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Antonio Smith a Texan!

3.5 sacks plus Mario and hopefully an improved Okoye maybe even an upgrade at the other DT position, that should improve his sack total to around 7-8, and more people running in his direction thus more tackles.....

net gain of 7-8 sacks plus more tackles....

I like it...
 
I'm not going to say the dude is going to rise up and double his sack total, but as far as his character, work ethic, and respect for the current DC I am behind this signing. If he plays like Weaver for 2 years, then there's not much I can do about it, but at least the team is signing FA players to the right positions of need.
 
WesmanTexanfan said:
3.5 sacks plus Mario and hopefully an improved Okoye maybe even an upgrade at the other DT position, that should improve his sack total to around 7-8, and more people running in his direction thus more tackles.....

net gain of 7-8 sacks plus more tackles....

I like it...
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Yep. I'm not saying Smith is gonna take us to the super bowl or anything silly like that, I'm just saying we improved our pass rush. And that is always a good thing. I still think drafting a defensive lineman (any position) is still a good idea on the first day of the draft.
 
He certainly talks good. That's one good trait. He sounds kind of like a drill sargent on pain killers. Or maybe what Demeco will sound like in 10 years if he keeps smoking and drinking.

We'll see!
 
Thorn said:
Yep. I'm not saying Smith is gonna take us to the super bowl or anything silly like that, I'm just saying we improved our pass rush. And that is always a good thing. I still think drafting a defensive lineman (any position) is still a good idea on the first day of the draft.
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He is 3.5x better than Weaver
 
The Pencil Neck said:
He would be 3.5x better than Weaver if Weaver had gotten 1 sack. If Weaver had gotten 0.5 sacks, then he'd be 7x better than Weaver. But Weaver got 0 sacks and you can't divide by 0. So it's undefined how much better than Weaver he is. It approaches infinity, however.
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:spit:
 
We just picked up a high motor DE opposite Mario. Kollar loves the high motor guys and I bet he's looking forward to coaching this guy up. Smith's tenacity will improve our pass rush even if he doesn't get sacks because he'll push the QB to Mario's side or make him step up to an improved Okoye.

Hopefully we upgrade the speed and overall athleticism in the draft. We should still look for a good 1st step guy but we've really gotta get some athletes in the back 7 with some speed to give our DL some turnovers in exchange for all that pressure they'll be creating!!!
 
What seperates Rick Smith from the internet know it alls is that he realizes most of the time past stats can be meaningless. We're not paying for 3.5 sacks. We're paying for how he fits into this team. How does he make this team better/ how does he make OTHER PLAYERS on this team play better.

For a relevant comparison. Just look at Shane Battier. When he's on the court, he makes the other players on the team better. He makes the players on the other team have a much harder time. He may not get the PPG, RBG, etc of other players but he's a really important part of the TEAM.
 
mexican_texan said:
Mario has huge plays without ever touching the QB. Stats are nice, but a lineman's value can't be measured by numbers. He performed in the playoffs, something Weaver never did.
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I agree completely with this. Smith is a disruptor, he will have some solid stats but if he plays even half as well as he did in the playoffs/Superbowl he will be spending a ton of time in the opposing backfield and his impact will go beyond those stats. I would be willing to bet that even if he doesn't get a large amount of sacks individually our team sack record is officially in jeopardy especially if we draft an OLB with pass rush skills. I imagine we will be looking for a pass rush specialist somewhere in the draft as well. We pretty much doubled the amount of NFL players on our D-line and if Amobi steps up this year, all the better.
 
DE to have opposite Mario was arguably our biggest need on the entire team and of the offseason. We signed a guy that apparently our front office had their sights on from the start and it was for a reasonable amount.

I have no idea why some people are b*tchin' about it. Would Julius Peppers, commanding 3x the guaranteed amount be that much better? What other DEs out there would be an overwhelming upgrade over Smith and how much more would they cost?
 
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Ole Miss Texan said:
DE to have opposite Mario was arguably our biggest need on the entire team and of the offseason. We signed a guy that apparently our front office had their sights on from the start and it was for a reasonable amount.

I have no idea why some people are b*tchin' about it. Would Julius Peppers, commanding 3x the guaranteed amount be that much better? What other DEs out there would be an overwhelming upgrade over Smith and how much more would they cost?
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OK, overall I like the signing - I am glad to have him here. But, I think what people are griping about is that he's getting paid a lot (i.e. not a "reasonable" amount) for merely OK production.

Based on the numbers earlier (and someone else posted this earlier), if we assume the guaranteed money was a signing bonus, his contract comes to:
12.5 – Signing Bonus (cap hit of 2.5 Million per year)
3.0 – Year 1 Salary - total cap hit of $5.5 Million
3.9 – Year 2 Salary - total cap hit of $6.4 Million
4.6 – Year 3 Salary - total cap hit of $7.1 Million
11.5 – Years 4 and 5 (for fun, let’s call it 5.3 and 6.2, giving total cap hits of $7.8 Million and $8.7 Million)

Those aren't cheap numbers - the last one is approaching the current frachise tag cost for DEs (I expect it'll be higher by that point, though). And, as others have pointed out, he is now our 2nd highest paid defensive player after Dunta - more than Mario (though his salary blows up next year), more than Demeco, way more than first round DL picks Okoye and TJ. For that price, he'll be expected to produce at a high level - to be one of the standouts on our defense. And yet his history seems to indicate that he's merely a solid, not spectacular player. I think a lot of people would have rather gone with a cheaper (but less reliable) DE option (including drafting one), and spent the money on players like Demeco and Dunta instead.

Of course, Weaver's numbers weren't cheap either (last year he had a cap hit of $6.2 Million, and this year just his dead money hits us for $5.4 Million!!!). If we're going to be paying those prices, which it looks like we have to do for a good DE, I'd much rather do it for Smith than for Weaver.

On another note, I wonder whether the size of his contract actually makes DE a low priority - given the amount of money invested in Smith and Mario, it wouldn't make much sense to hand another large contract to a DE. So, rather than turning DE from a "need" to a "want", this signing might have turned it all the way to a "don't want".
 
Welcome to Houston Antonio!! I am very glad you signed with us.

All I ask is that I hear you name being mentioned during the game more than once per game. (unlike your predesessor who was rarely mentioned in any game.)
Tackles, assist tackles, QB hurries, disrupt the backfield, SACKS, asst Sacks, tipped passes, etc. Anything to be a pain in the butt to the other offense will work just fine as that will be a whole lot more than we had.

I will reserve any other comments till after you have played several games as only then can one see if you are worth what you were signed for. I am optimistic that you will turn out to be well worth the contract you signed.

I think having a "sought after" player sign with the Texas is a step forward for this team. Especially having him come here first and signing before going to the Giants and other teams. I think this shows that other players are seeing the forward progress this team is starting to make and they want to be a part of it.

GO TEXANS!!!!
 
Haven't read all posts previous, but I feel a lot better about this trade knowing Bush coached him in the beginning of his Pro career. I remember watching the Texans last year and noticing a guy that looked like he could barely run. Guess who, Weaver. May have been hurt, but I don't think so.

I think we have coaches and management that have a clue now, and I think we are definitely going along the right path. Now we just need to continue to make the right moves and get some breaks during the season. I for one am optimistic about the Texans future.

One area that I think the Texans are not prioritizing enough is running back. One play and we are history. Slaton I think will not last long taking prolonged pounding. I know he was spectacular last year, but I think we were lucky.
We need another quality prospect and a proven veteran on the cheap. I am not saying break the bank on the veteran one by any means.

Watch and learn from the Pats. Not a Pats fan but I sure respect their football moves. They know when to make the moves and trade players at their peaks while they still have value. They don't get hung up on fan favorites. (Cassel and Vrabel) They make good moves bringing veterans in that actually help. I for one was sad that we did not get Taylor. I know OLD backs, but Taylor seemed to still have IT. Contract only $5mill for 2 years not crazy. That is the type deal the Texans need for veteran RB.

All above my opinion only. Thanks
 
gafftop said:
One area that I think the Texans are not prioritizing enough is running back. One play and we are history. Slaton I think will not last long taking prolonged pounding. I know he was spectacular last year, but I think we were lucky. We need another quality prospect and a proven veteran on the cheap. I am not saying break the bank on the veteran one by any means.
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Great point. I don't think we are done in free agency yet. We still need to pick up a veteran running back.
 
keyser said:
OK, overall I like the signing - I am glad to have him here. But, I think what people are griping about is that he's getting paid a lot (i.e. not a "reasonable" amount) for merely OK production.

Based on the numbers earlier (and someone else posted this earlier), if we assume the guaranteed money was a signing bonus, his contract comes to:
12.5 – Signing Bonus (cap hit of 2.5 Million per year)
3.0 – Year 1 Salary - total cap hit of $5.5 Million
3.9 – Year 2 Salary - total cap hit of $6.4 Million
4.6 – Year 3 Salary - total cap hit of $7.1 Million
11.5 – Years 4 and 5 (for fun, let’s call it 5.3 and 6.2, giving total cap hits of $7.8 Million and $8.7 Million)

Those aren't cheap numbers - the last one is approaching the current frachise tag cost for DEs (I expect it'll be higher by that point, though). And, as others have pointed out, he is now our 2nd highest paid defensive player after Dunta - more than Mario (though his salary blows up next year), more than Demeco, way more than first round DL picks Okoye and TJ. For that price, he'll be expected to produce at a high level - to be one of the standouts on our defense. And yet his history seems to indicate that he's merely a solid, not spectacular player. I think a lot of people would have rather gone with a cheaper (but less reliable) DE option (including drafting one), and spent the money on players like Demeco and Dunta instead.

Of course, Weaver's numbers weren't cheap either (last year he had a cap hit of $6.2 Million, and this year just his dead money hits us for $5.4 Million!!!). If we're going to be paying those prices, which it looks like we have to do for a good DE, I'd much rather do it for Smith than for Weaver.

On another note, I wonder whether the size of his contract actually makes DE a low priority - given the amount of money invested in Smith and Mario, it wouldn't make much sense to hand another large contract to a DE. So, rather than turning DE from a "need" to a "want", this signing might have turned it all the way to a "don't want".
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To put it in perspective, the only Guaranteed money is 12.5 million........by no means a break the bank risk for the potential benefits of a promising missing piece of the puzzle.
 
Goatcheese said:
Is 3.5 sacks/season really going to have a big impact on the defense? :thinking:
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That's like saying a corner only gives you interceptions.

DEs do alot more than just provide sacks.

If all Mario did was provide sacks he wouldn't be half the player he is.
 
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Yesterday, I went back and watched a few Cardinal games from last season, focusing on Smith:

1. They moved him all over the line. IN one game, I saw him play all 4 DL positions in the first half.

2. He held his ground on double teams very well.

3. He has an excellent intial burst off the line.

4. I didn't see any elite moves from the edge- more of a power rusher... He does have that right hand club move to the inside that Reggie White made famous- he just isn't as much of a threat to hit the edge fast, IMO.

5. Consistently in the backfield and aware of where the ball is.

6. Played only about 60% of the snaps- they had lots of oddball packages and he shared some time with C. Campbell- However, he was clearly the better player of the two.

7. Design of the defense sometimes would send him on stunts and twists where it was clearly his job to occupy multiple blockers- he did those things with willingness and effort.
 
dalemurphy said:
Yesterday, I went back and watched a few Cardinal games from last season, focusing on Smith:

1. They moved him all over the line. IN one game, I saw him play all 4 DL positions in the first half.

2. He held his ground on double teams very well.

3. He has an excellent intial burst off the line.

4. I didn't see any elite moves from the edge- more of a power rusher... He does have that right hand club move to the inside that Reggie White made famous- he just isn't as much of a threat to hit the edge fast, IMO.

5. Consistently in the backfield and aware of where the ball is.

6. Played only about 60% of the snaps- they had lots of oddball packages and he shared some time with C. Campbell- However, he was clearly the better player of the two.

7. Design of the defense sometimes would send him on stunts and twists where it was clearly his job to occupy multiple blockers- he did those things with willingness and effort.
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Sounds good. Thanks for the info and the effort do do the research Dale.
 
dalemurphy said:
Yesterday, I went back and watched a few Cardinal games from last season, focusing on Smith:

1. They moved him all over the line. IN one game, I saw him play all 4 DL positions in the first half.

2. He held his ground on double teams very well.

3. He has an excellent intial burst off the line.

4. I didn't see any elite moves from the edge- more of a power rusher... He does have that right hand club move to the inside that Reggie White made famous- he just isn't as much of a threat to hit the edge fast, IMO.

5. Consistently in the backfield and aware of where the ball is.

6. Played only about 60% of the snaps- they had lots of oddball packages and he shared some time with C. Campbell- However, he was clearly the better player of the two.

7. Design of the defense sometimes would send him on stunts and twists where it was clearly his job to occupy multiple blockers- he did those things with willingness and effort.
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yes, nice work :goodpost:
 
Here's my question ? Why do we even need Smith when we've already got a guy on our roster who's the best strong-side defensive-end to come out of college since 2002 when Julius Peppers went into the Draft ?
 
nunusguy said:
Here's my question ? Why do we even need Smith when we've already got a guy on our roster who's the best strong-side defensive-end to come out of college since 2002 when Julius Peppers went into the Draft ?
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from what i've gathered from previous posts (mostly Dale's) the guy is versitiale. he probably won't be used at all the positions he was when he was in Arizona and will probably be a predominantly weak side guy.
 
nunusguy said:
Here's my question ? Why do we even need Smith when we've already got a guy on our roster who's the best strong-side defensive-end to come out of college since 2002 when Julius Peppers went into the Draft ?
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No offense but did you sleep through the last season? All the opposition had to do last year was make sure someone picked up Mario. They never even had to give more than an second thought to the rest of the line. That is the main reason Mario was always just out of reach of the QB. Now, if Smith can even get a little pressure to make the other teams at least acknowledge his presence then that gives Mario a little more time adn I think that is all he will need to add another 50% to his sack totals. Overpaid/underpaid I don't care. It is an upgrade and I think it will pay off for another pro bowl for Mario and our first winning season!!:texflag:

I know it sounds like Koolaid but I am willing to put money down that our line will be improved because of this pick up and because our line improves, our secondary will see a little improvement from it.
 
Old School said:
I know it sounds like Koolaid but I am willing to put money down that our line will be improved because of this pick up and because our line improves, our secondary will see a little improvement from it.
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I'll buy some of that Koolaid. :)

I don't think Smith is going to tear up the league, but as Old School said, just having to pay attention to someone on the other side of Mario gives Mario a better chance to do his thing.
 
GP said:
Mario, Smith, TJ, Okam, Bulman, Robinson, Cochran. That's 7 guys on a 4-man line. I suspect we'll grab a DL somewhere in the draft...but it'd have to be "THE GUY" who is available, the guy whom Smithiakush deem to be worth it in rounds 1-3. And those probabilities are like overpaying for suited connectors when the flop comes K-K-A.

You might need to go ahead and research how much tar, firewood, and cauldrons are selling for these days. You're probably not going to be happy.
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Wow, I can't believe Okoye didn't make your list. Maybe we should be more worried about the DT position, and not the DE.

You also didn't mention Nading. Just saying.

Now, I DVR'd all the play-off games, and I've decided to go back and watch this guy, just to see what we got.

Whether we overpaid, or whatnot is not my concern, because cap implications are over my head..... I'm not ashamed to admit.

But if I were Frank Bush.. I'd be doing back flips. No he's not the next Peppers, or Mario. But he's solid, smart, young, and he can play. I've got to imagine Bush recognized this when he was in AZ, and brought him to the attention of the FO.

He's got technique, vision, speed, and the ability.

Of course I hope we get more out of him than his career numbers show. I'm hoping he's like a haynesworth, in that he needed some time to develop, and now whatever it was that needed to click, clicked.

That's what his play-off performance would suggest.

Another thing. If the play-offs were any indication, they switched between the 4-3 and the 3-4 so many times, that Smith wasn't on the field through no fault of his own.

If he can play at the level he's shown in the play-offs for an extended period of time, he can definitely bring in double digit sacks. I don't think we could be as optomistic about any prospect we might get w/the 15th overall, or later pick.

So I'm good with the signing.
 
I saw some preliminary numbers on Canty signing with the Giants, 6 years 42mil 17.5 guaranteed to switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3. Makes Smith's contract look quite a bit better.
 
Kaiser Toro said:
Fair question, just as "how does this money compare to other unproven veterans who made three nice plays in the playoffs" is.
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With Chris Canty's signing today, we can compare apples to apples. The two are the same age and essentially at the same point in their careers. Both are quasi- DE/DTs.

Statistics over past 2 seasons:
Antonio Smith 9 sacks (exluding playoffs) 69 tackles 3 FF
Chris Canty 6.5 sacks 55 tackles 0 FF

Canty is 3 inches taller and 25 lbs heavier but both play a very similar game- strong against the run and good first steps and usually end up in the backfield on their feet with their head up. Both also, essentially, played a combination of DT and DE, moving around quite a bit and sometimes stunting and occupying blockers for others to get free.

Terms of new deals:
Antonio Smith 5 years $35 million $12.5 mil signing bonus
Chris Canty 6 years $42 million $17.5 mil signing bonus



Now, I realize that it's not a perfect comparison but in terms of the marketplace it's a very good measuring stick. I think, based on these numbers, that it's fair to say that we didn't overpay. Now, over the next couple years we'll find out if we scouted well and picked the right guy.
 
dalemurphy said:
With Chris Canty's signing today, we can compare apples to apples. The two are the same age and essentially at the same point in their careers. Both are quasi- DE/DTs.

Statistics over past 2 seasons:
Antonio Smith 9 sacks (exluding playoffs) 69 tackles 3 FF
Chris Canty 6.5 sacks 55 tackles 0 FF

Canty is 3 inches taller and 25 lbs heavier but both play a very similar game- strong against the run and good first steps and usually end up in the backfield on their feet with their head up. Both also, essentially, played a combination of DT and DE, moving around quite a bit and sometimes stunting and occupying blockers for others to get free.

Terms of new deals:
Antonio Smith 5 years $35 million $12.5 mil signing bonus
Chris Canty 6 years $42 million $17.5 mil signing bonus



Now, I realize that it's not a perfect comparison but in terms of the marketplace it's a very good measuring stick. I think, based on these numbers, that it's fair to say that we didn't overpay. Now, over the next couple years we'll find out if we scouted well and picked the right guy.
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I think Canty also got more playing time too. At least he started all 32 games over that two-year period as opposed to 23 starts for Smith.
 
ChampionTexan said:
I think Canty also got more playing time too. At least he started all 32 games over that two-year period as opposed to 23 starts for Smith.
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You're right but one could also argue that Antonio Smith was fresher and was able to play at a higher intensity level when he was in. But, you're right. Smith made more plays in significantly fewer snaps.
 
dalemurphy said:
You're right but one could also argue that Antonio Smith was fresher and was able to play at a higher intensity level when he was in. But, you're right. Smith made more plays in significantly fewer snaps.
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thus more dynamic used in rotation with speed rushing specialist. that need still exists & should be addressed 1st day of the draft :)
 
dalemurphy said:
With Chris Canty's signing today, we can compare apples to apples. The two are the same age and essentially at the same point in their careers. Both are quasi- DE/DTs.

Statistics over past 2 seasons:
Antonio Smith 9 sacks (exluding playoffs) 69 tackles 3 FF
Chris Canty 6.5 sacks 55 tackles 0 FF

Canty is 3 inches taller and 25 lbs heavier but both play a very similar game- strong against the run and good first steps and usually end up in the backfield on their feet with their head up. Both also, essentially, played a combination of DT and DE, moving around quite a bit and sometimes stunting and occupying blockers for others to get free.

Terms of new deals:
Antonio Smith 5 years $35 million $12.5 mil signing bonus
Chris Canty 6 years $42 million $17.5 mil signing bonus



Now, I realize that it's not a perfect comparison but in terms of the marketplace it's a very good measuring stick. I think, based on these numbers, that it's fair to say that we didn't overpay. Now, over the next couple years we'll find out if we scouted well and picked the right guy.
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I gotta agree with ya DM. I think Rich Smith did a good job getting a guy at his price and not having to pay the guy as much guaranteed money as some would have feared. I don't think Antonio is going to solve our pass rush problems by himself but he adds another colt to the stable so at this price, its not bad.
 
Keep in mind Canty played in a straight 3-4 while Smith played in a 4-3 that used some 3-4 looks.
 
dalemurphy said:
With Chris Canty's signing today, we can compare apples to apples. The two are the same age and essentially at the same point in their careers. Both are quasi- DE/DTs.

Statistics over past 2 seasons:
Antonio Smith 9 sacks (exluding playoffs) 69 tackles 3 FF
Chris Canty 6.5 sacks 55 tackles 0 FF

Canty is 3 inches taller and 25 lbs heavier but both play a very similar game- strong against the run and good first steps and usually end up in the backfield on their feet with their head up. Both also, essentially, played a combination of DT and DE, moving around quite a bit and sometimes stunting and occupying blockers for others to get free.

Terms of new deals:
Antonio Smith 5 years $35 million $12.5 mil signing bonus
Chris Canty 6 years $42 million $17.5 mil signing bonus



Now, I realize that it's not a perfect comparison but in terms of the marketplace it's a very good measuring stick. I think, based on these numbers, that it's fair to say that we didn't overpay. Now, over the next couple years we'll find out if we scouted well and picked the right guy.
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To paraphrase Inigo Montoya, "I am not so sure you know what that means." :)

Moreover, just because another team overpays, is not a measuring stick to say we did not overpay.
 
I like the fact that he wanted to be here and didn't want to go anywhere else once he came here. He also speaks in team terms. Us, we, the team, the DL.
 
I'm not sold on this guy completely and think he may disappear some but his upside and age make it worth a shot. If you can get what he showed late for alot of the season than it will be worth it. I do like one thing...."attitude." I like listening to LZ this time of year because he can spell out the pros and cons pretty quickly. His dad mentioned that this guy talked alot of noise during the SB and that Pitt linemen hated him. So maybe you have a guy that can get under some teams skin finally.
 
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Kaiser Toro said:
To paraphrase Inigo Montoya, "I am not so sure you know what that means." :)

Moreover, just because another team overpays, is not a measuring stick to say we did not overpay.
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I'm with KT on this one.

I mean I like the Antonio signing, but using Chris Canty's deal as a comparison isn't very good.

The Giants overpaid for what will end up being a DT, and has no bearing what-so-ever on Antonio Smiths deal.

And I'm a Chris Canty fan, but he's not a 4-3 DE in this league.
 
Peter King's take on the signing:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/03/01/freeagency/3.html

4. I think the best deal of the weekend was Antonio Smith, the versatile defensive lineman for the Cardinals -- and the best defensive lineman they had, one of their former coaches told me at the Super Bowl -- going to the Texans for $7 million per. "I think it's going to be an electrifying year for our defensive line. We [Mario Williams and Smith] are going to be a great pair. We're going to cause a lot of havoc for offensive linemen,'' Smith said.

This is not a good signing by the Texans for the money. It's a great signing.
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Here is an article from AJ, speaking his thoughts. Hopefully we are both wrong on our thinking.

snippet:
Mike Florio of profootballtalk.com reported that Smith will earn $15.5 million in his first year, $19.4 million (cumulative) in the first two years, and $24 million (cumulative) over the first three.

Winston's guaranteed money is being paid out over the first two years of his contract and he is scheduled to make a $4.5 million base salary in 2010.

In other words, Smith will make as much in his first year ($15.5 million) as Winston will make in his first three years ($14.5 million).

Smith's haul is primarily a function of his leverage as an 'in-demand' unrestricted free agent, and it being early in the free agency process.

Some of the numbers may cause frustration in Dunta and DeMeco's camp (there goes 'my' money), but that's the way this business is conducted. Get what you can, when you can, within the framework of the rules and the leverage you carry.

From what I've seen over the years, the Texans negotiate fairly and certainly don't have a reputation for low-balling it's players - especially their star players. But the ongoing negotiations with Dunta and DeMeco bears watching. You don't want unhappy campers in your locker room - especially when they're supposed to be your leaders.

But what it comes down to in many cases, is the timing of it all. And in this case, the timing couldn't have been any better for Smith.
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http://www.examiner.com/x-778-Houst...ays-in-NFL-not-just-a-function-of-performance
 
Florios article is very insightful as he exposes the misconception that "guaranteed money" is not always the most significant number in a players contract. Sometimes, as in the case of the deal that Smith got over the weekend with the Texans, that number can even be misleading in that it understates the real financial worth of a deal.
 
I like how when I gripe about a move we make, I need to shut the heck up and get on-board with it. I'm just a troll.

When others do it, we should be very frightened and watch the move crumble before our very eyes.

We can't suck any more than we did with Weaver at DE. And something had to be done. I'm not sure who else at DE we could have plugged in to replace Weaver. Who else was out there? And in the draft, as well?

As far as DeMeco and Dunta are concerned: This is a draft where we could go LB in round 1, and CB in round 2 (or vice versa) and let them pout and walk away from this team at the end of the year. They still have to play and put up good stats in order to remain respectable for free agency/trade value. So if they are THAT interested in "gettng THEIR money," so to speak, then they need to put up or shut up.

This is nothing more than jealousy talk, in terms of being supposedly angered that a free agent DE got a deal and they didn't. A better DL means an easier time for LBs and DBs, which should mean they can fly around the field and look like Asante Samuel and such...which helps their market value.

I will not discount or detract from the talents of Dunta and DeMeco. They are very good players and they have meant a lot to the team in values that exceed just their physical talents. But this whining and moaning is stupid.

I'm sorry. Not a single down has been played yet, not even a scrimmage, and this is possibly a huge mistake? There's too much residue off the Weaver failure for Antonio Smith to get a fair shake in the eyes of some fans.

I think this is the best offseason YET for the Texans.

Fire away. I know it's a-coming!
 
Just about every team "overpays" this early in free agency. Yes we overpaid a little for the guy, but that's the price you pay for being a early player in FA.
 
I'm on board with the signing. We already know he can compete at this level and his best year was last season so he is entering his prime. He will produce better than some rookie that will take 3 years to "get there". He may not be spectacular but he could be Otis Thorpe-like....and that would make this a plus signing.
 
Texan_Bill said:
He was just on 1560 and said "I will get after the quarterback!! Mark my words"
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I'm glad to hear that and all....make no mistake I like to hear those words. I just don't put much stock into those kinda statemants..

Tmac..."something special is going to happen in Houston, I can feel it".

Ahman Green..."Ive get plenty in the tank and I'm going to prove I'm still capable of being a top back".

Tmac..."once I'm back, I'm back...no more going in and out of the lineup...I'll prove the doubters wrong".

Ahman Green..." I'm feeling great and look forward to having a healthy season".

:) Ah..who am I kidding, it's not fair to blame the guy, because of those two guys. (honestly I could've listed about 3 or 4 other Tmac "failure quotes", it's like shooting fish in a barrel)
 
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Carr Bombed said:
Just about every team "overpays" this early in free agency. Yes we overpaid a little for the guy, but that's the price you pay for being a early player in FA.
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Yup. And if he turns out to be a big hit he might quickly become "underpaid".

Ya never know...
 
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