I don’t like the tension. I don’t blame them for franchising him, but it makes sense and buys time. I’d have liked to have seen a long term deal made and despite the fact that everyone thinks he was asking too much, I think what he means to the fans is worth a bit of overpayment.

Now this is getting a little ugly. Dunta has gone from being a defensive “emotional leader” to feeling “betrayed” by Smith. I think his feelings are misguided, but he is entitled to them nonetheless.

If they are just franchising him to buy time for a long term deal (that happens relatively soon), I’m happy. but I’m not holding my breath. I hate seeing one of my favorite players unhappy with our organization. It feels weird.

You’re right about franchising him next year… could you imagine the drama though?

Dunta plays with an incredible amount of heart. If he has a diminished love for the Texans organization, its going to hurt. Unless it really IS all about money – and it easily could be – it could even be what motivated his recovery.

So does his play diminish because he feels betrayed or does he make the pro bowl because he wants money?

That is a nasty thought – I feel dirty having it… I wish they’d reach a long term deal.

The Texans have never had to use the tag and they have never had a current star openly upset with the team. This plus the fred weary situation and then the illegal practices, what is going on. Just a few months ago we looked like a team that had it all together, now we are starting to look cowboyish.

I don’t think there is anyway he is back next year. If someone offers up the franchise compensation for a trade, i think we would have to take it. He has a lot of influance on the other players, he is looked up to. If he is unhappy and bad mouthing the front office in the locker room, he is going to turn a lot of players against the team.

If Smith really lied to Dunta that is a really big deal. Free agents are not going to want to play for a team where they have to worry about if the GM is going to keep his promises. This is so unfortunate.

Hey Battle Red Nation, just wanted to say i love this site and even though I haven’t posted I read it everyday. This situation finally got me to come out and say something.
First off, I’d like to say Dunta used to be my favorite Texan, I’ve always had enormous respect for him especially after he cam back from shredding his knee and hamstring. That being said, I lost a lot of respect for him after reading his comments in McClain’s article.
I don’t condone lying to your star players, especially someone like Dunta. Whether Rick Smith did or did not lie is something none of us will ever really know for sure. Maybe he did say the franchise tag was not going to be used but Dunta and his agent were so unreasonable that he made a business decision to not let one of his assets walk without compensation. Maybe he said it was a last option and Dunta took it as being a non-option. Whatever, there may or may not be subtleties to the discussion that we will never fully know and be able to dissect.
Dunta wants to be paid like Kelvin Hayden and Chris Gamble because he believes he’s worth as much if not more than they are. Fine, but Dunta, you’re really not right now. You were out of the game for over a year and you never reached 100. While you were rehabbing these guys were making plays and pro bowls, and helping their teams win.
Now I’ve got a feeling (and I base this purely on John McClain, the best source any of us really has) that Rick Smith offered Dunta 20+ million guaranteed and maybe even some performance based incentives. Instead of compromising, Dunta and his agent let their pride and pockets get in the way and said no, we want as much or more than the guys who have proven it every single game. I can’t blame Smith for his decision, hell I applaud his decision from a strictly business point of view. The CBA was agreed upon by both the players union and the owners, so don’t piss and moan publicly and throw around accusations when your boss uses the options available to him to help the team.
Look, I can see Dunta’s point, and if he was truly lied to, maybe he does have something to be upset about. But you just got $10 million guaranteed for playing 6 games at 85, and you had a deal on the table that would have guaranteed you double that.
Nnamdi got tagged last year and was almost certain it would happen again this year. Instead of crying about it he made the best out of it, and now he’s got the contract that would make any NFL player salivate. Terrell Suggs has gotten it twice now, and i haven’t heard a peep out of him. He’s just gonna play his two years, take his $20 mil guaranteed, and get his long term contract next year.
You know the kind of people who publicly complain when they don’t get their way? TO, Chad Johnson, Antonio Bryant (now), and Julius Peppers. All talented, all douschebags who are gonna see their options run out and be begging for the guaranteed money the tag gives them someday soon.
Now Dunta says he might not show for training camp. The list of people who threaten that action are even bigger dousches. You don’t want to come to camp? Fine, you won’t get the practice you need and then you won’t be much good, and then you REALLY won’t get the contract you “deserve.”
Dunta messed up worse than Rick Smith did here. What he should have done is expressed some mild disappointment, reaffirmed his commitment, played harder than ever, and then he would have his choices of teams in 2010 that will pay him an even bigger contract than they would have this year. The Texans can’t tag him again next year if a new CBA isn’t reached (to my understanding) so his options are wide open.
Sorry about the length everyone, but I’ve been fuming all day