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Dunta speaks about Returning and the Franchise tag
- Thread starter AcresHomesTexan
- Start date
painekiller
All Pro
Then give us the right to match any offer. Oh that right, you can't do that because the union would be mad.
He is only hurting himself right now.
He is only hurting himself right now.
m5kwatts
Veteran
23 million in 2 seasons of work + the longterm contract's guaranteed money you'd get before the 3rd season and you're unhappy with those prospects Dunta? His stance is beginning to make less and less sense as the days go by. He's acting like a 2 year old put in time out and won't mend fence just because his wittle feewings got huwwt. Friggin baby.
swtbound07
Jackass of Day!
football players want job security. In a year to year league, wanting a multi-year deal to set yourself up financially isn't selfish. I wouldn't want to be the guy who never gets a big contract, gets tagged repeatedly and discarded. He has proved to me that he is our best cornerback. I'd like him for a longterm deal. I also think the franchise tag screws his life up if he gets injured. I wouldn't take the tag 2 straight years. Thats playing russian roulette with your money for the rest of your life. I think everybody in here throwing stones at him doesn't understand the business nature of this game and doesn't realize how important of a piece he is to our secondary. I wish dunta the best and hope he gets the long term security he wants and the money he deserves, and I hope its with the Texans, because we won't find another Dunta Robinson
It seems like removing the franchise tag is a simple thing. It only protects the Texans if he he plays very well this year and would then command a big free agent contract. If he only plays average, they wouldn't want to pay him $12M anyway. I hope Rick Smith isn't just being stubborn and trying to save face, or worse yet delaying the signing just to send a message.
It was also good to hear Dunta doesn't sound as irrational and spiteful as he's been painted here. He knows he needs to be in camp. He needs to consider pulling the trigger too. He and Smith are both being very stubborn.
It was also good to hear Dunta doesn't sound as irrational and spiteful as he's been painted here. He knows he needs to be in camp. He needs to consider pulling the trigger too. He and Smith are both being very stubborn.
m5kwatts
Veteran
Can't negotiate long-term anymore. He's locked in at 9 mil a year once he signs that tag, and thats his only option for playing NFL football this season. If I was him I would realize that there's no way out of it this year and save this tantrum for next offseason when the Texans may have to worry about franchising other guys like Kevin Walter, Owen Daniels, & Chester Pitts. Does he realize he's coming off of major knee surgery and needs to re-prove his worth? This isn't 2004 Dunta Robinson, its 2009 post-major knee op Dunta.
Thorn
Dirty Old Man
He's not that great of a CB. With the franchise tag he's overpaid. I don't care what everyone says, he's not worth the money. He might be the best CB on the Texans, but that doesn't mean for a second he's worth it. The Texans don't have a good defensive backfield, CB or Safeties, and just because he's the best CB we got, doesn't mean he's worth what the top corners in the league make.
P
Polo
Guest
To me it seems more and more like the team is handling this the wrong way...
Why in the hell would you franchise a guy two years in a row that you think isn't worth a big contract...
Why in the hell would you franchise a guy two years in a row that you think isn't worth a big contract...
m5kwatts
Veteran
Did the front office tell you they plan on franchising him a second year in a row? Just because the Texans aren't cowering to Dunta's threats doesn't mean they're locked in to franchising him a second year. His performance this year will dictate whether or not he's franchised, signed long term or allowed to walk.
C
Ckw
Guest
What I don't understand is why if he wants to play here he is even worried about getting franchised next year. If we want him that bad and he wants to be a Texans his whole career, then surely we would reach an agreement next year. The thing is he doesn't want to be a Texan. He even alluded to being offered close to the 23 mil guaranteed he wanted but still turned it down. I don't remember all the times it has happened but a majority of the time that a player is franchised two years in a row it is because the player does not want to play for that team anymore. They want out.
All this really makes me wonder if we had not franchised Dunta what would have happened. Would any team have been willing to give a player that just came off the injury Dunta had the kind of money Dunta supposedly wants? I really don't think so, and it would have been interesting to see just how much Dunta wants to be a Texan. I would be willing to be we probably offered him more than most teams would have been willing.
All this really makes me wonder if we had not franchised Dunta what would have happened. Would any team have been willing to give a player that just came off the injury Dunta had the kind of money Dunta supposedly wants? I really don't think so, and it would have been interesting to see just how much Dunta wants to be a Texan. I would be willing to be we probably offered him more than most teams would have been willing.
Thorn
Dirty Old Man
I have no idea. None. The only thing I can think of is he actually is the best CB we got on our team right now, and losing him is something Rick Smith doesn't want to do, no matter the cost.
Jackie Chiles
Veteran
The franchise tag isn't something as black and white as being over or under paid. It is a way to retain talent and as long as a team has wiggle room under the cap that wouldn't get spent might as well go ahead and use it imo. What I mean is, the Texans would rather go into next season perhaps overpaying Dunta instead of losing him and going into the season with a bunch of cap space that isn't going to do them any good.
Texan JBZ
Da Sip's Finest
The thing is that if we believe all the sources on this negotiation, the Texans did offer Dumbta a big contract that he decided to turn down! If he really wants to be a Texan like he says he wants to be, then why does he need the FO to guarantee not to tag him again? If Dumbta was worth as much as he thinks he is, then teams would have gladly gave the Texans a draft pick or two for him, ala Matt Cassel. With the way he's acted, I would be upset with Rick Smith if he caved in to Dumbta. Let him rot. And to think, this guy used to be my favorite Texan.
It's crazy. Both sides are making a stand and won't give in. The second franchise tag protects the Texans ONLY if Dunta shows he's worth huge guaranteed money next year. They must think that may happen, since they are essentially reserving the right to pay him $22M for two years.
P
Polo
Guest
That doesn't make any sense. Why would they be locked into franchising him when they have no idea what the future holds...
I think you missed my point which was that they are even leaving the door open for the possibility. If you think that a 23 million dollar offer was being generous or fair, why would you franchise the dude two years in a row paying him that much in two years...
Seems like the team is being especially stubborn, maybe trying to send a message...sorta like law enforcement not negotiating with criminals in hostage situations...
Why continue to franchise a guy? Seems like that only would upset the player and the teams pocketbook...
I dunno, just seems stubborn that they won't agree to not franchise him again when so many teams have done the same thing...
Texan JBZ
Da Sip's Finest
Because draft picks are too damn valuable. Only two players have ever got the guarantee that their current team wouldn't tag them two years in a row. In both cases, both players bolted and left the team without any compensation. Hell, Al Davis didn't even offer that type of deal to Nnamdi when the Raiders tagged him, so what makes Dumbta believe Rick Smith should give that type of deal?
Jackie Chiles
Veteran
They want to retain some leverage. If Dunta's two options are a 2nd year under the franchise tag or to sign long term with the Texans their chances are better than him hitting FA. They are probably also being a bit stubborn so that when they use the tag in the future guys don't think they can influence the team with a holdout.
Jackie Chiles
Veteran
Shaun Alexander also got that guarantee but he stayed with Seattle (unfortunately for them). Other than those three I cannot think of anyone else.
HJam72
Hall of Fame
It all just sounds to me like both sides are concerned about Dunta getting re-injured. The Texans don't want to lose him or give him a long-term deal until he proves he can stay healthy, and Dunta just wants a long-term deal, period.
He'll hold out until the first practice after preseason ends. Next offseason, the big problem will be that other teams ARE offering him big money. He'll probably get franchised again, although Smith doesn't know that yet, lol.
He'll hold out until the first practice after preseason ends. Next offseason, the big problem will be that other teams ARE offering him big money. He'll probably get franchised again, although Smith doesn't know that yet, lol.
V3rm0nt3r
Rookie
IF i were Rick Smith i would agree to this deal. this team says again and again that anything other than the playoffs is a failure and i see this defense a lot more intimidating with DR in the backfield. lets be honest there is no way that Deltha O'Neal, Fred Bennett, a second year pro that didn't play CB his rookie year and two rooks stand a chance against an NFL passing attack. i don't care how good the pass rush or the LB corps are. and if he doesn't play well then don't resign him and draft someone. if he does, sign him long term.
Jackie Chiles
Veteran
Hes not sitting out the whole season though, those guys aren't going to have to play his position in the games that actually count.
Pantherstang84
@rolisrgti06
Because Dunta wants to leave next year giving the team no compensation? That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
If he means what he says that he will not show until the first week of the season, then Smith ought to pull the tag while his plane is on its way to Houston. Spend a year unemployed or at the vet minimum.
I think that the reason that Dunta wants more than the 23.5 mill gaurantee long term contract is that he feels that he can be franchised for that amount over 2 years and is saying that the Texans brass is going to pay me that amount anyway over the next two years by placing the tag on him. So I believe that he is trying to use that as leverage against the Texans (salary cap space) to get a bigger gauranteed money over time. I.E.
W/Franchise Tag next two years = est 22.5 million
Long term contract = est 6 years 55 mill w/ 24.0 million gauranteed.
*I think what Dunta and his agent is looking at is the contract that DeAngelo Hall signed with the Redskins earlier this year which was 6yr 54 million w/22.5 gauranteed as a starting point in negotiations. Chris Gamble's deal was also for 6yr 53 million w/23 million gauranteed in 2008. All 3 of these guys were drafted in the first round of the 2004 draft Hall at #8, Dunta at #10 and Gamble at #28.
*Here is all 3 stats side by side.
D.H. GS - 72 - TKL - 301 Sacks - 1 FF - 3 INT - 22 PD - 57
C.G. - 77 - - 355 - 1 - 4 - 20 - 46
D.R . - 68 - - 329 - 4 - 5 - 13 - 45
W/Franchise Tag next two years = est 22.5 million
Long term contract = est 6 years 55 mill w/ 24.0 million gauranteed.
*I think what Dunta and his agent is looking at is the contract that DeAngelo Hall signed with the Redskins earlier this year which was 6yr 54 million w/22.5 gauranteed as a starting point in negotiations. Chris Gamble's deal was also for 6yr 53 million w/23 million gauranteed in 2008. All 3 of these guys were drafted in the first round of the 2004 draft Hall at #8, Dunta at #10 and Gamble at #28.
*Here is all 3 stats side by side.
D.H. GS - 72 - TKL - 301 Sacks - 1 FF - 3 INT - 22 PD - 57
C.G. - 77 - - 355 - 1 - 4 - 20 - 46
D.R . - 68 - - 329 - 4 - 5 - 13 - 45
Pantherstang84
@rolisrgti06
I'm all for that. It's time the vets learn that Casserly is gone.
Maybe Smith is trying to make sure we get SOMETHING in return if DROB bolts. How many players have we just let walk? That's the only arguement that makes sense to me. Maybe both of them picked the wrong battle to fight cuz it's looking like a lose-lose proposition.
ChampionTexan
Hall of Fame
Why does it make sense for either side to give in?
You've stated repeatedly (correctly I might add) that the terms of the long-term contract Dunta turned down are nothing more than speculation to those of us on this board. The widely held belief that Dunta's overrated and not worth the franchise tender amount is also only speculation, and the reality is nobody knows the Texans true belief about the value of Dunta Robinson if (and "if" is a huge component of this theory) he can return to pre-injury or almost pre-injury form.
Could it be that the Texans truly do view Dunta as a top-5 CB if he can get back to 95% (just to arbitrarily put a number on it) or better of his pre-injury form? Could it be that while Dunta may not be a top 5 "Shut-down" CB, that there are other skills he brings to the table in addition to a not quite "Shut-down" coverage ability? If the Texans are concerned about Dunta's recovery, but can make a 1-time payment of $10 Million to put themselves in a position to benefit from a full/close to full recovery, but risk zero beyond that if Dunta never fully recovers, why shouldn't they afford themselves that opportunity?
Nobody knows anything for sure - and I don't know what the Texans viewpoint of the value of a fully healthy Dunta is, but if the CBA negotiated by Dunta's union gives the Texans the clear-cut ability to pay handsomely for a year of his services, and then make a one-sided decision about whether they want him back, why should they not avail themselves of that? It's a smart business move, and a smart football move.
The risk is that Dunta holding out until after the last pre-season game costs them a victory or two in the first part of the season. If Smith/Kubiak/McNair genuinely view that as worth the risk (which is the $9.957 Million Dollar question), how can you trivialize that as mere stubborness?
ChampionTexan said:
Well, first of all I don't trivialize $10M. It's a lot for Dunta; it's a lot for the Texans to pay. However, it is also one of the few truly known variables in the situation. It is a given.
Other than that, you make a good point. I've listened to so much trashing of Dunta by fans I'm not really considering what the football minds might think. While I don't think Smith and Kubiak are perfect talent evaluators, I need to think about the view of the expert versus that of the hebetude.
Specnatz
Hall of Fame
I do not think a GM or a coach would ever tell a player that they are not worth franchising. Dunta is not an stupid and his agent is not a complete moron, could this be spin to put D-Rob into a more positive light because he has been taking a PR hit on message boards.
As far as the ICOU and Haynesworth go there were stipulations attached to if the franchise tag could be used again. ProBowl, so much of the Defensive plays and something else. I wonder if Dunta would accept any of these conditions like others have done, as he is put it.
There is no reason to get involved in the details of all this. The bottom line is simple: Dunta says he wants to come back in time to be ready to play the first game. That is all I care about. I just want him to play the first game at the best of his ability.
The real question is, do you trust his judgment on how much work he needs to be ready? If you trust him to come in early enough to be ready -- even if that is next week -- then all is good. If you don't trust him to know how much work he needs to be ready, then the first game could be a bad game for him.
The next question is, do you trust the coaches to know whether he is ready? If the coaches think he isn't ready, they won't play him as if he were.
The last question is, can the rest of the team (including Bennett, Molden, Quin and MccCain) beat the Jets if the coaches decide Dunta isn't ready to play?
Personally, I think Dunta knows how to play and when he is ready. He is a leader for a reason; he loves to play. He also knows that this season is his league-wide interview. I think he will try to come in on time, and I think he will come in early enough to play well. I think he will come in at least a week earlier than John McClain predicted, because that is what is best for him.
If he doesn't come in on time, I trust the Texans coaches to recognize the fact. They will use him sparingly, and in situations where he is likely to succeed.
Finally, I like the Texans' mix of cornerbacks. I think Bennett, Molden and Quin together can help the team beat the Jets. The Titans game is a completely different story, but that will be a tough game anyway. Regardless, I think Dunta will be ready by then. That is over 6 weeks away, so it is possible Reeves will be back by then as well.
Basically, I'm an optimist. I think Dunta is willing to play when it counts and his holdout won't impact the team's win-loss record.
The real question is, do you trust his judgment on how much work he needs to be ready? If you trust him to come in early enough to be ready -- even if that is next week -- then all is good. If you don't trust him to know how much work he needs to be ready, then the first game could be a bad game for him.
The next question is, do you trust the coaches to know whether he is ready? If the coaches think he isn't ready, they won't play him as if he were.
The last question is, can the rest of the team (including Bennett, Molden, Quin and MccCain) beat the Jets if the coaches decide Dunta isn't ready to play?
Personally, I think Dunta knows how to play and when he is ready. He is a leader for a reason; he loves to play. He also knows that this season is his league-wide interview. I think he will try to come in on time, and I think he will come in early enough to play well. I think he will come in at least a week earlier than John McClain predicted, because that is what is best for him.
If he doesn't come in on time, I trust the Texans coaches to recognize the fact. They will use him sparingly, and in situations where he is likely to succeed.
Finally, I like the Texans' mix of cornerbacks. I think Bennett, Molden and Quin together can help the team beat the Jets. The Titans game is a completely different story, but that will be a tough game anyway. Regardless, I think Dunta will be ready by then. That is over 6 weeks away, so it is possible Reeves will be back by then as well.
Basically, I'm an optimist. I think Dunta is willing to play when it counts and his holdout won't impact the team's win-loss record.
GP
Go Texans!
Because Dunta isn't running the organization, though I think he thinks he is.
Seriously though, I think Rick Smith isn't wanting to let go of players who were drafted highly...without getting compensation for them.
David Carr refused to be traded, so Rick Smith had to grant him a release.
Now Dunta's trying to do the same thing. He just wants out of Houston, and he wants to be a free agent. We used the franchise tag on him to keep him here.
I think Rick Smith is bound and determined that the players we draft, especially the ones like Dunta and OD and DeMeco--guys the Texans did a good job of picking in the draft(s)--that those guys are not going to start with us and then go off as free agents and make someone else better.
If so, that's a pretty good way to retain talent or at least get something in return if they want to leave. Whether that is a good strategy in the long run or not, I don't know. It could make future drafted players skiddish to come here, thinking they are doomed to play here forever with no easy "out."
Going to be interesting to see how this shakes out.
a) CB is more of a 'need' than WR. we don't need him.
b) Trade one malcontent who has an NFL resume for one who hasn't played a down?
I'll have to pass on that.
You may be over-analyzing the situation. I think the explanation is simple: the Texans, as an organization, don't want to create a policy that gives franchise players an incentive to hold out.
Right now, Dunta has nothing to gain by holding out; neither does the next franchise player. If he can get some kind of guarantee that the franchise tag will only be used once, then the next franchised player will have a reason to hold out to get the same guarantee.
I don't know who the team's next franchise player will be (Mario? Andre Johnson? Shaub?), but whoever it is I don't want them to have anything to gain by holding out. I want them in camp making our team as good as it can be... I bet Smith feels the same way.
edo783
Hall of Fame
Here is a statement that Dunta made in the Solomon artical:
He said I wasnt a franchise tag-worthy player, Robinson said. If thats the case, then why pay me franchise-level money? And possibly two years in a row? Doesnt make sense to me.
Everyone raise their hand that believes Rick Smith said that.
He said I wasnt a franchise tag-worthy player, Robinson said. If thats the case, then why pay me franchise-level money? And possibly two years in a row? Doesnt make sense to me.
Everyone raise their hand that believes Rick Smith said that.
DiehardChris
You betcha!
*crickets chirp*
Hooston Texan
Rookie
I know this is speculation, but that is pretty much all we have, so here it goes: my guess is that not only did Smith say something like this in the negotiation, but that statement is what Dunta is basing his "he promised not to franchise me" lament on.
Smith's job is to negotiate, and, in this context, that entails telling the other side why their head is in the clouds. Now, if Dunta did reject a Gamble-style contract, that means his demand is pretty much the equivalent of five-plus years with each year roughly equivalent to the tag. The blunt response would be that, "That's franchise tag money; I wouldn't pay you that much for one year, let alone for five." I could see a player taking that statement as a promise not to make the tag--I know, not quite the same thing, but we're talking about the heat of a negotiation, words can get twisted to suit one's sides arguments after-the-fact.
Contract negotiations with players are delicate things for a GM: they often need to deflate the player's ego in order to get them thinking reasonably (see: Crabtree, Michael), but, at the same time, they have to worry about whether the player's ego cannot rationally handle such deflationary efforts.
Dunta needs to be ready for the first game and play well if he wants to get that LTC from the Texans or another team.
Dunta needs to have a big year just as much as the Texans need him to have a big year.
The Texans have all of the leverage and they are using it. IMO
Good Business
Dunta needs to have a big year just as much as the Texans need him to have a big year.
The Texans have all of the leverage and they are using it. IMO
Good Business
Pantherstang84
@rolisrgti06
Hmmm, Any takers?
V3rm0nt3r
Rookie
i understand that but asking him to step in straight off the couch in a new scheme with a new position coach and a new coordinator is going to be disastrous if thats what it comes down to.
V3rm0nt3r
Rookie
i'd believe that. i doubt very many people actually believe that DR is worth 9 mil a year even though thats what we're paying him. i've been critical of Smith this offseason as he has now successfully pissed off two of our best three defensive players as well as our pro bowl tight end but if i were him i would have stated the same argument. DR is a good CB, and a better guy to have on the team for his leadership, however, he is not worth giving a long term deal that would give him 9 mil a year like AJ is.
bckey
All Pro
I hope Rick Smith never gives up the right to franchise a player twice. It makes no sense. He will only use it on Dunta if he plays like a top 5 cb and then tries to leave. If he stinks or is just average then I don't think Smith would use it. Rick Smith wins by getting a 1 year look at Dunta without be committed long term. Its not like he didn't try and sign him. If he likes what he sees then he will sign him (fat chance) or tag him. It is win/win for Smith to keep the option of tagging Dunta a 2nd time.
You guys that think Smith should give in would be wishing Smith hadn't done that if Dunta has a really great season and then just leaves no matter what we offer him.
Dunta is mad because just when he thought he could walk away he got tagged. He most likely wasn't going to sign anything Smith offered. For whatever reason he doesn't want to be in Houston. He is doing his best to make the fans not want him here either.
You guys that think Smith should give in would be wishing Smith hadn't done that if Dunta has a really great season and then just leaves no matter what we offer him.
Dunta is mad because just when he thought he could walk away he got tagged. He most likely wasn't going to sign anything Smith offered. For whatever reason he doesn't want to be in Houston. He is doing his best to make the fans not want him here either.
C
Ckw
Guest
It didn't until July 15. I understand Dunta wanting to get what he thinks he is worth. I think he overestimates his value especially given the injury he sustained, but I understand wanting to get your big pay day.
What I don't understand is how it benefits Dunta to continue holding out. They can't sign a long-term deal anymore, so what does it benefit Dunta. As I stated before if Dunta has a big time year and actually wants to play for the Texans, he will get the type of contract he is looking for. If he doesn't play well, why would we franchise him if it doesn't look like he is going to be the same after his injury?
Once again, I truly believe Dunta's frustration stems from no longer wanting to be in Houston. He wants the opportunity to shop himself around and pick his destination. Houston would have to pay him stupid money for him to even consider playing here.
No, I don't trust his judgment. If we were running the exact same defense as last year, I would trust him to be ready. That is not the case, and he needs to be in camp or at the latest make it to at least two preseason games.
I do. The only scary part is what will Dunta's reaction be if Kubiak/Smith tell Dunta he isn't ready to get out there and bench him the first and possibly even the second game.
I hope. Maybe Bennett steps up like he did his rookie year and proves to be a legit #1 corner. Maybe Quinn turns out to be the steal of the draft. Maybe Molden actually stays healthy. I hope.
I agree with you about the corners we have. My hope is that a combination of our corners step up and make Dunta expendable. That would be great.
Very good points. I agree that this might be exactly what happened. Maybe Smith was trying to get Dunta to realize how good of a deal he was offering considering Dunta's injury and told him he wasn't worth franchising. When Dunta turned down the offer, Smith did exactly what any GM should do and franchised him.
Yep. Negotiations were even more difficult when you throw Dunta's injury into the equation.
All I can say is I am just ready for this whole fiasco to be over with.
Hervoyel
BUENO!
What I don't understand is why if he wants to play here he is even worried about getting franchised next year. If we want him that bad and he wants to be a Texans his whole career, then surely we would reach an agreement next year. The thing is he doesn't want to be a Texan. He even alluded to being offered close to the 23 mil guaranteed he wanted but still turned it down. I don't remember all the times it has happened but a majority of the time that a player is franchised two years in a row it is because the player does not want to play for that team anymore. They want out.
All this really makes me wonder if we had not franchised Dunta what would have happened. Would any team have been willing to give a player that just came off the injury Dunta had the kind of money Dunta supposedly wants? I really don't think so, and it would have been interesting to see just how much Dunta wants to be a Texan. I would be willing to be we probably offered him more than most teams would have been willing.
I'd say that's possible (that we offered him more than most other teams would consider) but there's always that one stupid team that's going to throw dumb money at a player who has never been to a Pro Bowl and who is coming off of a really bad injury.
I believe the following things and I base that belief on nothing more than what I've read in the papers and seen on television. I base it on the feeling Dunta gives me when he talks on camera about this and on his choice of words when I read him quoted.
Dunta wants to leave Houston. I don't have a doubt in my mind that he's gone the moment he becomes a free agent.
Dunta would sign with anyone willing to pay him what he thinks he's worth. If we don't tag him next year he'll be one of those guys who signs at one minute past midnight on the day free agency starts.
The current stalemate doesn't help anybody. The Texans aren't going to be able to keep him past this season so why not tell him that if he meets certain incentives (as is commonly done) then he won't get franchised and then get his ass in camp. If he holds out until the season starts he'll be behind in the new system and he'll play like crap for a large part of the year. It hurts his chances of getting that fat contract he wants somewhere else. It hurts the Texans chances of winning games this year. It's in everyone's best interest (including Dunta) to get back on the field and start working.
As things stand though I'd prepare for a season without him and get our current corners ready to play. I'd go ahead and give him his promise that we would not franchise him in exchange for a promise to allow us the right to match any deal he is offered. Even if it's just a verbal agreement on his part I'd make that a very public condition of agreeing to not franchise him.
Then he'd come into camp and could try to win one of those CB spots. If he can then great, we play him and let him do his contract-year thing flying around the field and making as many plays as he can. Then we see what happens.
V3rm0nt3r
Rookie
except for the fact that Smith won't have him for this season and this is supposed to be THE year. in my opinion it's a win lose. lets say he signs over the rights to the franchise tag next year. Dunta comes to camp and is ready to roll opening day. lets assume he stays healthy and has a productive year. now, next year comes around and lets say that Dunta doesn't want to stay here. do you really want a guy who doesn't want to be here becoming this big distraction in the locker room? i mean i know thats whats happening this year but we NEED him at this point. so, assuming he wants to leave he signs elsewhere and we move on with Reeves Bennett Quin Molden McCain and probably a high draft pick next year.
now, Smith doesn't sign the rights over, DR shows up opening day without a CLUE what is going on, the secondary is as much as you can expect with the guys that are on the team, DR doesn't have start playing like DR until week 4 or 5 and next offseason we go through this entire process AGAIN. pick the one you fancy.