’m actually kind of happy. We all came to an agreement. There’s no bad blood.”
Manning had 24 tackles and one sack in six games last year before the injury. He signed a four-year deal with the Texans in 2011 as a free agent after beginning his NFL career with the Chicago Bears.
Manning thanked the Texans fans for supporting him during his three years in Houston.
“These fans embraced me,” he said. “They made me feel at home every time. Those guys will be missed. I wish I could bring them with me wherever I go.”
A second round draft pick of the Bears in 2006, Manning has 506 tackles, 11 interceptions, 41 pass breakups, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, four sacks and one interception in his career.