Climb Aboard the Dream Weaver Train

[Wolf]

http://www.inthebullseye.com/

The Texans made a couple of highly anticipated moves this week, waiving running back Ahman Green and linebacker Morlon Greenwood, but when the announcement came, many believed the list had been missing one or two names. Defensive end Anthony Weaver and safety Will Demps both have sizeable base salary commitments in 2009, and neither player seems to be a lock to be named as a starter this season.

Weaver, the first major signing by the Texans after the hire of Gary Kubiak (one I loudly criticized three years ago), has two years remaining on a contract that is scheduled to pay him $3.5 million this year in base salary. Cutting him would accelerate the unamortized bonus money to hit this year’s salary cap to the tune of $5.4 million in dead money. Remember, that as 2009 is the last capped year for the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, there is no significance to June 1st cuts this year. In other words, teams are not able to forward future year’s dead money to next year’s cap, as 2010 is set to become an uncapped season without a new labor agreement.

While cutting Weaver would net to a cap hit this season, waving goodbye to Demps would actually save a little bit of space. Demps is entering the final year of a two-year contract that is set to pay him a base salary of $2.35 million this year. Cutting him will leave $500,000 in his wake, resulting in a cap savings of $1.85 million.

So why were both spared while Green and Greenwood are gone?

[Hardcore Texan]

Why the big dropoff last seaon in Demps from the season prior? He was a pro bowl alternate and making a lot of nice stops with some hard hitting. He just didn't seem to see the field that much last year.

I think the NFL and the Player's union needs to get a new CBA in place, it's in their best interest. If the economy continues down the pisser a LOT of folks will stop spending money on football including sponsors. Stop paying rookies that have never seen the field so damn much and give it to the veterans that have stuck around and earned their keep.

[DiehardChris]

My thoughts from a few days ago.

They knew Morlon was making WAY too much money to come back. I think they're just waiting on the draft's effect on the DE position.

Demps will be gone. I think they kept him because they think they might be able to get a 6th or 7th for him. Weaver is untradeable. Demps' contract isn't so ridiculous that a team might give a (very) late pick for him.

I mean - nobody WILL give us a pick for him, but I think the Texans figure they have nothing to lose by trying. Not to compare the situations - but kind of like the Falcons trying to trade Mike Vick. They know nobody's stupid enough - but they lose nothing by putting it out there.

[DiehardChris]

Originally Posted by Hardcore Texan

Why the big dropoff last seaon in Demps from the season prior? He was a pro bowl alternate and making a lot of nice stops with some hard hitting. He just didn't seem to see the field that much last year.

I think the NFL and the Player's union needs to get a new CBA in place, it's in their best interest. If the economy continues down the pisser a LOT of folks will stop spending money on football including sponsors. Stop paying rookies that have never seen the field so damn much and give it to the veterans that have stuck around and earned their keep.

He started gambling and losing in pass coverage. Then when he stopped gambling - his pass coverage just plain sucked. He was SO BAD that he wasn't even active for a few games.

[Hervoyel]

I think that Weaver and Demps, Green and Greenwood are all totally different problems and require different answers. It's no coincidence that both of them are defenders and that we're making big changes on that side of the ball.

Greenwood was an obvious cut because he's an enormous liability when he's on the field. His salary was too high but more significant than that is the fact that he might just be the worst linebacker on our roster. He was going to go even if his contract had been for the veteran minimum.

Green was also an obvious cut because he cannot stay healthy and on the field. Add to that the fact that Slaton emerged and Moats backed him up adequately and there's no set of circumstances by which Ahman Green can be on this team next season.

With Demps however you have a guy who played well for us in 2007, less effectively in 2008, and who makes "not crazy" money so... with a new defensive backs coach and a new philosophy I think Demps makes it to training camp while the new coaches evaluate him and determine whether they can use him. It might just be temporary but it makes sense to me.

The same thing is partially true with Weaver. He's been asked to do one thing for three years in Richard Smith's defense and failed miserably at it. He's expensive to cut and that's a big part of it but I also think that most of the guys on defense who did not excel in the old scheme will get evaluated and that some of them will get a shot to perform in Frank Bush's defense if he thinks they were not used to properly. Weaver might be one of these. I think he at least makes it to camp.

[ChampionTexan]

Originally Posted by Hervoyel

I think that Weaver and Demps, Green and Greenwood are all totally different problems and require different answers. It's no coincidence that both of them are defenders and that we're making big changes on that side of the ball.

Greenwood was an obvious cut because he's an enormous liability when he's on the field. His salary was too high but more significant than that is the fact that he might just be the worst linebacker on our roster. He was going to go even if his contract had been for the veteran minimum.

Green was also an obvious cut because he cannot stay healthy and on the field. Add to that the fact that Slaton emerged and Moats backed him up adequately and there's no set of circumstances by which Ahman Green can be on this team next season.

With Demps however you have a guy who played well for us in 2007, less effectively in 2008, and who makes "not crazy" money so... with a new defensive backs coach and a new philosophy I think Demps makes it to training camp while the new coaches evaluate him and determine whether they can use him. It might just be temporary but it makes sense to me.

The same thing is partially true with Weaver. He's been asked to do one thing for three years in Richard Smith's defense and failed miserably at it. He's expensive to cut and that's a big part of it but I also think that most of the guys on defense who did not excel in the old scheme will get evaluated and that some of them will get a shot to perform in Frank Bush's defense if he thinks they were not used to properly. Weaver might be one of these. I think he at least makes it to camp.

I actually believe this is pretty simple and straight-forward. When you look at the year-end depth chart, factor in expiring contracts, and consider the fact that free agency and the draft haven't yet taken place, Demps and Weaver are starters, and Green and Greenwood are not.

Once we re-sign, sign, or draft players who the coaches believe will be starters at their positions, I think there's a very good chance they'll both be gone shortly thereafter. I suppose it's possible that they could stick around as depth, but Weaver's salary will probably preclude that, and the fact that Demps lost his starting job to a guy signed in September, and was inactive for most of the games late in the year when the defense played it's best doesn't work in his favor.

[V3rm0nt3r]

Originally Posted by ChampionTexan

I actually believe this is pretty simple and straight-forward. When you look at the year-end depth chart, factor in expiring contracts, and consider the fact that free agency and the draft haven't yet taken place, Demps and Weaver are starters, and Green and Greenwood are not.

Once we re-sign, sign, or draft players who the coaches believe will be starters at their positions, I think there's a very good chance they'll both be gone shortly thereafter. I suppose it's possible that they could stick around as depth, but Weaver's salary will probably preclude that, and the fact that Demps lost his starting job to a guy signed in September, and was inactive for most of the games late in the year when the defense played it's best doesn't work in his favor.

that is what i was thinking.

with no clear 1st round safety yet and no consensus number one 4-3 DE in the draft why not wait and see who either emerges in the draft or who you can pick up in free agency. one more question. can Smith try to re structure Demps' contract for depth or is that a no no?

[beerlover]

Weaver seemed much improved @ the end of last season (was finally healthy & fully recovered from shoulder surgery) + provides veteren leadership & moral fiber (sounds cool). Anthony is a good guy representing the class this organization prides itself in. I wouldn't take that dead money hit going into his contract year instead at least let him play it out (Bush may have different plans for him).

[barrett]

i think it's as simple as letting guys who contributed stick around and compete. we're not in a position where we need to clear cap space.

[PHAROAH]

Cut Demps and move on and maybewe move Weaver inside as a pass rusher on 3rd downs as a specialists because he isn't quick enough off the edge. $1.85 million of savings to release demps makes since to spend that money on another player who can bring something to the table.

[dalemurphy]

Originally Posted by PHAROAH

Cut Demps and move on and maybewe move Weaver inside as a pass rusher on 3rd downs as a specialists because he isn't quick enough off the edge. $1.85 million of savings to release demps makes since to spend that money on another player who can bring something to the table.

There really isn't any point in cutting Demps until there's a replacement for him. We have over 20 roster spots to fill right now so I think some prudence makes sense right now.

[V3rm0nt3r]

Originally Posted by dalemurphy

There really isn't any point in cutting Demps until there's a replacement for him. We have over 20 roster spots to fill right now so I think some prudence makes sense right now.

the expectation is that at least one safety will be brought in during the draft. from early or late is anybody's speculation but one should be taken.

saying that i agree with you that we shouldn't just cut him for the sake of cutting him but rather wait and maybe let him compete in TC. the guy WAS after all a pro bowl alternate 1 year ago.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by PHAROAH

...and maybewe move Weaver inside as a pass rusher on 3rd downs as a specialists because he isn't quick enough off the edge.

The only thing Weaver specializes in is dropping his big fat game check into his bank's depository. He's been tried as an inside rusher in passing situations and, like everything else, he's failed miserably.

Originally Posted by beerlover

Weaver seemed much improved @ the end of last season...

Really? Much improved? I thought the defense improved the less Weaver saw the field. And even had he improved (which is very debatable), a few good games shouldn't trump 2 1/2 years of suckitude. It didn't for Richard Smith.

From the Keith's article, linked above:

What might be puzzling, however, at least in the case of Weaver, is why he isn’t asking to be cut. Surely, if fans can see the writing on the wall that his performance has not measured up to his salary, then it might behoove him to seek a new team in March, a time when other teams have more money to spend. It might also be easier for him to get up to speed with a new team at a time when camps and offseason workouts have yet to begin.

It's not that puzzling. Weaver won't get anywhere near on the free agent market the $3.5 million he's due on his current contract. Weaver could gt a big chunk of that if he were to trip on a blade of grass and wind up on IR. The Texans would be fools to let Weaver participate in OTAs or mini camps, much less training camp.

[Maddict5]

Originally Posted by Lucky

The only thing Weaver specializes in is dropping his big fat game check into his bank's depository. He's been tried as an inside rusher in passing situations and, like everything else, he's failed miserably.


Really? Much improved? I thought the defense improved the less Weaver saw the field. And even had he improved (which is very debatable), a few good games shouldn't trump 2 1/2 years of suckitude. It didn't for Richard Smith.

From the Keith's article, linked above:

It's not that puzzling. Weaver won't get anywhere near on the free agent market the $3.5 million he's due on his current contract. Weaver could gt a big chunk of that if he were to trip on a blade of grass and wind up on IR. The Texans would be fools to let Weaver participate in OTAs or mini camps, much less training camp.

another ND homer ... stop trying to gloss it over

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Lucky

Really? Much improved? I thought the defense improved the less Weaver saw the field. And even had he improved (which is very debatable), a few good games shouldn't trump 2 1/2 years of suckitude. It didn't for Richard Smith.

Yeah, really, about last half of season three starting in Minnesota. the timing of Weaver signing to Houston was doomed from inception, the Texans where changing scheme & coaches then used the #1 overall pick on the same position he played. sucks to be him I guess so he had to kick inside. obviously thats not his bag, he is more of a coverage end who is solid in run support but has very limited pass rushing skill. It would be nice if everyones game was well rounded but now I'm convinced this staff know him & how best to utilize his talents. this is why the Texans are after a speed rushing speicialist it doesn't mean Weaver is a waste or does not fit into Bush system going forward. bottom line he has more value on this team than off it combined with negating affects of dead money.

[PHAROAH]

Well let's get rid of Weaver then and let's stop wasting time I would like to dump Demps too this is taking cap space that we can use on someone for the future instead of waiting.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by beerlover

...obviously thats not his bag, he is more of a coverage end...

A coverage end? Is there such a position? Should there be such a position?

I dispute the assertion that Weaver is "solid" versus the run. I don't think any d-lineman on the team can be considered solid in that department. Mario has his moments, but he gets caught jumping inside, playing too tall, or blindly running upfield. Weaver's problem is that he just gets blown off the the LOS.

Mario can be coached up. Weaver is just not good enough. At anything other than being a "coverage end". Whatever that is.

[V3rm0nt3r]

here's a name that hasn't come up yet.

Andre Davis- 2008- 13 receptions- 213 yds.

2.1 million base salary
900 k bonus

http://www.inthebullseye.com/cap.html

that's $230,769.23 a catch or $14,084.51 a yd.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by V3rm0nt3r

here's a name that hasn't come up yet.

Andre Davis- 2008- 13 receptions- 213 yds.

2.1 million base salary
900 k bonus

http://www.inthebullseye.com/cap.html

that's $230,769.23 a catch or $14,084.51 a yd.

Which ignores his kick returns.

[V3rm0nt3r]

Originally Posted by infantrycak

Which ignores his kick returns.

so sorry.

23.09 yards a return. no touchdowns. a long of 50. WOW! don't get me wrong, they aren't bad stats but are they really worth 3 million dollars?