Texans show interest in recently released Boulware

Wednesday, May 18, 2005 | 9:01 a.m.

SUN WIRE SERVICES

After ranking near the bottom of the NFL in sacks each of the past three seasons, the Texans are in desperate need of an outside pass rusher. After being released by the Baltimore Ravens last week, Peter Boulware is an outside linebacker in need of a team.

Sounds like a good match. That is, if the Texans are satisfied with the health of Boulware's right knee and toe, which had injuries that contributed to him missing all of last season. There's also the matter of money, which played a part in the Ravens releasing their all-time sack leader.

Boulware visited the Texans and underwent a physical examination Tuesday. How things will progress from this point is unclear.

The Texans are prepared to enter the season with Antwan Peek and Jason Babin as their starting outside linebackers, but as general manager Charley Casserly demonstrated in his pursuit of St. Louis Rams left tackle Orlando Pace, he's willing to explore the possibility of acquiring elite talent.

Boulware, has 67 1/2 sacks and has been named to the Pro Bowl four times.

Tim Hasselbeck, Jesse Palmer and rookie Jared Lorenzen will compete to back up Eli Manning.

He rejoined the team after skipping a mandatory minicamp last month and getting fined by coach Jack Del Rio.

His main competition probably will be second-year player Matt Mauck. Former Colorado State star Bradlee Van Pelt and Chad Friehauf, the 6-foot-6 rookie from Colorado School of Mines, are hoping to get enough practice reps to impress their coaches.

It was not clear if those reasons were related to Smith's run-in with police at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on April 21. A search of a bag Smith was carrying turned up several vials of dried urine and a device called "The Original Whizzinator," which includes a fake penis, bladder and athletic supporter. The contraption is designed to beat drug tests.

Taylor has stayed away from the team's offseason program because he wants a new contract. Meanwhile, the Redskins waived undrafted rookie tight end David Kashetta to make room on the roster for newly signed linebacker Warrick Holdman.

The Redskins announced last week they were getting the 6-foot-1, 235-pound Holdman, but his signing was not made official until Tuesday.