2013 Free Agents
 

I started this just for my own reference, trying to figure out where the Texans stood as far as free agents for next year. I was busier than usual this past summer and early this season (didn't even pay attention to the Brown/Schaub contracts), and with the team's success, I wondered how we were looking longer-term. Here are the current players that rotoworld lists as being FAs next year:

DBs: Glover Quin, Brice McCain, Quintin Demps, Alan Ball, Troy Nolan (RFA)

LBs: Connor Barwin, Tim Dobbins, Bradie James, Jessie Nading, Keyaron Fox(?who?), Barrett Ruud(?who?)

DL: Shaun Cody

OL: Antoine Caldwell, Rashard Butler, Ryan Harris, Andrew Gardner (RFA)

RB: James Casey, Justin Forsett

P/K: Shayne Graham, Donnie Jones

I actually feel pretty good after seeing that list - it is less significant than I'd feared overall, though a few positions look precarious. It seems we are looking at about half of our DBs, LBs, and OLs needing to be either resigned or replaced. With our success this year, it is going to be harder to keep everyone - some players will get overpaid as they are pulled to other teams wanting to get some of what we have had.

Is there any discussion/rumors about who on that list the Texans might already be targeting or have given up on? I am guessing we won't see any movement until after the season, but there are a few significant names on that list, and I'm guessing that even among those we target, we'll only get half of them at most.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

I see a couple of key players in that list. Not superstars but absolutely glue players. Quin, ball (st), dobbins, barwin casey, McCain. The rest don't really register for me.

I would think barwin and Quinn get od money. The rest Cody money at best.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

I'd "Like" to see the bolded retained first and foremost .... Followed by those in blue should cap space allow.

(Donnie Jones can take a hike if Hartman returns)

Bradie James - I prefer Dobbins & Cushing to James and Cushing .... even if we have yet to see the combination on the field. Dobbins just makes plays.

Barwin has shown to be more than just a pass rush specialist .... Not many 3-4 OLB's are covering WR's in the flats or 25 yards downfield and sticking to them like flies on a glue strip.
For the teams sake , I hope he continues to do what he's done thus far .... Just be solid , not spectacular so they can resign him to a reasonable deal. (For Barwins sake .... I hope he goes on a tear and breaks the NFL sack record without the QB fallin down to give him a freebie). :corrosion:


Quin and McCain are staples of one of the best secondaries in the NFL .... Would love to retain both , Ball has been a terror on ST and Demps a solid 3rd safety. Quin- McCain - Ball - Demps is my order of preference strictly among the DB's.

If the Bears game showed us anything about the defense , its how much Cody means to the DL .... argue the point , I dare ya.

Antoine Caldwell - This is a guy Im on the fence about (and probably shouldnt be). Never hear his name called .... Really wonder how much he means to that interior OL / Left side. No lower than the #1 priority of the "blue group" unless a significant draft choice or FA signing occurs.
As for the rest of the OL FA's .... I'd resign Ryan Harris for the vet min. the rest can take a hike.

Shayne Graham .... hit the road. The Johnny Football of place kickers is waiting in the wings ..... (I hope).


Donnie Jones , you can hit the road too if I can resign Hartmann. Otherwise , vet min .... or nuttin.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Brice McCain,
Quintin Demps,
Alan Ball,
Troy Nolan (RFA)
Connor Barwin,
Bradie James,
Keyaron Fox(?who?),
Barrett Ruud(?who?)
Shaun Cody
Antoine Caldwell
Rashard Butler
Ryan Harris
Andrew Gardner (RFA)
Justin Forsett
Shayne Graham
Donnie Jones

All Gone thanx for ur services and good luck in your future endavors

the big names Connor Barwin his fate was sealed once we used a first round pick on Merculius ..Unless he goes beast mode which he hasent ..and that still might not be enough

CLadwell cant stay healthy and u got draft picks behind him rdy 2 take his place

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Quinn has gotten better every year he has played and considering secondary players usually are better as they age there is no reason Quinn is an exception to this. Extending him would be in everyone's best interests.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

The one guy you didnt mention .... Glover Quin.


(I'd say he and Barwin are must haves - Mercilus was picked for deph and will remain that - Damn nice to have a team able to use that kinda pick on depth).

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Here's how I see it:

Say Goodbye:
McCain, he's not great but not bad either and even mediocre CB's get expensive in FA. Get's replaced by Brandon Harris.
Ball, good on ST but not worth resigning.
James, getting better as the year goes but not worth a FA contract, replaced in the draft.
Nading, bye.
Fox, who? Bye.
Ruud, not worth a FA contract, replaced in the draft.
Cody, on the wrong side of 30, injured, and not that great. Replaced in the 1st round of the draft. Not worth an expensive FA contract.
Caldwell, has been a disappointment, bye.
Butler, another disappointment, bye.

On the Bubble:
Nolan, good/decent depth depends on price, can be replaced cheaply.
Harris, could go either way future swing OT with experience or replaced with middle round draft pick.
Gardner, same as Harris, probably gone bye bye.
Graham, he and Bullock compete in TC for the position.
Jones, he and someone compete in TC for the position.

Try to Keep:
Barwin, could be on the bubble but depends on price.
Quin, same as Barwin, depends on price. Not alot of interceptions should be a reasonable resign.
Dobbins, inexpensive resign, play maker with experience. I'd love to see him next to Cushing.
Demps, inexpensive resign with potential, could be starter at SS if we lose Quin. Hope to keep both.
Forsett, we trade Tate and promote Forsett to RB#2.
Casey, inexpensive resign, not a huge loss if gone in FA.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

this could change it another factor is if we win the superbowl or not

if we win we break the bank and try and repeat if not we will tool but maybe not with these guyz win or lose

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

I thought Antonio Smith took on FA status in 2013 ?

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Another classic.

Mike

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Pretty much agree with this. O.P. there have been other threads if you want to research MB.

With our comp for Mario (3rd) we should be able to do quite well in draft. I am advocating a trade up in high second for our 3a, 4 and 5a. Also, hope we can trade Tate.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

No Wade $3m & Antonio $6m are signed through 2013.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Norgetta Stone Translation:

One thing that may be a factor for change in this equation is whether or not the Texans can win the Super Bowl.

If they were to win, it would be wise to spend all of our available capspace in 2013 to make a push for a repeat. If we lose, we should go back to the drawing board and retool the team to increase our chances of winning. However, it may not be with the same personnel we have this year regardless.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Hey, you guys be nice to Norg. GP says Norg has been no more or less wrong on things than any of us have.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Yeah, but who can tell?

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Haaaaaaaaaaaa! ha

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Just curious why you think Texans would have to re-tool? We seem to be in pretty good shape with excellent mixture of vets and younger guys. We are under cap but meet CBA criteria for spending, I just don't get your comment? Cushing is only prime player that is FA in 2014 and I can see Jonathan Joseph being redone to take care of him. Then Watt in 2014 with Schaub a candidate to bonus out. A very careful 2013 draft will replace many of the fringe guys & some guys like Ryan Harris and Bradie James and Cody could sign team friendly deals and Dobbins turns 30 in 3 weeks so he may grab a dollar here. The new CBA should reduce player movement.

The only question mark I see right now is Glover Quin. If he doesn't sign quickly, we could use a first for Ed Reed, Matt Elam or TJ McDonald or a second for Vacarro. Robert Lester or Tony Jefferson.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

I was just translating the Norg post via special software for everyone to read. My opinions are not reflected by the Norgetta Stone Translation Software, nor does it reflect the opinions of the Norgetta Stone parent company. All translations are free of charge and presented as is. No refunds.

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

every team re tools pretty much after every year

Re: 2013 Free Agents
 

Most excellent retort DR, as always. Stand firm and accurate, like every other time. :D


msr