Dunta Robinson Contract Negotiation Update
by Tim on Feb 16, 2009 3:33 PM CST
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23 comments
From John McClain's chat today on Chron.com:
11:36 [Comment From Clyde] Any update on Dunte (sic)/Texans?
11:37 John McClain: They're negotiating. He could be franchised, but I don't think they'll do that. They'll either sign him to a long-term deal or he'll be gone. I'm hearing he wants the $23 mil that Chris Gamble was guaranteed and they're offering in the neighborhood of $18 or $19. Andre Johnson got $15 two years ago. Mario got $26.3, I believe. Either way, Dunta will get the second-most guaranteed money in franchise history if he re-signs.
Two things stand out from this...this is the first that I've read from anyone that franchising Dunta Robinson is not, for whatever reason, a real option. Why wouldn't it be? Tagging Dunta as the team's franchise player would seem to be the obvious compromise if the Texans and Dunta aren't on the same page when it comes to a long-term deal. Why in the world wouldn't the team franchise Dunta if they're not comfortable giving him a long-term deal? The only legitimate reason not to franchise him in the absence of giving him the big deal he wants, I reckon, is if the Texans simply don't think Dunta is going to return to his pre-injury form and thus isn't worth the franchise tender. If that's the case, why offer the $18,000,000.00 or $19,000,000.00 in guaranteed money McClain believes is on the table?
Secondly, and I know we've already talked about it, do you feel good about giving Dunta Robinson $18,000,000.00 to $23,000,000.00 in guaranteed money? That's a ton of cake. I love Dunta Robinson. Love him. He's been a rare, consistent bright spot throughout his time in Houston. From a purely business standpoint, however, is Dunta Robinson worth that kind of money? My heart says yes. My head wants a drink.
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I don't believe McClain
I read his stuff because he has the kind of access I would kill for, but I think he has lost the pulse of the Smithiak run Texans, if he ever knew where it was. I’m not trying to overly bash the guy because his heart is in the right place and he is a much better option than Richard Justice, but I just don’t buy it. I think he has good information about the Texans but I don’t even pay attention to hs insight and analysis about the team.
Example: He just put out his first mock draft, and he has the Texans taking Cushing at 15. I would absolutely hate this as I think most of us would, but hey, just because we would hate it doesn’t mean the Texans organization isn’t considering it. My biggest beef is that he doesn’t state any reasons why they would make this pick like “He’s the best OLB and I know Bush wants a dominant LB corps because of his experience playing the position” or “From conversations with Rick Smith they think he’s the real deal.” I just want to yell at him and try to explain that you are a TEXANS BEAT REPORTER. I mean at least he mentioned the possibility of trading down, but overall I was just disapointed because I was expecting a mck draft with the Texans’ interests in mind. HIs picks for the other teams weren’t that great either, but you be the judge:
http://blogs.chron.com/nfl/2009/02/heres_the_first_of_the_many_mo.html
Let's get the Texans a better fight song.
by Jake on Feb 16, 2009 4:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Who would you want him to take in that scenario?
Orakpo and Brown are both off his board. Maybin is a high-upside project at best, IMO. Tyson Jackson isn’t worth the #15 IMO. I think OLB is a much bigger need than a lot of Texans fans realize.
Look down his list – who would you have rather him pick for us in that situation? It’s too high for Matthews, Ayers, or English. He obviously wasn’t including trade possibilities in this scenario.
I’m not crazy about Cushing – but I do think we need a significant and immediate upgrade at that position. Just another reason why I really, really hope we can trade down. Cushing’s injury history scares me, and I’m just not sold that he’ll be a great player when he’s not already on a great defense as he was at USC.
Anyway – what do you think, TT? Would you take Maybin in that situation?
Far as Dunta goes, you guys know how I feel. I think he’s worth 20 mil, plus it allows us to not have to worry about that position in the front half of the draft.
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Feb 16, 2009 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
At This Point
I would rather take a chance on a guy like Maybin or reach for a guy like Michael Johnson. The LB talent is much deeper in this draft, so it doesn’t make as much sense to reach for a LB as it does a DE, which there is much less of this year. Also, I watched Cushing at the Senior Bowl, and he looked terrible to me. Whether it was missing sure tackles or over-running a play, he just did not impress me at all. He did not strike me as someone worth the 15 pick, where as someone like Johnson or Maybin, even though they have their faults and they’re saddled with the dreaded “they’ve got potential” moniker, I would rather take that chance than spend the 15th pick on someone just because other people think he belongs around that range. This definitely isn’t “right”, it’s just my opinon based on the way I see Cushing.
Let's get the Texans a better fight song.
by Jake on Feb 16, 2009 8:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I hear you.
…and you know, I wouldn’t be surprised if Michael Johnson shoots back up the boards after the Combine – he may not be a reach at all come the Draft.
I’m terrified of Maybin. Terrified. If I could go back and change that pick in the mock I participated in, I might in fact reach on a guy like Michael Johnson… I would also love to be convinced that Clay Matthews is as good as the hype around him. I just don’t want us to have to reach two years in a row. That’s fine once in a while (especially when coupled with a skillful trade-down like last year), but man – if we DON’T trade down AND reach on a guy… ugh.
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Feb 16, 2009 8:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sadly
You couldn’t have reached for Michael Johnson if you tried. If you sadly, sadly remember, the Detroit blogger took him with the first overall pick, because he was a retard and wanted to absolutely embarrassed his site, and imply negative things about the Detroit fan base as a whole.
by Riott on Feb 16, 2009 10:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Holy sh*t I can't believe I forgot about that LOLOL
+1 indeed
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Feb 16, 2009 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Texans can't possibly be ruling out the possibility of tagging Dunta
Of course it is not their preference, but I do not think they can afford to let him walk. Even at 80-85% he made a big difference with his presence and leadership. I believe he will make it all the way back to pre-injury form, but even if he does he is not worth $23+ million. The franchise tag is the perfect compromise if they cannot work our a deal. Dunta gets paid well, and has a chance to prove that he is worth the money he was asking. Smithiak have an insurance policy against the possibility that he will never again be the same player he was in ‘07. McClain can’t possibly be right.
If McClain’s mock is right we are in a pickle. We need pass rush help, but are any of the choices worth the #15? Probably not, but there are several of the speedy tweeners that apparently Kollar covets, co Chris’s pick of Maybin makes as much sense as anyone I guess. McClain said we will not take Johnson because he plays the same position as Mario. I guess I don’t get that. He looks like a true DE rather than a tweener, and has excellent athleticism. He won’t be around when we pick 2nd. I don’t understand why both he and Mario wouldn’t look good as our DE’s.
by oiler-texan diehard on Feb 16, 2009 6:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Possibly...
This is my first post and I am no expert, so please be nice ;)
If i have been reading McClain correctly, he seems to think that the Texans front office will allow Dunta to “test the market” as a way of hopefully completing a deal for less than the 23 Million he thinks he’s worth. In other words, they’re confident he’s not worth 23 Million to other teams and that they will be able to secure a long term deal for around 20 million.
In other words – they may not franchise him because they believe he will not find the money he is looking for in the free agent market and will take a compromise.
Personally, i would be very disappointed if a deal were not reached. I became a football fan first when McNair brought the NFL back to our city – and I love the Texans for better or worse. Us fans have had to endure a lot in rooting for our team. But despite some real highs and lows, there are a few players that I am ALWAYS proud to be a fan of: DeMeco, Andre Johnson, Super Mario and Dunta. These players have a lot of heart.
I think losing Dunta would be a terrible blow to all of us. If I had 3 Million to contribute, I’d personally resolve this right now.
by WhiskeyR on Feb 16, 2009 8:56 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Couple of thoughts
First of all, your post was insightful and well put. The more contributors around here the better, as it is important for all the different opinions of Texans fans to be heard. I think I can speak for Tim, Riott, Solis and all the other Texans bloggers here on the site when I say that I hope this is an evnironment that everyone is comfortable to state their opinion because no one is an expert around here and therfore not any more “right” than the next guy.
As for your comment, I’m worried that someone out there will pay him what he wants, whether he deserves it or not. It only takes one team to offer him that knd of money, and he’s gone. I think that if we don’t have him signed, whether through a new deal or the franchise tag by the 27th that he will either leave or we will cave and give him the kind of cash he’s looking for.
Let's get the Texans a better fight song.
by Jake on Feb 16, 2009 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks... and point well taken
I am not comfortable risking that someone else picks him up. I hope Smith isn’t, either.
by WhiskeyR on Feb 16, 2009 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Second Welcome, WhiskeyR
Great to have you aboard. Hope to read more from you in the very near future.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Feb 16, 2009 10:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
my bet
we sign him at what it takes to get him back, happy.
The new DC wants him. The deal is done in my book.
This is just posturing.
Please draft some defensive stars for the next DC.
by texanphil on Feb 16, 2009 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
First time
This is a really strange position to be in being a Texans fan. This is they only time I can remember the Texans having a really good player even get close to free agency(not that we have had to many pro bowl cailber players). But I know its different with Dunta because of the injury. If the Texans aren’t going to franchise Dunta then I really believe they are not to worried about him leaving. 23 million guaranteed is to much money for someone you have no clue if they will be able to return to there pro bowl form. Besides if they franchise him he will be gone the following year when some team will throw tons of money at him when there is no cap.
As much as I like Dunta, i wouldn’t be heartbroken to see him go. There are some good corners out there in free agency. I’m not sure if Leigh Bodden would come cheaper but i really believe he would do great in our system. Detriot was all kinds of wrong for him, and he may come cheaper b/c of his numbers from last year. Also I still think that Fred Bennett can be a very good corner for us, and I’m still anxious to see what Molden can do.
I just found this site tonight and I am really impressed with everyones insight.
by jjmt2500 on Feb 17, 2009 2:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Good to have you.
There’s gonna be a ton of great draft stuff coming up here, so stick around.
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Feb 17, 2009 3:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Echoing Chris' Comments...
Glad you found the site, JJMT, and I look forward to reading more from you. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend taking a look at the left side of the main page here for other sites we recommend. Although the Texans fan base is relatively small, we’re lucky to have a lot of passionate fans and great blogs.
Regarding Dunta…your points are all well taken. I’m going to flesh the situation out a bit more in a separate post, but I think you’ve hit it on the head. Anything the Texans do leaves them wide open to criticism.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Feb 17, 2009 9:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Always great to see more people contributing their ideas because it just improves the quality of the discussion
JJMT and WhiskeyR both make valid points. These are completely uncharted waters for the Texans. We have never had a player of Dunta’s magnitude close to leaving via free agency. No Texans fan wants to see that happen. I wish I knew what Dunta was thinking and IMO the situation can be captured by the answers to a few key questions.
One – If the Texans tag Dunta, to what extent will he hold it against them? I can’t see a player of Dunta’s character tanking it and waiting until next year for the big payday, but will Dunta even consider returning in 2010 if he gets tagged? I mildly lean towards yes, but that may be just wishful thinking. I don’t have a clue.
Because of the fragility of NFL careers, I can’t imagine a player in his prime ever giving a home-team discount a la Clemens and Pettite of a few years back. NFL careers are too short. But I really get the impression that Dunta loves what is happening here and would not want to leave. So my second question is: If the Texans tag Dunta, would he consider giving the Texans the opportunity to match whatever offer he may get next year? I would like to think he might, but again I have no idea.
Unfortunately the NFL is a business, and overpaying players always ends up biting you in the backside. Am I being ridiculously naive in even suggesting that Dunta would be willing to let us match his best offer next year?
by oiler-texan diehard on Feb 17, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you guys see Hayden's contract in Indy?
by HoustonDiehards on Feb 18, 2009 11:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If Dunta walks, then lets get CB Dre Bly.
I wouldn’t let Dunta walk though. If they don’t get a deal worked out, then I’d slap the franchise tag on him.
by Texas Pete on Feb 19, 2009 12:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
That’s like saying “if my peanut butter M&M’s disappear, I’ll just eat that dried up cat turd.”
Dre Bly? About to turn 32, and a starter on one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL next year. No way!
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Feb 19, 2009 1:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh. I meant last year. We need an edit function!
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Feb 19, 2009 1:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No To Bly
His best years are way, way behind him. Granted, he was going to have a bullseye on his back courtesy of teams staying away from Champ Bailey, but I don’t think he’d be an upgrade. Considering how bad our secondary is/was, that’s saying a whole lot.
Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...
by Tim on Feb 19, 2009 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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