Texans GM Nick Caserio addresses rumors of Patriots return

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio referenced a popular movie and meme to address rumors regarding a potential return to the New England Patriots this spring. 

"Before we take any questions, quite frankly, I’m almost embarrassed that I have to say anything," Caserio told reporters on Monday, as shared by ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "Honestly, I feel sort of like Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Wolf of Wall Street' (video contains not-safe-for-work language). I’m not leaving. There’s never really been any substantive discussions of the sort." 

Caserio added the Texans have "made some progress" since he accepted the job in January 2021 and that he and his front office "still have a lot of work in front of us." 

Well-known Texans insider John McClain wrote in a piece published by Audacy last week that "a longtime member of an AFC front office I’ve respected for years told me he heard Caserio was leaving after the draft to return to New England" and that former NFL executive and current league insider Michael Lombardi had said that "change could be coming to the Texans' front office after the draft." 

Last Thursday, Florio noted that the Texans still haven't replaced executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby following his firing in October and that Easterby's departure "could be a factor for Caserio." 

Previously, Caserio worked for the Patriots from 2001 through the 2020 season. 

"Unfortunately, I think this time of year, there is a lot of information and topics that are discussed," Caserio explained. "Some are more accurate than others, and I think it transcends multiple landscapes. "But I'm honestly almost embarrassed that I have the say anything, but I feel like I have an obligation to make that statement. Really try to stay ahead of it. I really don't think there's anything else to talk about or to say any question about it." 

Caserio was permitted to hire DeMeco Ryans as his latest head coach this past January and is now tasked with making the most of possessing the second-overall pick in this year's draft. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted last Tuesday that Houston will use that asset to grab Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud, and five CBS Sports analysts are forecasting that the Texans will take either Stroud or Alabama Crimson Tide signal-caller Bryce Young.

As Florio pointed out, it's now on the Texans' ownership to either confirm or deny the accuracy of Caserio's latest comments about his future.