The New England Patriots have filed tampering charges against the Houston Texans over the AFC South team’s pursuit of Nick Caserio.
Caserio serves as the Patriots’ Director of Player Personnel and is viewed as their de facto GM, with Bill Belichick retaining final say over the roster. The Texans last week announced the firing of Brian Gaines after one season on the job as their GM. Reports immediately said Caserio would be Houston’s leading target for the job.
The Texans tried to interview Caserio for their GM vacancy last year but were turned down by the Patriots. They formally requested permission to speak with him again this year but have not heard back. That is likely due to the Patriots deciding tampering charges were in order.
The Patriots filed tampering charges Wednesday against the Houston Texans for the attempted general manager hire of Nick Caserio, league sources told ESPN.
The NFL now is expected to gather relevant informant to open its investigation against Houston, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 12, 2019
The NFL’s anti-tampering policy states, “Any interference by a member club with the employer-employee relationship of another club or any attempt by a club to impermissibly induce a person to seek employment with that club or with the NFL” is impermissible.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 12, 2019
The implications of a tampering accusation means the Patriots believe that the Texans have gone behind their back to speak with Caserio about the job.
Being a general manager is considered a higher title than director of player personnel, and teams generally allow their employees to interview for jobs that would be promotions. The Patriots feel differently in this case.
In a December 2014 interview, Belichick praised Caserio.
“He contributes in a lot of different ways and I’m glad I have him. I need him,” Belichick said.
Caserio has worked in the Patriots’ organization since 2001, working in scouting and even serving as a wide receivers coach. He has spent most of his time working in personnel and has held his current role since 2008.
