Report: Texans, Foster agree to deal

The Houston Texans averted one potential major off-season problem, agreeing to a five-year deal with running back Arian Foster, according to ESPN.com.

Foster was scheduled to become a restricted free agent, but even at the highest tender, a team wishing to sign him to an offer sheet would only have had to forfeit a first-round pick under the terms of the new CBA.

Therefore, the Texans were considering franchising him rather than losing the 2010 rushing champion to another team.

With Foster under lock and key long-term, the Texans' next issue will be whether they can retain linebacker Mario Williams, who can become an unrestricted free agent and costs too much for them to franchise. If Williams gets to the open market, a 4-3 team looking to switch him back to end could make him the highest paid defensive player in league history.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com