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AJ no show/now back to work
- Thread starter BigBull17
- Start date
Hey! It's hard work being a beach bum these days...
Is this the report you're talking about?
Now, that makes it official.
So, I wonder what the deal is if Rick Smith said they are willing to negotiate.
This just doesn't sound right.
drs23
Veteran
Rick Smith said "we're willing totalk and he knows that". I didn't hear the reneg...word.
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
AJ needs to get an agent. The deal he signed back then wasn't market value. Teams have been giving almost 50% in guaranteed jack for a while now and he only got 25% back then. He did a poor deal and negotiating vs a team minus an agent isn't the best thing. Now if he had put an out clause in there, thats different.
BullNation4Life
All Pro
No, just that he started to notice he wasn't being paid like elite player he has become and the media has glossed him. He, we, I already knew he was great. IMO having the media call you one of if not THE elite player at your position along with an uncle who probably goes back and let's Dre know, "Hey ESPN and NFL Network are saying you are better than Fitzgerald and look at what he got"
Guess media or not, this was bound to happen sooner or later. I just feel the media help thrust it into sooner....
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
I agree to your overall point but it's not like the Texans royally screwed him. Although the guaranteed portion seems low by today's standards, his average pay per year for 8 years was basically the Franchise Tag's $ figure for WRs at that time.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
Exactly. I believe at the time it was stated he was becoming the highest paid WR. It's the nature of the business that in subsequent years as the cap goes up someone else will get a bigger contract. For example, everyone who was used to calculate the franchise tag number for 2010 at WR got their contracts after AJ.
The huge guaranteed money came the next year with Fitz' contract. For example Steve Smith signed his 6 year $48 mil contract a couple months after AJ and got a $9.3 mil signing bonus.
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
Fitz's deal is insane. 4 years / $40 Million with $30 Million guaranteed!
The following was accomplished by AJ before restructuring his contract:
100+ catch season (2006)
NFL Alumni Wide Receiver Of The Year (2006)
2 × Pro Bowl selection (2004, 2006)
Second-team All-Pro selection (2006)
And "The Media" was already talking about how badass he was back then...
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
This is true which is even more impressive considering he averaged a tad over 4 TDs per season those first 4 years.
hookinreds
Veteran
I have no problem with AJ wanting the Texans to look at his contract, and I have no problem with the Texans taking a step back to look at it and comeback with a nice raise, even if it makes him the top paid WR. Will this open up for the same type of issue down the road...sure it does, just like it did when Dunta was bitching about his contract. You make the numbers, we take care of you, if your an average player and *****, hit the road. Save the "well if we pay him that lowers out ability to pay some other player"...if we don't have him on our side, it doesn't matter who the hell we are paying. The term contract in itself means absolutely nothing in the NFL in regard holding a player/team to the t's and c's. I stopped caring if someone wanted to renegotiate their contract before completion a long time ago.
Honestly, I'd make sure AJ was the highest paid WR in the league every year that he's the top rated receiver. At least he earns it on the field and off. If ever there was a player that earns his paycheck its AJ.
Honestly, I'd make sure AJ was the highest paid WR in the league every year that he's the top rated receiver. At least he earns it on the field and off. If ever there was a player that earns his paycheck its AJ.
badboy
Hall of Fame
McNair's response, "Hey AJ just wanted to say I noticed your reduction in time spent in the voluntary OTAs. I have instructed Coach Kubiak to reduce the passes going to you this season and that is a voluntary decision on my part. When I signed the last two contracts neither you or I knew what you would accomplish but we both agreed on the deal. Signed our names like men do. I would have paid you even if you played half as well. You may not have noticed, but we drafted this kid Tate who should solve our running back problems and Stevie Slaton seems to be back to rookie form. Adrian Foster will probably be our ground pounder and you know how Kubes is about that old running game. I expect to see about 60% of our plays to be rushes and then we have some tight ends and Jacoby probably will get a few more touches also. Slaton in the slot or end arounds, make me chuckle just thinking about it.
So here's the deal, since you will have quite a few less receptions, I want you to reduce your annual salary accordingly. In the long run this will lengthen your career and when you do get the ball late in a game, you should be fresh. BTW, say Hey to your uncle. I just love that guy! See you in training camp."
So here's the deal, since you will have quite a few less receptions, I want you to reduce your annual salary accordingly. In the long run this will lengthen your career and when you do get the ball late in a game, you should be fresh. BTW, say Hey to your uncle. I just love that guy! See you in training camp."
hookinreds
Veteran
Yea, Bob...that will work. I'll report back to you on how well your running game isn't working when the other team stacks 11 guys in the box. I'll be over here on the bench eating my bon bons wondering when I'll ever get the ball...oh and you'll still be paying me that contract we signed a while back.
El Tejano
Hall of Fame
Bob, have you ever seen Rod Smith's numbers in this offense even when they had Terrell Davis? I don't see any Terrell Davis' on this team and I know I can do better than Rod Smith. Just take your calculator and pen out and pay me!
Bob, one way you can guarantee that defenses will gear up to stop the run is to take me out of the game.
Pay me.
"Hey Bob,
Congrats on yet another year that your franchise failed to make the playoffs. What is it now, like, 9 in a row?
Sincerely,
Texans customers...errrr...fans"
This 100% better not happen. I would be a very unhappy bigbull.
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
HOU-TEX: Bob, after 8 painful years, the "he brought football back to Houston" is beginning to wear off.
Bob: Well, HOU-TEX, trust me when I say we are doing everything we can to bring a championship to Houston.
HOU-TEX: Well Bob, I lie awake at night after games we should've won wondering why the hell I keep rooting for this damn team.
Bob: Really? Might I recommend the sleep apnea surgery? We are suggesting it to all our players. They've lost a few pounds, but they can sleep better at night.
HOU-TEX: Do you sleep well at night, Bob?! Knowing you're raising ticket prices year after year for an 8-8...errrr....9-7 team?
Bob: Yes, HOU-TEX, I sleep very well at night. Thank you for asking.
HOU-TEX: You better relax, Bob.
Bob: There is no way that we could have been as bad at business as we are at Football.
HOU-TEX: All right, I'm coming down to Reliant, let's go!
HOU-TEX: [after punching Bob McNair to the ground] You like THAT old man? You want a piece of ME?
Bob: [shakes his head as he get up from the ground] I don't want a PIECE of you... I want the whole THING!
[Bob punches HOU-TEX in the stomach once then punches him in the face ten times. His tenth blow causes HOU-TEX to fall into a small pond]
No. It's either hidden in my foggy brain, or right on the tip of my tongue. It's close, but I can't quite make it out.
lostboy
Undrafted Free Agent
badboy
Hall of Fame
I got the reaction I expected. Taking a different tack due to comments, do you not see a shift back to more of a running game? Of course, I do not see AJ's role reduced much but I think passing plays vs the run will swing back to the latter. We are expecting Tate to take on a huge role as a strong fast back and Slaton with reduced carries from his rookie year and more receptions from him could reduce the WR plays. Or am I way of base?
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
Heh, heh, yessir
I think Kubiak & Co. would love to get a consistent running game, as it obviously compliments the passing game.
However, there is a big question mark with regards to our run game right now, whereas our passing game has no uncertainty about it and we already know it's potential to be dominant and one of the best in the league.
And that's the fantastic thing about AJ. He's a known value as perhaps the best WR in football right now. We just aren't sure what we have for running backs until the games actually matter in September.
p.s. I hope you know that my earlier reply to you was with tongue firmly planted in cheek. It was in no way meant to disrespect you, but just having fun with the off-season topics.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
I am going to go with off base. j/k
2008 - rushes 432, 4.3 ypc
2009 - rushes 425, 3.5 ypc
It wasn't that we rushed less last year. We just rushed poorly.
Maybe we should just do a 100% incentive laden deal for AJ:
Either keep the deal you have now, or:
$2,000 per yard
$200,000 per TD
$1 million for probowl
$2 million for all pro
$1 million if we make the playoffs
$3 million if we win the superbowl
No guarantee.
Last year he would have earned:
$8 million
Either keep the deal you have now, or:
$2,000 per yard
$200,000 per TD
$1 million for probowl
$2 million for all pro
$1 million if we make the playoffs
$3 million if we win the superbowl
No guarantee.
Last year he would have earned:
$8 million
I think that depends on how well the running game is going, and whether or not we are playing from behind in these games. Last year was a combination of not running well and playing from behind or being in must throw situations, so we had inflated throwing #'s and deflated rushing #'s.
I would love to see a balanced offense though. That means we're probably doing well offensively.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
badboy
Hall of Fame
Thanks. I have a pretty tough skin and the actual purpose was to stir a few posters up. I know I should not do that but it is so much fun. I did the same with AJ before he signed his 2nd contract by suggesting we trade him. I actually had hands coming through my screen to choke me. AJ is the perfect athlete to me; good person as well as a good athlete. I do not like the way he is handling this and believe he could get what he wants behind the scenes without stirring up his fans.
badboy
Hall of Fame
Exactly. If we can push the average to 5 and keep the ball longer resulting in 6 points, I think Kubes would rather see that than a pass. I pushed for a change in his thinking last year because we were not getting what he wanted and it was so obvious that the passing game was the way to go. I can see AJ getting less catches but keeping his yardage and avg per catch high. JJ will also play a bigger role as a WR this year and maybe, just maybe take over #2 from Walter.
Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
This could be a huge year for JJ. Players are talking about how fast he his and that he's above 210lbs now. Apparently he's got his head screwed on straight too. I think Kubiak said something about ever since that game suspension last season, JJ's head has been a lot more mature.
Kaiser Toro
Native Mod
It is my opinion that AJ's performance, earned accolades, silent leadership and off field profile for the last seven years, at a high level, pretty much is the profile of a guy who should be paid.
If we can criticize guys who are requesting to be overpaid that do not perform at a high level, we sure do need to be consistent, and demand guys like AJ get paid.
Smith, and McNair tacitly, has a chance to set the bar high with this merit bonus due to McNair's desire to have a good guy brand. This should be a no brainer and I am certain it will end smoothly.
If we can criticize guys who are requesting to be overpaid that do not perform at a high level, we sure do need to be consistent, and demand guys like AJ get paid.
Smith, and McNair tacitly, has a chance to set the bar high with this merit bonus due to McNair's desire to have a good guy brand. This should be a no brainer and I am certain it will end smoothly.
Brisco_County
Apples and roadmaps
If his contract is to be amended, incentives are the way to go.
Andre Johnson will be reporting Thursday to OTAs.
McClain_on_NFL
Andre Johnson is going to report to the Texans' fourth OTA on Thursday. His uncle and agent, Andre Melton, meets with GM Rick Smith Friday.
ChronicleTexans
Texans WR Andre Johnson will report for voluntary OTAs on Thursday, his uncle an agent said. #texans
ChronicleTexans
Johnson's agent is scheduled to meet with Texans GM Rick Smith Friday to discuss possible restructured contract. #texans
ChronicleTexans
Agent Andre Melton: "I think we can work something out that'll be a win-win situation for everybody." #texans
http://www.houstontexans.com/blog/index.asp?post_id=1167
McClain_on_NFL
Andre Johnson is going to report to the Texans' fourth OTA on Thursday. His uncle and agent, Andre Melton, meets with GM Rick Smith Friday.
ChronicleTexans
Texans WR Andre Johnson will report for voluntary OTAs on Thursday, his uncle an agent said. #texans
ChronicleTexans
Johnson's agent is scheduled to meet with Texans GM Rick Smith Friday to discuss possible restructured contract. #texans
ChronicleTexans
Agent Andre Melton: "I think we can work something out that'll be a win-win situation for everybody." #texans
http://www.houstontexans.com/blog/index.asp?post_id=1167
Exactly, 100% agree... must spread rep.
What do you mean "Exactly."
Your point is in direct contradiction to what Infantrycak is saying. We are not going to be trying to throw the ball less. We haven't moved to a pass first offense. The rush attempts have pretty much been the same since Kubiak got here.
There is no reason to believe we will pass the ball less. There is no reason to believe Andre's role will be reduced. Running the ball better, will have no affect on the number of passes that will go Andre's way.
NitroGSXR
Super Sic #58
I just don't like the idea of secondary family being as involved as this here. It can't ultimately end well for everybody, can it? It seems to me that Melton's moves as an agent have been somewhat subpar and of questionable quality thus far. Somebody's going to get their feelings hurt somewhere along this road. That is almost certain. I just hope it's not the Andre Johnson brand name. I have much 'Dre-love for that guy.
I think Melton does what Andre tells him to do. Andre was helping the team out with his contract the last time. He was acting on good faith, that they would reciprocate in the future. Maybe he should have put a clause that would allow them to open talks at a future date. But in a world where you hope people would do the right thing, with a team that wants that image, & with a player that has done the right thing, this shouldn't have got to this point.
NitroGSXR
Super Sic #58
Then Andre's a friggin' moron. Hiring a bonafide shark ain't all that hard considering his earning potential.
maybe one of the reasons Andre is (or at least was) determined to stay a Texan for the rest of his career, is because of the good guy, do the right thing, approach the Texans have tried to portray.
What's wrong with that?
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
Jeez, why do people keep typing this?
I don't get it at all... The "team friendly years" were just coming up. As soon as his yearly salary dipped he wanted a new contract.
LOL, Andre didn't do us any favors contract wise. He's about to get his 3rd contract in 7 years and people are acting like he made this great "sacrifice" for the betterment of the team. LOL. 3 contracts (and everything that goes along with them...such as signing bonuses) in 7 years....We've literally spared no expense with Andre Johnson.
Do you deny that that the redo of his contract helped the team get out of salary cap hell? And IIRC the team approached him about it?
What was his yearly salary for 2008 & 2009? He is scheduled to make almost $6million in 2010, and more than $7 million I believe in 2011. The Team friendly, Cap friendly part of the deal, was to spread the signing bonus out over 8 years... through 2014, and reduce his annual salary of 2007 and 2008.
He was scheduled for a $16 million base salary in 2007, plus a $5 million dollar Roster Bonus. That would have been $21 million for that year alone. If my math is right, and he played out that last year, he would have counted for $21 million against the salary cap. Instead, I think he only amounted to $7 million with his restructured deal, that helped the Texans get under the cap.
His pay goes up every year from now through 2014, this isn't the "team friendly portion" of the contract that most vets are signed to... i.e.. this isn't a frontloaded contract.
His pay goes up every year from now through 2014, this isn't the "team friendly portion" of the contract that most vets are signed to... i.e.. this isn't a frontloaded contract.
Lot of venom was spent on Andre. Skipping three voluntary OTAs and coming to work - that's about as classy as a pseudo-holdout gets.
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
He got like a 15 million dollar signing bonus, both parties benefited from it (the Texans benefited from it, because they were able to move all the money towards a new signing bonus)......Andre didn't have to sacrifice anything. It was just a restructure.....and now he's about to get another signing bonus. Why do people act like he did without coin to sign that contract, when he's about to get another one?
The man hasn't done without and won't do without, so the "he signed a team friendly contract" argument falls on deaf ears.
Secondary family? In title only.
Football has been very lucrative for Dre. Somebody has done a good job in that regard.
NitroGSXR
Super Sic #58
Absolutely. Andre Johnson did a helluva job with his numbers. Does his contract portray that? I don't think so. Hey, I'm an Andre Johnson fan. I'm not bagging on Johnson! Just his agent. Melton hasn't exactly been media-savvy, has he? If I were Andre, I'd gun for a qualified agent who plays hardball over an uncle. Do not be fooled by the front office, it's a business after all. It's all about who snags the last dollar floating on by in writing. It's a mad dash.
Personally, I don't care who gets the dollars. It's all a cluster**** anyway. Way above me. I'm just ready to see who's out on the field for our opener. I'm here to scream my head off for 3 hours 16 (hopefully more) Sundays a year. Contract squabbles aren't my ball of wax.
I'm not the one fooled by the front office. I like the smooth "We don't negotiate with players who aren't participating" policy. Dre's been trying to get this thing done for months; it's as much the Texans fault for dragging it out until OTAs started as it is for Andre skipping them to get their attention. This didn't start four days ago.
I don't understand why fans are clamoring for Dre to get an agent. Do people really think it would be better for the Texans if he had somebody like Dunta's agent? It seems more like a witch hunt to find somebody to blame instead of accepting the realities of the relationship between football teams and their players.
How should Andre Melton be more media savvy? I thought players or their representatives running to the press were hated around here.