Solomon: The Texans Would Like to Sign Brown, Barwin, Schaub Before the Season

[Brisco_County]

Link.

The Texans, who do all their contract negotiations out of season, would like to sign left tackle Duane Brown and outside linebacker Connor Barwin to long-term, cap-friendly deals before the season.

But what about Matt Schaub?

As was the case with Kubiak and Smith, the quarterback is in the last year of his contract. Players, especially quarterbacks, aren’t particularly fond of entering a season with only one year remaining on a contract.

Kubiak addressed the importance of his deal.

“It means a lot,” he said. “I know it’s a great message to the players and everybody from Bob that he believes in what we’re doing and where we’re heading.”

It's best for both sides to get Brown and Barwin signed right now, with most of the money loaded into next year.

Schaub's contract is tricky. One of the cases I made in the 20/70/10 thread was that Schaub was at risk of sliding into group B, and if that happens, it would require a contract renegotiation. Smith wants to see a year of durability before risking that scenario. I don't think Schaub will get a deal done before the season, but I think Brown and Barwin are locks.

 

[Marcus]

Jeez Solomon, why don't we find out if the dude can walk without a limp first before trying to "lock him up".

 

[GP]

Last night, I was thinking this:

"WHAT IF the Texans use the tag on Schaub, to get one more year out of him in 2013 to see if he's back or not?"

Nobody has talked much, or any at all, about using the tag on Schaub.

It seems it would be rather expensive for the Texans to do so, though. But does it fit the sometimes "coddling" aspect of Bob McNair's love affair with certain "faces of the franchise?" He's had one QB he hung onto for an extra season...would he do the same for Schaub, considering that Schaub more or less has earned that one season of extra time with us???

 

[GP]

I'll go ahead and say that I'm in favor of letting the market settle itself on Schaub in early 2013...let's see what the market holds for him.

He'll be a free agent, so let's not bid against ourselves here. OK, so maybe a team who is desperate will gamble on paying Schaub a really nice salary in 2013. My reaction is that they're also getting a guy who isn't Top 3 in the league, who has missed a lot of time (sometimes long stretches of time) and has major mobility problems from this point forward.

My decision would be to let him test the market, save the tag for other guys, and use TJ Yates and Case Keenum as heir apparent for the next 3 years here if we can't retain him at a team-friendly price. Go with youth, in other words. I wouldn't expect Schaub to accept that, but I would gamble anyways.

 

[badboy]

I'd tried to post this article yesterday for an hour and could not find link on chron.com. ARggh!

 

[Dutchrudder]

Last night, I was thinking this:

"WHAT IF the Texans use the tag on Schaub, to get one more year out of him in 2013 to see if he's back or not?"

Nobody has talked much, or any at all, about using the tag on Schaub.

It seems it would be rather expensive for the Texans to do so, though. But does it fit the sometimes "coddling" aspect of Bob McNair's love affair with certain "faces of the franchise?" He's had one QB he hung onto for an extra season...would he do the same for Schaub, considering that Schaub more or less has earned that one season of extra time with us???

Well, if we have 24 million to play with next offseason, spending 16 on tagging Schaub does not sound like a good idea to me.

Brown is probably going to cost $10 million a year, so either Barwin or Schaub can eat up the majority of that $14 million remaining, and I think it will be Schaub at about 11-12 mill a year. If Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco are making 11 million-ish this year, Matt's worth about that much, and I think his agent will get him that money.

Barwin seems like the oddman out, unless we trim a lot of fat by cutting Wade Smith, Antonio Smith, OD and/or Kevin Walter. If Barwin has 10+ sacks again next season, I think we'll see the team cut Antonio to save money to keep Barwin. We may have to draft another 3-4 DE and move Crick up to RDE. There is gonna be some movement if they don't get those guys signed.

 

[infantrycak]

I think it will be Schaub at about 11-12 mill a year. If Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco are making 11 million-ish this year, Matt's worth about that much, and I think his agent will get him that money.

I think that is a reasonable target area.

Got to remember these contracts typically escalate for example the first year total cap hit for Sanchez is $5.25 mil.

 

[ckhouston]

Brown is top priority with Barwin being second.

Signing Schaub before we have a full season with him back on the field, or at least the majority of the season would be foolish. We still do not know for sure that the injury wont have long term effects, and the one sure things he has shown in his career, is that he stays injured.

Really I do want to see him do well this season and lead us to the SB, but would I give him a long term extension averaging 11-12M a year? No way. Not even if he wins it all.

If he does well I give him a couple more years at a decent rate (maybe 7-8M) and see how healthy he is in two years. If Smith locks him up, he could be committing career suicide.

 

[thunderkyss]

First, trying to sign Brown, Barwin, & Schaub this season explains why we "don't" have money for Mario. The cap numbers we were looking at before FA just didn't make sense, without this caveat.

I think it's the right move..... especially if Mario was unwilling to restructure that big $16M payday last offseason.

Signing Schaub before we have a full season with him back on the field, or at least the majority of the season would be foolish. We still do not know for sure that the injury wont have long term effects, and the one sure things he has shown in his career, is that he stays injured.

& then we've got to consider reality. He's in the last year of his contract, he could do like Dunta & "take it easy" so as not to re-injure himself, resting on his body of work, which should still get him a pay-raise, where another injury would pretty much make him a back-up for two or three years.

The key, is the structure. There should be enough Mario money laying around to get Schaub a decent payday for the 2012 season, then structure a deal that will pay him really well from 2013 on.... guaranteed if he's on the roster at whatever day they want next season... he won't be on the team if there is some other "freak" injury that keeps him from playing a predetermined # of games.

Heck, they could guarantee his contract if he starts X number of games in 2012.

I don't think the man is accident prone, personally, I wouldn't be overly concerned about injuries, just throwing that out there, if you are. I think he's good for our club, & I'm anxious to see how good he can be with a better WR corps..... AJ is the shiznitz.... but we need other options who can consistently get open without all the sheninigans.

 

[TEXANRED]

I wouldn't extend Schaub until after this season. Out of 5 seasons only 2 has he not been injured.

Manning gets cut after missing one season in 15 years.

 

[powda]

If Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco are making 11 million-ish this year, Matt's worth about that much, and I think his agent will get him that money.

Few possible problems with that assessment though I think its mostly a fair ball park.

1. Schaub is better.
2. Those contracts are 1-2 years old...it will cost more now then at the time those contracts were signed.
3. Did either of those players test the open market?

Teams will pay ridiculous money for solid quarterback play (look 2 the draft for resources teams routinely pay for the hope of a decent qb). The last thing I want 2 do is get in a bidding war with 10 teams that have more money to spend.

 

[ATRAIN]

Brown is top priority with Barwin being second.

Signing Schaub before we have a full season with him back on the field, or at least the majority of the season would be foolish. We still do not know for sure that the injury wont have long term effects, and the one sure things he has shown in his career, is that he stays injured.

Really I do want to see him do well this season and lead us to the SB, but would I give him a long term extension averaging 11-12M a year? No way. Not even if he wins it all.

If he does well I give him a couple more years at a decent rate (maybe 7-8M) and see how healthy he is in two years. If Smith locks him up, he could be committing career suicide.

I agree with you here. Brown and Barwin I would love to see asap.

I wouldn't extend Schaub until after this season. Out of 5 seasons only 2 has he not been injured.

Manning gets cut after missing one season in 15 years.

Matt is good but he isnt THAT good. NO way he should get a big contract before he can prove what he can do this year. I dont know how much a tag on him would be if he does good. I think the tag on QB's is a pretty big hit right? All in all though I hate that we are already talking about the cap for next year when this season hasnt even started. This off season was one of the most stressfull as a Texans fan. I just cant wait for this season to kick off. At the very least cant wait for pre-season.

 

[buddyboy]

I wouldn't extend Schaub until after this season. Out of 5 seasons only 2 has he not been injured.

Manning gets cut after missing one season in 15 years.

Foot injury vs. neck injury. The comparison is silly to say the least.

 

[GP]

Well, if we have 24 million to play with next offseason, spending 16 on tagging Schaub does not sound like a good idea to me.

Brown is probably going to cost $10 million a year, so either Barwin or Schaub can eat up the majority of that $14 million remaining, and I think it will be Schaub at about 11-12 mill a year. If Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco are making 11 million-ish this year, Matt's worth about that much, and I think his agent will get him that money.

Barwin seems like the oddman out, unless we trim a lot of fat by cutting Wade Smith, Antonio Smith, OD and/or Kevin Walter. If Barwin has 10+ sacks again next season, I think we'll see the team cut Antonio to save money to keep Barwin. We may have to draft another 3-4 DE and move Crick up to RDE. There is gonna be some movement if they don't get those guys signed.

Three problems, IMO, with your use of Sanchez and Flacco:

(1) The two QBs you listed are younger, (2) not nearly as hampered by the same degree of injuries Schaub has accrued, and (3) there's no guarantee that Sanchez will be "earning" that big paycheck he was given (let's remember that the Jets foolishly re-up'd Sanchez when Sanchez still had at least 2 years left on his initial contract).

Not exactly a good argument to use those two QBs to try and rationalize why Schaub could earn that same level of pay. Will Schaub's agent demand what they think is fair pay for Schaub? Yes. Will their expectations be rooted in solid reality? Maybe, but that's for the Texans and other suitors to determine. I personally don't think he's a $10+ starting QB for the Texans.

At least the Redskins are not going to go after him in fee agency...that's one team who would definitely over-pay/out-bid for Schaub in 2013 had they not drafted RGIII.

If Matt Schaub starts Game 1 and has a solid season, Matt Schaub will deservedly be back in 2013. There's several other scenarios, however, where I would hope the Texans front office evaluates Schaub's long-term prospects here in what might be perceived to be a fairly cold-blooded manner.

 

[GP]

If he does well I give him a couple more years at a decent rate (maybe 7-8M) and see how healthy he is in two years. If Smith locks him up, he could be committing career suicide.

I think 2 yrs at $8 million-per-season is good, at least for what I think of his situation here and how it affects the other contracts we need to get done in the next two years.

Some team out there is going to offer more, though. Some teams have a really bad situation at QB and they will think that guy who slung the ball in Houston will make them instantly better...which he might, but that's all relative in the grand scheme of things.

QB is the nail-biter situation for this team right now. Whether it's a healthy Schaub, a semi-healthy Schaub, an older TJ Yates, or a still-a-bit-shaky TJ Yates, etc.....whatever happens at QB in the first four games of this season is going to determine a lot of things IN season and OUT of season for us.

 

[Dutchrudder]

Three problems, IMO, with your use of Sanchez and Flacco:

(1) The two QBs you listed are younger, (2) not nearly as hampered by the same degree of injuries Schaub has accrued, and (3) there's no guarantee that Sanchez will be "earning" that big paycheck he was given (let's remember that the Jets foolishly re-up'd Sanchez when Sanchez still had at least 2 years left on his initial contract).

Not exactly a good argument to use those two QBs to try and rationalize why Schaub could earn that same level of pay. Will Schaub's agent demand what they think is fair pay for Schaub? Yes. Will their expectations be rooted in solid reality? Maybe, but that's for the Texans and other suitors to determine. I personally don't think he's a $10+ starting QB for the Texans.

At least the Redskins are not going to go after him in fee agency...that's one team who would definitely over-pay/out-bid for Schaub in 2013 had they not drafted RGIII.

If Matt Schaub starts Game 1 and has a solid season, Matt Schaub will deservedly be back in 2013. There's several other scenarios, however, where I would hope the Texans front office evaluates Schaub's long-term prospects here in what might be perceived to be a fairly cold-blooded manner.

You and Powda make opposing arguments regarding of Schaub's value, and I think they are all credible points. Simply put, I think age, injury history, and lack of possible destinations will average out and limit Schaub's price to the same range as Flacco and Sanchez. I think Schaub is more capable than both of those guys when healthy, but the uncertainty around him brings his price down to their level.

 

[Dutchrudder]

I think 2 yrs at $8 million-per-season is good, at least for what I think of his situation here and how it affects the other contracts we need to get done in the next two years.

Some team out there is going to offer more, though. Some teams have a really bad situation at QB and they will think that guy who slung the ball in Houston will make them instantly better...which he might, but that's all relative in the grand scheme of things.

QB is the nail-biter situation for this team right now. Whether it's a healthy Schaub, a semi-healthy Schaub, an older TJ Yates, or a still-a-bit-shaky TJ Yates, etc.....whatever happens at QB in the first four games of this season is going to determine a lot of things IN season and OUT of season for us.

That's Matt Hasslebeck money. He's at least one tier above him. I really think that he's in the Flacco, Romo, Rivers, Ryan, Cutler range of salary.

 

[infantrycak]

That's Matt Hasslebeck money. He's at least one tier above him. I really think that he's in the Flacco, Romo, Rivers, Ryan, Cutler range of salary.

Agreed. Schaub is a tier above in performance, Hasselbeck has been injured just as much and he is six years older. He is a player at the end of Schaub's next contract.

 

[powda]

You and Powda make opposing arguments regarding of Schaub's value, and I think they are all credible points. Simply put, I think age, injury history, and lack of possible destinations will average out and limit Schaub's price to the same range as Flacco and Sanchez. I think Schaub is more capable than both of those guys when healthy, but the uncertainty around him brings his price down to their level.

I dont think schaub will be resigned previous to the season and IF he's healthy and IF he has a normal season (for him), I think he'll command a big contract. Flaco and Sanchez 11 million type contracts are probably the floor of what we can expect. I'd guess 11 to 14 ish. I'm also assuming he will lead this team to the playoffs and that will only enhance his value. We're only 1 year removed from 2 consecutive 4500 yard seasons. If he tests the open market his contract will go north of 14 million. Do I think hes worth that? Hell no. But someone WILL pay him.

 

[thunderkyss]

If he tests the open market his contract will go north of 14 million. Do I think hes worth that? Hell no. But someone WILL pay him.

He's got to win with this team. He's got to get to the play-offs, & win for him to be worth anything in FA.

Otherwise, think Jon Kitna. He'll be signed by someone to start, on the cheap.

 

[dream_team]

I agree with just about everyone on here... Brown is a must re-sign. I think he's on the verge of being a top 3 LT in the league, and he's probably the best LT in the whole NFL for our system. Re-sign him ASAP!

This is where I disagree with just about everyone on here... no need to rush to re-sign Barwin. Barwin played good last season, but he didn't show me enough to convince me he's going to be our elite pass rusher for years to come. I'd like to see what we got in Mercilus, first, before we go and make a long-term, expensive, commitment to Barwin.

Just like a lot of people, I'd like to hold off and see how Schaub performs this season. I will say this, it is tough to find a QB as good as Schaub. It would be dumb to let a proven QB go, especially if that team is already a SB contender. I have no problems if the Texans extend him now, but his foot doesn't make me confident.

 

[steelbtexan]

I would make Schaub prove he can come back from his Lisfranc. At this point we dont even know if he can make it thru a game. Much less a 19 game season.

 

[ckhouston]

I dont think schaub will be resigned previous to the season and IF he's healthy and IF he has a normal season (for him), I think he'll command a big contract. Flaco and Sanchez 11 million type contracts are probably the floor of what we can expect. I'd guess 11 to 14 ish. I'm also assuming he will lead this team to the playoffs and that will only enhance his value. We're only 1 year removed from 2 consecutive 4500 yard seasons. If he tests the open market his contract will go north of 14 million. Do I think hes worth that? Hell no. But someone WILL pay him.

Anything over 10 even if he wins the SB .... bye Matt.

 

[powda]

He's got to win with this team. He's got to get to the play-offs, & win for him to be worth anything in FA.

All we can do at this point is speculate, but I have zero doubt in the nfl's propensity to overpay solid quarterback play. My bottom line, whether my numbers are accurate or not, is dont let him hit the open market.

Something else to consider is what other quarterbacks are up for contracts after this year? Is there anyone comparable? Are a lot of qb's going to hit free agency? That could be a blessing.

 

[infantrycak]

Something else to consider is what other quarterbacks are up for contracts after this year? Is there anyone comparable? Are a lot of qb's going to hit free agency? That could be a blessing.

Joe Flacco & Matt Schaub are head and shoulders the top two on the list - Link

Unless Flacco falls off a performance cliff I would expect the Ravens to extend him leaving Schaub as the top FA QB if he doesn't injure his foot again.

 

[ckhouston]

Joe Flacco & Matt Schaub are head and shoulders the top two on the list - Link

Unless Flacco falls off a performance cliff I would expect the Ravens to extend him leaving Schaub as the top FA QB if he doesn't injure his foot again.

I see two, maybe three on the list I would take over Matt.

He needs to make a huge statement this year, I hope he does.

 

[TimeKiller]

I really don't see the Texans resigning Schaub unless both sides can agree that the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of Schaub being demoted to backup at some point during the contract. That's a hard truth because he's been a good player for us. If he was willing to be the backup, let the team go after a higher caliber QB our team would be incredible.

Sadly, that's probably not going to be the case. I'm in favor of moving on before it's a HUGE problem. I mean unless Schaub is an integral part of a run at a ring, I think the Texans need to sell out to get a top shelf talent. If there's one position you're going to do it for...

I'm excited to see if the Texans can make the necessary moves and continue progressing.

 

[infantrycak]

I see two, maybe three on the list I would take over Matt.

Well by all means then tell us who?

 

[badboy]

Well, if we have 24 million to play with next offseason, spending 16 on tagging Schaub does not sound like a good idea to me.

Brown is probably going to cost $10 million a year, so either Barwin or Schaub can eat up the majority of that $14 million remaining, and I think it will be Schaub at about 11-12 mill a year. If Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco are making 11 million-ish this year, Matt's worth about that much, and I think his agent will get him that money.

Barwin seems like the oddman out, unless we trim a lot of fat by cutting Wade Smith, Antonio Smith, OD and/or Kevin Walter. If Barwin has 10+ sacks again next season, I think we'll see the team cut Antonio to save money to keep Barwin. We may have to draft another 3-4 DE and move Crick up to RDE. There is gonna be some movement if they don't get those guys signed.

This is what I've been saying. Throw Cushing ino the mix as many are saying and....

 

[badboy]

I'll go ahead and say that I'm in favor of letting the market settle itself on Schaub in early 2013...let's see what the market holds for him.

He'll be a free agent, so let's not bid against ourselves here. OK, so maybe a team who is desperate will gamble on paying Schaub a really nice salary in 2013. My reaction is that they're also getting a guy who isn't Top 3 in the league, who has missed a lot of time (sometimes long stretches of time) and has major mobility problems from this point forward.

My decision would be to let him test the market, save the tag for other guys, and use TJ Yates and Case Keenum as heir apparent for the next 3 years here if we can't retain him at a team-friendly price. Go with youth, in other words. I wouldn't expect Schaub to accept that, but I would gamble anyways.

Schaub does not have to be top 3 to double his salary, QBs are in demand and his passing history is there. Maybe he will not be 100 % but there will be teams who will snatch him up regardless. If he wants to gamble on a ring, Texans offer best chance. Hopefully that is enough.

 

[badboy]

I really don't see the Texans resigning Schaub unless both sides can agree that the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of Schaub being demoted to backup at some point during the contract. That's a hard truth because he's been a good player for us. If he was willing to be the backup, let the team go after a higher caliber QB our team would be incredible.

Sadly, that's probably not going to be the case. I'm in favor of moving on before it's a HUGE problem. I mean unless Schaub is an integral part of a run at a ring, I think the Texans need to sell out to get a top shelf talent. If there's one position you're going to do it for...

I'm excited to see if the Texans can make the necessary moves and continue progressing.

There is no way MAtt would agree to being a back up. There is no top shelf QB in draft or FA that is better than Schaub. We need to hope another season will benfit Yates regardless if Matt is here after 2012.

It doesn't matter much what we think Matt is worth in 2013 & beyond but rather what other teams will pay. There is not much of an alternative.

 

[PapaL]

I see two, maybe three on the list I would take over Matt.

He needs to make a huge statement this year, I hope he does.

This should be interesting...I see ZERO I'd take over Schaub and his injuries.

 

[thunderkyss]

I really don't see the Texans resigning Schaub unless both sides can agree that the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of Schaub being demoted to backup at some point during the contract. That's a hard truth because he's been a good player for us. If he was willing to be the backup, let the team go after a higher caliber QB our team would be incredible.

He's played well for our team. If it ain't broke..... why screw with it?

If you're saying we should start collecting draft picks so we can move up in a future draft to get that franchise QB, then..... that just doesn't makes sense to me. I'm a bird in the hand kind of guy.

The smart thing to do would be to extend Matt's contract, guarantee the first two years, at most (I'm in favor of guaranteeing 2012 only).

Yates has all the tools, got lots of experience in college & his rookie season. The only thing that kept him from being a first round pick (in my mind) was the relatively lack of success of UNC...... not really a QB school.

Then Case Keenum. I don't know what he's going to be in the future, but there is enough there to hint at an upside. A year on the bench is probably the best thing for his career right now. Think Tony Romo, only better.

 

[Allstar]

This would be awesome if we could lock these guys up.

 

[thunderkyss]

I see two, maybe three on the list I would take over Matt.

There is no way you could see two, much less three guys on that list that you could possibly want starting for your football team... at QB, other than Matt Schaub.

I can see getting Jason Campbell, Kellen Clemens, & maybe Chase Daniels into camp next season.... maybe even as the #2 guy going into the season. But no way I'd replace Schaub with any of them..... not even Flacco.... straight up.

No way.

 

[Allstar]

There is no way you could see two, much less three guys on that list that you could possibly want starting for your football team... at QB, other than Matt Schaub.

I can see getting Jason Campbell, Kellen Clemens, & maybe Chase Daniels into camp next season.... maybe even as the #2 guy going into the season. But no way I'd replace Schaub with any of them..... not even Flacco.... straight up.

No way.

I think Schaub pissed in ckhouston's soda or something. He has an irrational hate for him. Maybe he got it from the "official board" that he came from.

 

[TexanCR]

Anything over 10 even if he wins the SB .... bye Matt.

And like the previous poster said, and you will replace him with....? There is no better QB on the market right now and it will not be on the next offseason. Too much hate for a QB that can throw for 4500 yds in a couple of seasons.

I'll say get Brown and, like somebody also said, give schaub a 2 year contract IF POSSIBLE ( Schaub is getting older and like Brees he is probably looking for one last big contract ) then go on the 2014 Draft and get your future franchise QB, let him sit one year behind Schaub to learn the system and how to be a pro.

Barwin, I love how he plays and if we have to cut the ninja, its something that we have to consider having Crick AND using a first round pick next year on a DL. Walter will have to go to.

Im more worried about Cushing the following year, with our cap problems how are we going to keep him? He is gonna cost a lot.

Edited to say one more thing, I dont think Rick is going to address any of these contracts this year and we may lose some guys because of this...just a gut feeling.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

I see two, maybe three on the list I would take over Matt.

I know what each, individual word means. But when you put them together like that, I don't understand what you mean.

There wasn't a single QB on that list I'd want over Matt. There aren't very many QBs in the NFL I'd want over Matt.

 

[Dutchrudder]

This is what I've been saying. Throw Cushing ino the mix as many are saying and....

I'm not worried about Cushing at all. The MLB position's average salary has been slightly decreasing the past couple years as teams move more towards coverage heavy schemes to combat the vast amount of passing. I think if you threw Cushing in the mix this offseason, he would get the least per year of the 4, but would be retained. If Antonio stays on the team through the year, his 8 million cap hit is more than enough to pay Cushing. At worst, we franchise Cushing in 2013 and he's stuck negotiating with Rick, which we know is every player's dream...

Some other LBs for comps:

So now, here are the top five contracts for inside linebackers:

1. Patrick Willis, San Francisco: seven years, $53.51 million, $29 million guaranteed.

2. Jon Beason, Carolina: six years, $51.3 million, $25 million guaranteed.

3. Jerod Mayo, New England: seven years,$49.85 million, $25 million guaranteed.

4. D’Qwell Jackson, Cleveland: five years, $ 42.5 million, $19.5 million guaranteed.

5. David Harris, New York Jets: four years, $36 million, $29.5 million guaranteed.

Stephen Tulloch got five-year contract worth $25.5 million, with $11.25 million guaranteed.

Ahmad Brooks to a six-year, $44.5 million contract with $17.5 million of it guaranteed

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/03/21/the-curious-case-of-curtis-lofton%E2%80%99s-free-agency/

I think at most we are looking at 8 mill per year for Cushing, and he may get that, unless he gets tagged. Then he will probably settle for 6-8 per. He's not a huge caphit due to his position, but he is important. Clay Matthews will also be vying for a new deal from the Packers that year, so we may get lucky if he settles for 6-7 before we sign Cushing.

 

[Dutchrudder]

I dont think schaub will be resigned previous to the season and IF he's healthy and IF he has a normal season (for him), I think he'll command a big contract. Flaco and Sanchez 11 million type contracts are probably the floor of what we can expect. I'd guess 11 to 14 ish. I'm also assuming he will lead this team to the playoffs and that will only enhance his value. We're only 1 year removed from 2 consecutive 4500 yard seasons. If he tests the open market his contract will go north of 14 million. Do I think hes worth that? Hell no. But someone WILL pay him.

I really doubt that will be the case. I don't think Schaub fits every scheme out there, nor does he have a rocket arm that most team's covet. The kind of teams that I would expect to go after Schaub would be the Browns, Seahawks, Jags, Rams, Bucs or Vikings. Many of those are dependent on how their QB situation works out this year, and where they end up drafting. Even still, I don't see the bottom dwellers throwing a ton of money at Schaub unless the 90% salary cap floor becomes a factor and they need to drop 14+ million that year. At that price, yeah I think he will be gone.

Another thing to factor in is that Drew Brees is still under the franchise tag. He may be a free agent next year...

 

[Brisco_County]

All roads lead to re-signing Cushing. He is Smith's #1 resume' bullet.

 

[Norg]

why pay schaub ....???? is my question

 

[beerlover]

Defense will carry this team not the offense that is were the focus of investment needs to be. A solid OL & star RB is enough to carry even a marginal QB to the Superbowl

 

[The Pencil Neck]

why pay schaub ....???? is my question

After reading this post, I have no idea what your question is. This is why grammar is important. The ellipses indicate a pause or a trailing off of your voice and that forces the second part to be "??? is my question" But do the "????" mean that you're incredulous about the original words or does it mean that you're asking the original phrase as a question or does it mean that the question is your question? I don't know.

Do you mean: Why pay Schaub? Are you kidding?

Or do you mean: Why pay Schaub? That's my question.

But when I try to parse your message, I'm not sure which way you're going.

 

[Carr Bombed]

Defense will carry this team not the offense that is were the focus of investment needs to be. A solid OL & star RB is enough to carry even a marginal QB to the Superbowl

Why, because Brad Johnson and Dilfer won a title with historic defenses? That is the exception.. not the rule. You need a very good QB to win a title. Just pull up past SB winners and look at their signal callers.

 

[thunderkyss]

Defense will carry this team not the offense that is were the focus of investment needs to be. A solid OL & star RB is enough to carry even a marginal QB to the Superbowl

We're spoiled.

If it weren't for the offense last season, we'd have been the Jacksonville Jaguars.

If it weren't for Matt Schaub.. who is better than "marginal" we'd have been the Jaguars or the 8-8 Broncos.

 

[ckhouston]

Well by all means then tell us who?

Joe Flacco
Brian Hoyer
Jason Campbell (borderline)

 

[ckhouston]

And like the previous poster said, and you will replace him with....?

First choice to replace him? Yates.

 

[ckhouston]

After reading this post, I have no idea what your question is. This is why grammar is important. The ellipses indicate a pause or a trailing off of your voice and that forces the second part to be "??? is my question" But do the "????" mean that you're incredulous about the original words or does it mean that you're asking the original phrase as a question or does it mean that the question is your question? I don't know.

Do you mean: Why pay Schaub? Are you kidding?

Or do you mean: Why pay Schaub? That's my question.

But when I try to parse your message, I'm not sure which way you're going.

Your trying to seem like you have a grasp of the English language is laughable, and annoying.

Just sayin.

 

[badboy]

I'm not worried about Cushing at all. The MLB position's average salary has been slightly decreasing the past couple years as teams move more towards coverage heavy schemes to combat the vast amount of passing. I think if you threw Cushing in the mix this offseason, he would get the least per year of the 4, but would be retained. If Antonio stays on the team through the year, his 8 million cap hit is more than enough to pay Cushing. At worst, we franchise Cushing in 2013 and he's stuck negotiating with Rick, which we know is every player's dream...

Some other LBs for comps:

So now, here are the top five contracts for inside linebackers:

1. Patrick Willis, San Francisco: seven years, $53.51 million, $29 million guaranteed.

2. Jon Beason, Carolina: six years, $51.3 million, $25 million guaranteed.

3. Jerod Mayo, New England: seven years,$49.85 million, $25 million guaranteed.

4. D’Qwell Jackson, Cleveland: five years, $ 42.5 million, $19.5 million guaranteed.

5. David Harris, New York Jets: four years, $36 million, $29.5 million guaranteed.

Stephen Tulloch got five-year contract worth $25.5 million, with $11.25 million guaranteed.

Ahmad Brooks to a six-year, $44.5 million contract with $17.5 million of it guaranteed

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/03/21/the-curious-case-of-curtis-lofton%E2%80%99s-free-agency/

I think at most we are looking at 8 mill per year for Cushing, and he may get that, unless he gets tagged. Then he will probably settle for 6-8 per. He's not a huge caphit due to his position, but he is important. Clay Matthews will also be vying for a new deal from the Packers that year, so we may get lucky if he settles for 6-7 before we sign Cushing.

If I am the agent for either of these former teammates, I hold out for 5 year $50m and $30m guaranteed with at least $10m upfront bonus. I really would not care what other LBs got because these two are best now & I think I can get it from some team. Same with D. Brown.