Ahman Green Restructures Contract; Avoids The Turk?

by Tim on Aug 28, 2008 10:06 AM CDT in News Comment 7 comments

Tremendously interesting report in this morning's Chronicle, don't you think?

In the deal negotiated by general manager Rick Smith and agent Joby Branion, Green agreed to give up $2 million in base salary and a $500,000 bonus for a chance to make $3 million in per-game bonuses.

In addition to his $1.8 million base, beginning with the second game — the home opener against Baltimore — Green will get $200,000 for every game in which he’s active. If he’s active for the last 15 games, he’ll make $3 million, bringing his income to $4.8 million.

The last two years of the four-year contract won’t change. His base salary next year is $4.8 million. His base salary in 2010 is $4.3 million. He receives $500,000 bonuses each year.

On the surface, of course, this restructured deal gives Ahman Green the opportunity to make even more money in 2008 ($4,800,000.00) than he originally would have under his original deal ($4,300,000.00). And note how low the floor is for Ahman's bonuses to kick in; he doesn't have to start, play, or even contribute. He only has to be listed as "active." In that respect, you can't even call the bonuses performance-based. For lack of a better term, they're pulse-based. That, in turn, raises a troubling question. Do you think Ahman Green might show a greater willingness to play (or at least suit up) through the pain than he did in 2007, now that he stands to make a cool half-mil every week? I'm betting the answer to that question is yes, which should only serve to make Texans fans even angrier about his lack of field time last season, though it may also show that Smithiak believes that Ahman needs that type of carrot at the end of the stick to stay honest.

Let's look at the practical ramifications of the restructuring as well. Based on what we've seen, does anyone really think that Ahman Green is going to be active for fifteen (15) weeks this season? I know I don't. So in that respect, this deal is a coup for the Texans. This year, Ahman Green is essentially on a pay-for-play deal. Well, maybe it's more like a dress-for-play deal. In any event, it beats being on the hook for $4,300,000.00 when your "starting" RB can't seem to get healthy enough to contribute on Sundays.

Lest anyone think this deal is absurdly one-sided, I should note that the restructuring benefits Ahman Green in a big way. It more or less guarantees that the team won't jettison him come Saturday's round of final cuts; the Texans don't have nearly the contractual exposure via keeping him on the roster that they did before this restructuring, and they're only on the hook for $1,800,000.00 through Week One. In a world where Shaun Alexander is still waiting for his phone to ring, that should be great comfort to Ahman Green.

One final note on the consequences of this news: In my opinion, it makes Chris Brown a stone-cold lock to be handed his walking papers. Ahman Green has a guaranteed spot on the roster now, which should mean that Brown is the odd man out among Chris Taylor, Steve Slaton, and Darius Walker (the last of whom is likely headed to the practice squad). And that, my friends, gives this development even more cause for celebration.

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Crap

I knew I should’ve drafted Chris Brown.

by Scott on Aug 28, 2008 12:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice

I’m hoping one of your Cincy buddies doesn’t keep up with Houston news.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Aug 28, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

These are people...

who enjoy chili that is made with cinnamon in it. I’m guessing they won’t present a problem in your league.

Yay, sports.

by MDC on Aug 28, 2008 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is there any way we keep all 5 backs on the 53 man with Taylor listed as FB 2 ?
I’m not convinced they’ll cut Brown, even though I think they should.

- tyler

by bullpen116 on Aug 28, 2008 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think they will

IMO Brown is a mortal lock to be cut now. No doubt about it.

by HoustonDiehards on Aug 28, 2008 1:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I will volunteer

to cut him. Literally.

Yay, sports.

by MDC on Aug 28, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Went to the game last night and found it interesting that..........

1) Ahman green was suited up and going thru reps with the 1st team in the pregame drills. He looked real good without any contact (sarcasm intended)
2) The kickoff team was announced in the pregame ceremonies (rather than the offense or defense) in honor of Harry Williams. Great to hear that he is already up and walking around. Typically the PA announcer will announce the player’s first name, the scoreboard will post his name, and the fans will say the player’s last name as he runs out of the tunnel. Partly due to the sparse crowd during the introductions and partly due to the relative unfamiliarity of the special teamer’s names, the PA announcer decided to announce the player’s last name as well after about 3 player intros where the last name was largely silent.
3) When the Texans offense took the field on the opening possesion, the starting players were shown on the scoreboard. No 1st teamers were listed, but Mike Brisiel played RG on the opening series I think. Sage looked good until he missed a wide open David Anderson for what would have been a 1st down in the red zone.
4) Chris Brown’s picture was shown as the starting RB, but he remained on the sideline. I think that is a very ominous note. It tells me that Kubiak was intending to let him show that he belongs by giving him as many carries as he could handle. The fact that he had ZERO carries looks like he is a goner. We don’t have room for two backs that can’t go on gameday.
5) Shane Boyd looked very shaky. Alex Brink throws a nice ball. I think Brink should make the practice squad.
6) Xavier Adibi did not play; a disappointment.
7) Molden played so-so, but Petey had a nice game albeit against 2nd stringers. It would have been nice to see him perform like that last year. Based on last night’s game it would be hard to cut Petey, as much as we would all like to see him gone.
8) Colvin was given plenty of chances. He made 2 nice penetrations I can remember resulting in a hurry and a tipped pass. I say keep him and hope he improves as he gets more reps in a scheme that is new to him.
9) Tough cut decisions coming at S, LB and DL. The starters are clear, but the backups are closely bunched at all 3 positions.

We only played 2nd & 3rd teamers last night, but the huge optimism I had a few weeks ago is waning. We still have big question marks in the running game and pash rush.

We have 8 days to prepare for a very tough trip to Steel City. GO TEXANS!!!!!!!!!

by oiler-texan diehard on Aug 29, 2008 3:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs