Whitney Mercilus: Retires from NFL

Mercilus announced his retirement Wednesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Mercilus split time between the Texans and Packers during his final campaign, totaling 17 tackles (nine solo) and four sacks across 10 appearances. The veteran made an improbable return from a mid-season biceps injury and appeared in Green Bay's playoff loss to the 49ers, but he'll hang up the cleats after not liking the options available to him in free agency. The 2012 first-round pick ends his 10-year career with 117 quarterback hits, 58 sacks and 13 forced fumbles.