Dielman, Steinbach Rumor

[Texian]

POSTED 10:59 a.m. EST, February 24, 2007

DIELMAN, STEINBACH HAVE DEALS IN HAND?

Our sources in Indy tell us that two of the top offensive linemen in free agency might already have deals in place with new teams.

If their agents are to be believed.

Per the source, the agents for Bengals lineman Eric Steinbach and Chargers lineman Kris Dielman are telling people that they plan to sign contracts worth $7 million per year on March 2, or shortly thereafter.

The three teams who were thought to be most interested in either of these two guys are the Texans, Browns, and Cowboys.

Though it wouldn't be much of a surprise to learn that contracts have been verbally negotiated before the start of free agency (since it happens every single year), the other possibility is that the agents are puffing as to either or both of these players, in the hopes that someone else will offer as much or more.

Either way, make no mistake about it -- free agency officially begins in six days; unofficially, it's already started.

[TEXANRED]

Originally Posted by Texian

POSTED 10:59 a.m. EST, February 24, 2007

DIELMAN, STEINBACH HAVE DEALS IN HAND?

Our sources in Indy tell us that two of the top offensive linemen in free agency might already have deals in place with new teams.

If their agents are to be believed.

Per the source, the agents for Bengals lineman Eric Steinbach and Chargers lineman Kris Dielman are telling people that they plan to sign contracts worth $7 million per year on March 2, or shortly thereafter.

The three teams who were thought to be most interested in either of these two guys are the Texans, Browns, and Cowboys.

Though it wouldn't be much of a surprise to learn that contracts have been verbally negotiated before the start of free agency (since it happens every single year), the other possibility is that the agents are puffing as to either or both of these players, in the hopes that someone else will offer as much or more.

Either way, make no mistake about it -- free agency officially begins in six days; unofficially, it's already started.

I thought it was illegal to talk to a player from another team before FA began?

[Texian]

Originally Posted by TEXANRED

I thought it was illegal to talk to a player from another team before FA began?

It is but it isn't. If you ask any team or FA player to today what contacts they have made, they would all say none but they plan to do so next week.

[nunusguy]

What would be the idea if they pick up a FA guard, move Weary to center
and release McKinney (or insist that he take a steep cut in comp and be a reserve) ?

[Clash_Fan3605]

Originally Posted by Texian

POSTED 10:59 a.m. EST, February 24, 2007

DIELMAN, STEINBACH HAVE DEALS IN HAND?

Our sources in Indy tell us that two of the top offensive linemen in free agency might already have deals in place with new teams.

What are the sources in Indy? Could you give us a link?

*Nevermind- I got it*

[Clash_Fan3605]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

What would be the idea if they pick up a FA guard, move Weary to center
and release McKinney (or insist that he take a steep cut in comp and be a reserve) ?

I'm thinking the O-Line would be

Spencer / Steinbach or Dielman / Flanagan / Pitts / Winston

[ArlingtonTexan]

per profootballtalk.com

DIELMAN, STEINBACH HAVE DEALS IN HAND?

Our sources in Indy tell us that two of the top offensive linemen in free agency might already have deals in place with new teams.

If their agents are to be believed.

Per the source, the agents for Bengals lineman Eric Steinbach and Chargers lineman Kris Dielman are telling people that they plan to sign contracts worth $7 million per year on March 2, or shortly thereafter.

The three teams who were thought to be most interested in either of these two guys are the Texans, Browns, and Cowboys.

Though it wouldn't be much of a surprise to learn that contracts have been verbally negotiated before the start of free agency (since it happens every single year), the other possibility is that the agents are puffing as to either or both of these players, in the hopes that someone else will offer as much or more.

Either way, make no mistake about it -- free agency officially begins in six days; unofficially, it's already started.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[TexanSam]

They better be in the mix for FA offensive linemen, seeing as that's been one of our biggest needs EVERY SINGLE YEAR

[Clash_Fan3605]

if we can get these guys, especially Steinbach, I will be pumped!!!!!!!

[htownfoozball]

that would leave us with $3-6 million under the cap. means we better address the secondary early in the draft cuz we have no shot at nate in FA anymore if this is true.

[Clash_Fan3605]

yes. hopefully Michael Griffin or Chris Houston in the 2nd.

[tulexan]

we should be able to clear up more space when we cut and restructure several players in the coming weeks.

[ArlingtonTexan]

Originally Posted by htownfoozball

that would leave us with $3-6 million under the cap. means we better address the secondary early in the draft cuz we have no shot at nate in FA anymore if this is true.

A couple of things,

the bonus/salary thing does not work that cleanly depending on how the contract is structured so an average salary of 7 million per year does not have to mean 7 million off the 2007 cap.

The Texans have three (Williams, wong and Payne) contracts that have a good chance to be restructured or see the player cut in order to "compete" (Kubiak's word) in FA.

[Clash_Fan3605]

if we signed Steinbach, would we still draft Levi Brown? Brown and Steinbach could solidify our left side, but if we signed Steinbach, i think we should draft AD (of course if he's available), or Landry / Nelson. Then we could draft Chris Houston or Michael Griffin in the 2nd.

[threetoedpete]

Originally Posted by Clash_Fan3605

I'm thinking the O-Line would be

Spencer / Steinbach or Dielman / Flanagan / Pitts / Winston

Pitts isn't a right gaurd.

[Hulk75]

Lets just stick to the line, I am so happy that after 6 YEARS! Our names are finally with some good FA OLINEMAN, Good Heavens it took forever. That would be solid, I just hope Dielman is not trying to get back with his old coach in Dallas.

[aj.]

There will probably be some player transactions on Friday that surprise some people. The Texans have some real challenges financially.

[LORK 88]

Great post, good to see us going after some solid OL FAs finally! Do you have a link so I can check it out?

[TEXANRED]

Originally Posted by aj.

There will probably be some player transactions on Friday that surprise some people. The Texans have some real challenges financially.

Agreed, I don't see the Texans making a big splash in FA this year. We have a lot of work ahead of us to undo the mess Casserly left behind.

[LORK 88]

Originally Posted by TEXANRED

Agreed, I don't see the Texans making a big splash in FA this year. We have a lot of work ahead of us to undo the mess Casserly left behind.

I don't think we'll ever make a huge splash, but Rick Smith is apparently very good at getting solid FA prospects to come in. I don't think we do as well as everyone thinks (no way in hell we get Clements, Briggs, etc), but solid players like these 2 are very possible.