Report: Texans to hire new GM with Smith taking leave of absence

The Houston Texans have begun the process of hiring a new general manager following current GM Rick Smith's decision to take a leave of absence due to his wife's recent cancer diagnosis, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Smith said Monday he's OK with Houston hiring a replacement and added he intends to return in his other role as the team's executive vice president. He currently holds both positions.

Nick Caserio and Monti Ossenfort of the New England Patriots, Brian Gaine of the Buffalo Bills, and Brian Gutekunst of the Green Bay Packers are all expected to receive interest for the role, added Rapoport.

Smith has acted as the Texans' GM since 2006.

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