Patriots Notebook: Texans call off pursuit of Caserio, TE Roberts fails physical

The Texans have ended their pursuit of Nick Caserio. The team issued a statement Friday afternoon via Houston chairman and CEO Cal McNair.

“When we started the process to interview Nick Caserio for our EVP/GM position, we consulted the League office on numerous occasions, followed the procedures outlined in the League’s rules and believed we were in full compliance. We have now been made aware of certain terms in Nick’s contract with the Patriots. Once we were made aware of these contract terms, I informed Mr. Kraft that we would stop pursuing Nick.”

In a corresponding move, the Patriots have reportedly dropped their tampering charges, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Robert Kraft also issued a statement on the matter.

“The Houston Texans and the New England Patriots have always had a great working relationship. We appreciate the way Cal McNair has handled this situation.”

The Texans' statement raises a couple of questions regarding Caserio and his situation with New England.


The phrase “certain terms in Nick’s contract with the Patriots” is curious. What sort of terms? Is it some sort of long-term assurance for Caserio in place when it comes to his situation in New England? And what does this mean for the power structure with the Patriots? Could Caserio end up getting a new title? All questions when it comes to New England’s director of player personnel and his long-term relationship with the franchise. But in the meantime, it appears the Patriots won't have to worry about Caserio leaving the organization.

Roberts deal called off

The latest chapter in an eventful offseason for New England’s tight ends continued Friday when it was revealed tight end Michael Roberts failed his physical, which negated the trade between the Patriots and Lions for the former fourth-round pick out of Toledo. (Detroit promptly waived Roberts.) When it comes to the position moving forward for New England, it appears Matt LaCosse remains on track to be the Week One starter, with the possibility of Austin Seferian-Jenkins returning to the roster sometime before the start of next season and Ben Watson coming back after a four-game suspension to start the season.