Texans Pride
Veteran
Just wondering....Silly question...I know!
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Will the Texans do ANYTHING in Free Agency (excluding Walter and Turk)?
- Thread starter Texans Pride
- Start date
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
There's only a bazillion threads this could've been placed in.
To answer your question though....Houston will NEVER sign another FA again...in a 100 years. There I'll start off with the first pessimistic post.
redwhiteANDblue
Veteran
There's only a bazillion threads this could've been placed in.
its the off season after all!
Texans Pride
Veteran
There's only a bazillion threads this could've been placed in.
To answer your question though....Houston will NEVER sign another FA again...in a 100 years. There I'll start off with the first pessimistic post.
I know there are...I wanted my own, not buried in another.
Thanks for your prompt response though
Texans_Chick
Utopian Dreamer
Yep, the Bears have now usurped the Redskins in the free agency spending battle. They need to come up with their own Bears' version of this shirt:
It's hard to outspend everyone into the Super Bowl because teams tend to keep their best, non-disgruntled, playing up to their paycheck, hard-working players.
It's hard to outspend everyone into the Super Bowl because teams tend to keep their best, non-disgruntled, playing up to their paycheck, hard-working players.
TexansFanatic
Extremist
Yep, the Bears have now usurped the Redskins in the free agency spending battle. They need to come up with their own Bears' version of this shirt:
It's hard to outspend everyone into the Super Bowl because teams tend to keep their best, non-disgruntled, playing up to their paycheck, hard-working players.
Right on, TC.
Is there a case to be made in the NFL for spending your way to a championship? If so, where has it worked?
If someone could point out the team that has broken the bank during free agency and had a big payoff with the high-dollar roster, I'd like to see it.
Has such a thing happened yet?
I'm not an apologist for the Texans. There are dozens of things I wanted them to do differently from day one.
But it seems to me the proven method of building a winning franchise in the era of free agency is to fill holes with mid-level players and to make a big splash very sparingly.
Lets see... The New Orleans Saints...
I can think of at least 3 or 4 major acquisitions they've made either through trades or FAs that put them over the top...
Drew Brees
Mike Bell
Jeremy Shockey
Darren Sharper
Jabari Greer
etc
TexansFanatic
Extremist
Serious question: Were those high-dollar acquisitions? I recall that Drew Brees didn't attract a lot of attention.
Again, I could be wrong, but would you really classify any of those names as big-splash/high-dollar guys?
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
I think he was talking about high dollar free agents. NOLA just kicked ass in the front office/draft (well outside of the Jason David signing), but they didn't break the bank.
Thorn
Dirty Old Man
championship teams are built through the draft AND free agency. You can't rely solely on one or the other, and if you are unbalenced on either side, you could have problems. Teams that spend horrific amounts of money in FA quite often don't pan out for the long run, teams that build a base in the draft and get free agents to fill the holes are much better off.
TexansFanatic
Extremist
Technically Shockey wasn't acquired in free agency. But, that was a ballsy move by the Saints. They gave up a second and a fifth for a guy who----let's all admit it----doesn't fit the profile of a Bob McNair player. That worked out.
Darren Sharper was 33 years old, and didn't break the bank. But that worked out.
Yes, the Saints have made moves that make the whole league sit up and pay attention. But they don't really qualify as the "break the bank" acquisitions.
TexansFanatic
Extremist
Vikings didn't win a championship but got very close
Hutchinson
Favre
Taylor
Winfield
P.Williams
K.Williams
J.Allen
Jets same as above
FA
Faneca Woody, Douglas, Scott, Leonhard,Pace
Trades
Sanchez,Jones,Edwards,Greene,Sheppard
Teams that win make moves in FA/Trades. Teams that dont make moves make excuses.
How would you describe the Texans as an organization?
Hutchinson
Favre
Taylor
Winfield
P.Williams
K.Williams
J.Allen
Jets same as above
FA
Faneca Woody, Douglas, Scott, Leonhard,Pace
Trades
Sanchez,Jones,Edwards,Greene,Sheppard
Teams that win make moves in FA/Trades. Teams that dont make moves make excuses.
How would you describe the Texans as an organization?
Texan_Bill
Hall of Fame
Texans Pride
Veteran
Let me clarify, when I asked if the Texans would do anything via FA, I didn't mean just high dollar players....I'd like to see them bring in some quality players that can help this team.
TexansFanatic
Extremist
Again, I'm not an apologist for the Texans. And there are things I would have done differently---no question. I'm on record saying the organization should have made a stronger attempt to acquire Cedric Benson. That one really pissed me off.
BUT.....under Smithiak they weren't afraid to give up two second round picks to acquire Schaub. That proved to be a pretty shrewd move.
The hole-filling acquisitions under Smithiak have been above average, to say the least.
The big splash acquisitions are non-existent.
Would I have loved to have seen them throw money at Julius Peppers? You bet.
But I have no argument with the mindset.
You can build a winner through the draft if you consistently excel at drafting quality players.
The Texans have been extremely hit or miss in the draft, seeming to get either pro bowlers or Travis Johnson's.
If you can't draft a position, you have to acquire quality there either through FA or trades.
We have yet to have success with our secondary or our interior defensive line.
The Texans have been extremely hit or miss in the draft, seeming to get either pro bowlers or Travis Johnson's.
If you can't draft a position, you have to acquire quality there either through FA or trades.
We have yet to have success with our secondary or our interior defensive line.
TexansFanatic
Extremist
Like Bernard Pollard?
I know, I know. That's one of their few claims to quiet brilliance.
But are we going to ignore the quiet, great moves just so we can ***** about the lack of bold moves?
Texan_Bill
Hall of Fame
That's all well and good including FA to build a team, but it also matters what the FA crop looks like... This year's FA crop looks like dog **** stuck in between the treads of your tennis shoes..
TexansFanatic
Extremist
I'm pretty damned pleased that the organization appears to have learned a strong lesson from the Ahman Green fiasco.
No more throwing money at a used up running back. Thank God!
You can find an undrafted free agent 22 year old who will fight for every yard at the league minimum who will do just as well if not MUCH better than a 33-year-old, washed-up, semi-star back.
No more throwing money at a used up running back. Thank God!
You can find an undrafted free agent 22 year old who will fight for every yard at the league minimum who will do just as well if not MUCH better than a 33-year-old, washed-up, semi-star back.
They got luck that the Chiefs were stupid enough to cut Pollard. Even then they waited 2 weeks to sign him. They only signed him after Barber Screwed up the C.Johnson long receiving TD.
Name one impact player that has been signed by the Texans in FA. ?
Not street FA's.
We agree about this FA class.
Although there were some vet FA RB's that could make an impact.
Taylor,T.Jones and LT for example.
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
I think we're going to see Smith pick up some players that get cut from other teams. Often fans think these players are scrubs, but good players are cut all the time. One example, in this uncapped year, are those players earning high $'s and the team wants to save. We've seen players get released already that were due bonuses by a certain date. Around draft time and camp time, teams will have a better idea of the players they have and where to save/spend money.
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
Kevin Walter
And who cares how and why Pollard got here and became a starter.... That's just nitpicking, you think Cardinal fans were upset at their front office/coaching staff for not signing Warner to a huge deal and starting him from the get go after he became such a surprise for them...
Fact is, the dude (Pollard) was a FA they signed and he more than made his fair share of plays for them. Andre Daivs also made plays his first year here....signing him to another contract was the mistake.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
Even though change doesn't necessarily assure progress, progress does not occur without change. As Thomas Edison once said, "Restlessness and discontent are the first necessities of progress." However, over the years as I see it, the only response of restlessness and discontent has been demonstrated by the fans................ 8 years and counting.
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
Keith Bulluck might be one of those players and I wouldn't be upset at all if Houston signed him. Sometimes the best thing is to let teams blow their wad out of the gate and then you're able to pick up key signings later in FA.
I hope you're right.
Texan_Bill
Hall of Fame
While I don't wanna split hairs, 'cause I'm old and fixin to hit the hay... Those running backs were 30+. A) We've seen that before (Ahman Green), B) When it's over for RB's, it's generally over. They tend to drop off quickly... Would I like LT or Thomas Jones a Texan?? Hellz yeah!! As a complimentary back - YES!!
*EDIT*
I'm out for tonight
Forgot about Walter.
If they had picked up Pollard as soon as he got cut I would have given them some slack. Even though they were very lucky Pollard became available.
The fact that they didn't sign Pollard until after week 2 and he didn't start playing till week 4 and IMHO this cost the Texans a playoff spot takes any of the Kudos Smith would be getting away.
Kaiser Toro
Native Mod
At least they're not apathetic. So we've got that going for us.
A Jones and Hardesty in the 3rd would be a great Tandem. IMHO
Give me Fargas and Hardesty. They wouid be alot like Jones and Greene were for the Jets last year.
Although Huggy Bear Jr is 30 he doesn't have alot of miles on him.
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
Here's some offseason moves the Texans have done since Kubiak has been here (free agents and restricted free agents). Good and/or bad, just naming some:
1. Traded two 2nd round picks for Matt Schaub - 6 years $48MM
2. Traded a 7th round pick for Kevin Walter - re-signed for 5 years $21.5MM
2. Traded a 5th round pick for Eric Moulds - 4 years $14MM
3. Traded a 6th round pick for Chris Myers - 4 years $11MM
FA Antonio Smith - 5 years $35.5MM
FA Anthony Weaver - 5 years $26.5MM
FA Ahman Green - 4 years $23MM
FA Jacques Reeves - 5 years $20MM
FA Andre Davis - re-signed for 4 years $16MM
FA Eugene Wilson - 3 years $11.3MM
Matched NY's offer for Vonta Leach (previously FA) - 4 years $8MM
Matched Denver's offer for David Anderson (previously FA) - 3 years $4.5MM
And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention we outbid every other team for Ron Dayne.
1. Traded two 2nd round picks for Matt Schaub - 6 years $48MM
2. Traded a 7th round pick for Kevin Walter - re-signed for 5 years $21.5MM
2. Traded a 5th round pick for Eric Moulds - 4 years $14MM
3. Traded a 6th round pick for Chris Myers - 4 years $11MM
FA Antonio Smith - 5 years $35.5MM
FA Anthony Weaver - 5 years $26.5MM
FA Ahman Green - 4 years $23MM
FA Jacques Reeves - 5 years $20MM
FA Andre Davis - re-signed for 4 years $16MM
FA Eugene Wilson - 3 years $11.3MM
Matched NY's offer for Vonta Leach (previously FA) - 4 years $8MM
Matched Denver's offer for David Anderson (previously FA) - 3 years $4.5MM
And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention we outbid every other team for Ron Dayne.
We can see why the Texans are making such slow progress looking at that list.
Kaiser Toro
Native Mod
It happens so often, that it is just a known and folks move on. But it does look sloppy in the title. Thanks, will edit.
Second Honeymoon
Hall of Fame
leave it to a surgeon to bring the knowledge from the golden age of invention
anytime you can bring a quote from Edison into football talk, its a total win
Second Honeymoon
Hall of Fame
Just Say No To Fargas
I'd be good with LT or even Parker over Fargas
If what Ole Man McClain is saying is true, we probably won't make a move for a FA RB. They will look to get some young backs in via draft and UDFA and see who hits the hole the fastest and wants to be an NFL back. Occassionally you can find lightning in a bottle that way but I would really prefer having an established and proven veteran to start the season, especially when the $$ rate for the older RBs is so relatively inexpensive to fill.
LT would look good carrying the rock for us while we try and find someone to fill the spot long term. Slaton isn't that guy. Foster isn't that guy. Moats isn't that guy. I don't want to rely on a rookie RB to be 'that guy' this year.
I also think LT would bring some needed experience and leadership to the locker room...and he can pick up the blitz and that is the most important thing when you have Schaub at QB. Matt is my guy 100% but we can't afford to let other teams take free shots on him like Moats, Slaton, and Foster all allowed at various points of hte season last year. AJ is our best player, but without Matt, AJ is almost wasted. Matt was MVP offense last year imho and Cushing MVP defense.
HuttoKarl
Veteran
Most of those guys had issues when the Saints took them. I don't know if any of them are uber-paid.
Shockey wore out his welcome as a Giant because not only was he a knucklehead, he was hurt.
Nobody came after Brees because he just had a surgically repaired throwing shoulder.
Mike Bell pretty much didn't do anything outside of Denver...remember his illustrious Texans career. He's not a huge moneymaker either.
Greer...nice CB but he didn't command a huge paycheck from the Saints when he signed.
Sharper is 34 years old. He fit their system. He just had knee surgery. He signed a one year deal with the Saints last year...
Basically, they didn't throw money at the big name free agents. They took chances on players and those players panned out. Tom Benson's not spending like Dan Snyder or Jerry Jones.
Rick Smith? Got Schaub. Took a chance on Pollard. Got decent play out of DelJuan Robinson and Zgonina. Drafted some nice players (looking past his propensity to draft TE's though). There's still some work to do, but your Saints championship team got players that weren't first or second choices for other teams. That's probably the right call to make.
TexanSam
Hall of Fame
The only example I can think of is the 1994 49ers.
HuttoKarl
Veteran
I gotta stop posting before reading a whole thread...most of my points were already made. 
Anyway....
I'd like us to bring in Ben Hamilton from the Broncs, I thought about Bly as a stopgap CB, William Gay and Brodney Pool (Gay is restricted, and I'm not positive on what he'd cost us if signed) as young DB's.
I don't think we're done trying by any means. Bodden would have been a welcome addition, but it wasn't meant to be.
Anyway....
I'd like us to bring in Ben Hamilton from the Broncs, I thought about Bly as a stopgap CB, William Gay and Brodney Pool (Gay is restricted, and I'm not positive on what he'd cost us if signed) as young DB's.
I don't think we're done trying by any means. Bodden would have been a welcome addition, but it wasn't meant to be.
HuttoKarl
Veteran
That was such a different era. Cowboys and Niners spending whatever they needed to in order to absolutely crush everyone else.
Lets see
1.Brees slightly better than Schaub
2. Bell > than any RB on the Texans roster last year
3. Shockey > than OD Eight games dont make a season, Shockey contributed the entire season
4. Sharper=Pollard They were both difference maker on their teams.
5. Greer>Robinson It's sad that Dunta got 10 mil for 1 yr, while the Saints locked up Greer for 4 yrs 22 mil. Smith compounded this mistake by not signing Bodden to a reasonable deal this offseason.
6. Hargrove > Del Robinson Hargrove was better than any DT on the Texans.
7.McCray = Barwin Both added depth and playmaking abilities at DE. Barwin has more upside.
You're right about the Saints not over paying. They made some shrewed moves and laid the character issues aside (Shockey,McCray, Hargrove) and won rings. Meanwhile the Texans are still hoping for their 1st playoff appearance.
Loomis and Payton took Smithiak to the wood shed in both personel decisions and on field gameday decisions. IMHO Otherwise if the Talent level is as close as people on this MB say it is between the two teams the Texans should've atleast made the playoffs.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
You left out Reeves, Smith and Jason David
The Texans made the Bell move first and prior to all the difficulties at the position.
Totally unfair to call Shockey better than OD or a more shrewd move based on injury. Shockey has been injured every year of his 9 year career. Missing 8 games OD out performed him since Shockey got to the Saints to the tune of 1381 yds v. 1052 and 7 TD's to 3 TDs. Shockey has only missed one less game over the last two seasons by the way.
Greer, Reeves and Dunta are all in the same talent ballpark.
They didn't just get Barwin, they got Smith.
You also fail to mention the failure on the Jason David signing.