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Texans' Bill O'Brien 'would love' to retain safety Tyrann Mathieu

INDIANAPOLIS - One of the most complicated decisions facing the Texans is what shapes up as a likely either-or situation.

The Texans have $78 million in salary-cap space, but are considered unlikely to re-sign both of their pending veteran free agent defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson.

A former Arizona Cardinals All-Pro who plays the game with a feisty style, Mathieu played last season under a one-year, $7 million contract and emerged as a team captain. He was forced to play a lot of nickel due to injuries at cornerback. Starting every game, Mathieu finished with 89 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.