I think the coaching staff wasn't all that thrilled with Quin's development. I think that Wade and Vance sat down with Rick and said, "Hey, listen. Quin's been fine so far but we can do better. Why don't we upgrade the position in the short term by getting a more ball-hawking vet and then draft that guy's replacement for the long term, letting they rook learn from a great."
Sure, we could have had Quin signed and on the team for several years but that's not a "fix". That's a "more of the same."
I think Andre called Reed to congratulate him after the Super Bowl. Reed saw the writing on the wall & asked Andre to get him to Houston. Andre passed his wishes on to the Texans F.O. Bob, Gary, Cal, Rick, & Wade congregated & asked themselves, is this team better with or without Ed Reed.
Once that was settled, they had to figure out how they could make it happen. It would cost too much to cut/trade Manning. We also just got him so it wouldn't make a lot of sense. I on the other hand was already trying to trade/cut him before the 2014 season, but that's neither here nor there.
Manning, imo, is good & versatile. He can play centerfield & he can play in the box. He's not as good as Quin in the box, imo, even though he is a better blitzer. He's not as good as Reed in Centerfield. In the long run, I think this team would have been better with Quin, but Reeds reputation is what they need on the field in 2013. QBs will be looking for Watt on the line, Cushing in the flats, & Reed deep.
I think they were confident they could get Ed Reed for a "fair" value. They allowed Quin to leave for what they thought was roughly the same money..... it just worked out that they got Reed for less than what Quin signed for.
No it's not.
Heh...If a million is no big deal to you, then I don't know what to say.
$1M of Bob's money, of the Texans' cap space...... not a big deal to me.
Quin's lack of ball skills is what led to his demise here in Houston.
He defensed 14 balls, intercepted 2, & I think forced a fumble. He's not a ballhawk, but his ball skills are fine. Different, but fine. & he's only getting better.
I really hate losing Quin, but I'd have most likely done the same thing given the circumstances.