Texans Free Agency Recap (Day One): Kevin Walter Stays Home
by Tim on Mar 6, 2010 11:21 AM CST
100 comments
That was a fairly eventful Friday night, huh? Some quick thoughts on Kevin Walter, the newest Atlanta Falcon, and another alleged Smithiak target after the jump:
-Very happy to see that Kevin Walter is staying in Houston. Prior to the 2009 season, I was convinced that K-Dub would be leaving Houston for greener pastures. Unfortunately for Walter and fortunately for the Texans (speaking from a negotiating perspective), his 2009 season was a disappointment when compared to his breakout 2008 campaign. That's not to say Walter lost his fastball or suffered from a diminishing skill set; he battled injuries at the beginning of the season, and Owen Daniels saw his targets increase as he was arguably the most productive tight end in the NFL (until he went down).
Nevertheless, I still thought Walter was a goner once free agency hit. And he may well have been bound for Baltimore had the Ravens not pulled off that deal for Anquan Boldin. Thankfully, we'll never know, as the Texans and Walter agreed to a five (5) year deal worth $21,000,000.00 ($8,000,000.00 of which is guaranteed). I think it's a good deal for both parties. The guaranteed dollars seem about right for a proven No. 2 WR who's perfect for Kubiak's system, and the total dollars aren't so ridiculous that we'll be lamenting that Walter's severely overpaid in a couple of years if he's still with the team. Additionally, K-Dub's return means we won't have to deal with the roller coaster ride that would've been Jacoby Jones as WR2. I know some of you were ready for that; I was not. Regardless, Kevin Walter is your WR2 for 2010, and that's a good thing.
-Dunta Robinson managed to convince the Atlanta Falcons to give him a six (6) year contract worth $57,000,000.00, $25,500,000.00 of which is guaranteed. This means Dunta Robinson is now the second highest-paid cornerback in the league. It also means Falcons fans have my sympathies. First we take Matt Schaub from them, and then cosmic forces conspire to give them Dunta. Egad.
-One more note about Dunta, and then I'll leave it alone: He was right. The $23,000,000.00 in guaranteed money purportedly offered to him by Smithiak last year was, believe it or not, less than he was worth on the open market. Combine that with the nearly $10,000,000.00 he banked last year, and you have to admit that things worked out just fine for ol' D-Rob. Of course, the question of whether his play is actually worth that much scratch is a different issue entirely. An issue that we don't have to debate anymore, as he is now Atlanta's problem property. Godspeed, Dunta.
-Your Houston Texans were supposedly scheduled to entertain Wade Smith, an offensive lineman most recently employed by the Kansas City Chiefs, today. Word is, however, that Smith's set to sign with the Bills. Such is life. Again, I don't expect any big splashes to be made at Reliant Park via free agency, so I'm counting on most, if not all, the names we hear mentioned as possible Houston acquisitions to be low-key, depth guys.
Thoughts on K-Dub, Dunta, and/or Wade Smith? Leave 'em in the Comments below. And consider this your open thread for Day Two of free agency.
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Im very happy with what Walter gives the team not only on the field, but in the locker and weightrooms so its great to get him back. I think the team made a very favorable deal too compared to the Burleson deal, so it looks pretty peachy.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
Yes,
and now any need for a high draft pick on a WR is gone. Also, let us all not forget that Martinez, the Texans, what, 4th string WR is a pretty capable receiver to have standing by if something happens to the core of Andre, KW, Jacoby, Anderson and let’s not forget Andre Davis. That’s a great fleet of pass catchers to have.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
There's no early round need, but rounds 5-7...
Eric Decker (Minnesota; 6’3’’, 217, 4.52 40)
Seyi Ajirotutu (Fresno State; 6’3’’ 204, 4.53 40)
Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green; 6’2’’ 206, 4.53 40)
Scott Long (Louisville; 6’2’’ 216, 4.46 40)
Stephen Williams (Toledo; 6’4’’ 210, 4.48 40)
Those are some good WRs who could be eased along.
The top 4 are good…but Andre and Martinez aren’t roster-safe.
I'd rather
gamble on a late round OC or OG, even if we get an early one of those, than a late round WR.
Walter took that position out of the draft for me.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
Yep
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
With Jacoby's contract up in 2010
And Andre’ Davis having the potential to be cut….
It may not be bad to stash one WR on the roster in rounds 6 or 7. Better that than another TE.
JJ will be cheap
and we feature the TE in the passing game more than the WR3, so even if he’s gone, DA can play the slot, or we can find a cheap, suitable WR3.
We need depth on the OL, at the very least. Or, hey, Walter signing may have opened up the spot in the draft for a kicker!
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
No kicker has a reliable range beyond 45-48 yards. Not what I want in a drafted kicker.
OL depth? We have 3 Ts, 3 Gs, and 2 Cs on roster right now. Not like we have to pour a lot of picks into the line…especially if we grab a T and G in free agency.
Yes, the play those positions
…but I would not call them NFL caliber at those positions.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
You remember what team we root for, right?
Do you honestly expect McNair and Smith to make wholesale changes?
adding depth
does not equal making wholesale changes.
Since Smithiak has been here, Zac Diles is the only starter picked in round 5 or later. The rest of the picks are depth.
I don’t want more depth in WR. We have enough quality top to bottom.
What we can expect out of rounds 5-7 is 2s and 3s. Those 2s and 3s are needed on the OL. If that means our OC2 gets cut, great. We have improved the team by improving the backups.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
Yeah but you're not gonna see this team
Carry more than 4 tackles, 4 guards, and 2 centers. That equates to 1 and 1 – the guard it appears they want to come in free agency judging by their targets.
Through rounds 5-7 we have 4 picks…we can afford 1 of those picks on a WR. Especially if that WR gets paid less than Davis and can return kicks/develop into a good WR – like a Decker or Barnes.
Someone has to go, then...
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Andre' Davis
Soon-to-be 31 years old, probably the 5th best WR on the roster (behind Johnson, Walter, Jones, and Anderson), coming off a weak year as a returner and weaker as a WR. Scheduled to make $3.45 million in 2010 (after $3M in 2009) and has a deal that goes through 2011 (where his salary will jump up again).
We’d be best served to cut him (really, he’s reached his potential) while we can without any financial penalty and paying a young WR to do his job.
How many WRs are we gonna carry
in your world where we’re not allowed to cut anyone?
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
We can...
and I honestly see Davis going since he’s earning $3.45 million 2010 for a whole lot of nothing.
I just took Rip’s comments about those “NFL calibur linemen” combined it with his love of linemen this offseason and said I wouldn’t expect to see 4 or 5 new lineman added.
There’s 4 picks in rounds 5 through 7. We don’t need to throw them all at the line.
Yes....we root for the same team....
Wholesale changes. If that is what it takes, I would expect it. I do think that is where the most changes are needed. No secret there.
I am not expecting miracles.
I do think changes are needed.
I think they have a opportunity in this year’s draft to make changes.
I know we can’t expect every draft pick to step out of the draft and into the starting line-up.
But, if I am measuring this O-line against what I perceive to be NFL-standard, they are below it, on average.
I want change.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
I would like
Adibi to be a stud, Bodden to come cheaply, and Molden to stay healthy.
Then we can draft a NT, and 7 OLs.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
I agree...
the line’s not great. I just don’t see the Texans spending a 5, 6, 5/6, and 7 on the line.
I’m just advocating 1 WR (like Eric Decker) to replace Andre’ Davis who should be cut because his production doesn’t match his salary. (5th best WR, aging returner, and being paid a lot).
No wonder I like Decker...(from WalterFootball.com)
Summary: Decker is the prototypical possession, No. 2 receiver in the NFL. Teams will know exactly what they will get with Decker because he will work hard on and off the field. He will never be a stat monster in the NFL, but he will draw away double teams and he is a major threat in the red zone to score with his size, body control and hands.
Player Comparison: Kevin Walter. Walter is a very reliable possession receiver for the Texans, but doesn’t have much upside.
It's $21.5 for KW
I’m happy to see a productive Texan get rewarded. I did think that he would be leaving, but I’m glad to see things turned out well for us.
WR is now not a need in any way, shape, or form unless we just wanted to spend a low round pick on a project (Freddie Barnes? Marcus Easley?).
Very happy to Walter back. Thank God Wade Smith isn’t going to make it for his visit. What could possibly be the reason we are not hearing more about getting Ryans and Owens locked up long-term?
Owen isn't getting a deal (IMO)
Why do we need to pay him long-term when he’s coming off an ACL injury?
DeMeco at least has 2 comparable LBs to compare his deal to in Brackett and Dansby. That deal should be less complicated to talk about…
I would have liked to see JJ get a shot
But I DO agree that Walter is the better (and safer) option.
Safe option aside...
I love JJ in the slot than I do at the 2. He’s gonna be a mismatch all season long.
JJ will be getting playing time
He has earned it and he provides the Texans with a potent player.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Hold on a second
Weren’t you just having a hissy fit because it looked like Dunta, Pitts and KW were going to go? And now you are saying you would have liked to see JJ get shot?
/head asplode
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
by tehGrindCrusher on Mar 6, 2010 1:59 PM CST up reply actions
A "Hissy?"
Not really. Frustrated, sure. But not a “hissy.”
Went over this yesterday. You got my email brother, if you really want me to explain AGAIN.
This team can't afford safe options.
When you’re behind other teams in the pecking order, you need to take gambles on your high-upside talent.
IMO: Walter needs to be the #3 WR. Which is why I wouldn’t have re-signed him unless he was willing to take a smaller contract.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
JJ will still get his shot this year
On first and second downs.
I don’t think Walter’s contract changes that.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
He pretty much played 30-35% of the snaps last year
He needs to be double that for the Texans offense to take the next step forward IMO.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
he came on during the last part of the year
I’m guessing to see what the team wanted to do re:Walter. Or they just couldn’t ignore his production.
Either way, what was his snap % during the last 5 games?
If OD is back to form, you may be right, JJ may be gone, unless he equals last year’s production, and doubles his snaps.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
you really should
get out of Mom’s basement more.
That was quick.
I hope he does see that 50-60% range. I liked what I saw in 2009.
I don’t think Walter’s contract affects that, especially since JJ is in a contract year.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
Looked it up before I posted the first comment on it.
Hah.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
Browns are reportedly interested in Carr
and Seneca Wallace. Why did people think Mike Holmgren would be a good GM? Am I missing something?
This is funny
The Browns have two fairly capable QBs under contract. So what…does that mean they are trading one of them?
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
They do?
Who’s good besides Cribbs?
But more seriously, they’re definitely going to be getting rid of Anderson – he was the John Busing of quarterbacks this season, and he’s due a few million in roster bonus. Living near Cleveland I watched a fair bit of the Browns this season and I thought Quinn was showing a bit of promise towards the end of the season. I’d be surprised if they lost him, if only because he’s a first round pick and hasn’t even had a whole season starting yet.
Though if he’s competing with Zoolander and Seneca fucking Wallace, he’ll be starting next season.
Anderson is not incapable, I guess is what I was saying
He will definitely catch on with someone next season, if he is cut. St. Louis comes to mind as a team that needs a QB. I’m sure they are watching that situation.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
But Carr?...going to Cleveland?
I am trying to fathom the logic in that move.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
But his completion rate is so high!
And he’s due for a break-out season in his… ninth year in the league? /headasplode
Anderson may catch on with someone
but I think he’s total garbage. Except for his Pro Bowl season (in which he posted a less than stellar completion percentage) he hasn’t been good. This season he sucked horribly. But look at these stats.
Quinn:136/256 (53.1%), 9 TDs, 8 INTs, 1339 (6.0 YPA), 67.2 QB Rating, 19 sacks, -148 DYAR (31st of NFL QBs 46), -19.2% DVOA (32nd)
That;s pretty rotten for eight games, especially playing behind Cleveland’s offensive line, which is mediocre on a bad day. Anderson has arm strength but that’s about it in my opinion – he’s like JaMarcus Russell but less shitty. Still pretty bad though.
However I might rather have Carr starting over Anderson. Even Zoolander wouldn’t go 2-17 for 23 yards and an INT.
o rly?
How about -5 net passing yards on the day?
But Zoolander just wins games when he passes for negative yardage.
true
that would be a great fit… maybe they could let Jamarcus sit and learn next year?
any given Sunday
Difference between Carr & Russell, other than the hair
At least Carr tried
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Mar 6, 2010 6:33 PM CST up reply actions
When you say "tried"
You mean “devoted the absolute minimum amount of time required for practice and film study, and brought his dad to make sure someone would tell him he tried hard”. Right?
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
8 mil guaranteed over five years
I’m no cap guru, so I have to ask: if Jacoby continues to emerge, what kind of penalty would we face for letting K-Dub go in a season or two?
I dunno...
But I’m in favor of cutting near 31 year old Andre’ Davis.
While there is no cap, his “cap” number for 2010 is $3.45 million. For an aging returner and someone who’s really maybe the 5th best WR on our roster….it makes sense to cut him while it’s possible to do so without a penalty.
Yes it is
And I have a funny feeling JJ might not come back. Of course if there is no CBA they can put a second round tender on him and no one would give that for JJ
the two guys I’m most Interested to see how much they have progressed or turned it around for next years
JJ and FB
poor falcons, that’s insane and he can’t live up to that contract. Only namdhi makes more than that. And maybe Nate clements. I know namdhi was only a three year deal
by AllenOU on Mar 6, 2010 1:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Assuming the same rules would apply.....
I mean, if he struggles this year and needs to go, then he would be cut before a new CBA is in place. Lets assume that a new CBA is in place for the next of season.
His $8 million over five years is wighed against a salary cap in equal amounts. So his cap number for any given year would be $1.6 million of signing bonus, plus his salary amount for that season. If he is cut, then any unallocated signing bonus must allocated against the season in which he was cut.
So after one year, $6.4 million. After two, $4.8 million. $3.2 million after three seasons and $1.6 million if he is let go before the final year of the contract.
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Mar 6, 2010 2:08 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah your right
I don’t worry about it. KW is just a great all around WR. Not flashy, but you dontneed that when you Jane the best WR in the game on the other side. And he deserved to get paid.
Now let’s get demeco donebaby!
by AllenOU on Mar 6, 2010 2:12 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Another reason to question Pancakes' judgement
Bodden’s price went up when Dunta signed with Falcons. The Texans would have franchised Dunta if they were going to pay what Bodden wants.
- Pancakes on Twitter
Except that Dunta sucks and was never coming back. Bodden > Dunta. Always.
I don't want Bodden
for anywhere near Dunta money.
Dunta’s contract did drive up Bodden’s price, and it looks like we’re gonna be young-n-hungry in the defensive backfield until the dust settles from that headscratcher.
You’re right about the last sentence.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
I'll agree there
Bodden doesn’t need Dunta money.
Bodden at $7 million a year (what he was rumored to want)…a little tough to swallow, but I would ultimately be fine with it for a starting CB with talent.
Dunta still sucks. Anyone who claims he was worth his contract should be forbidden from future breeding.
Let's just neuter that person
and be sure about it….
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Does anyone have any spare swagger?
Apparently the Texans need it now that Dunta is gone
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
Could line up a free agent visit for...
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Mar 6, 2010 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Did the swagger get photoshopped out? I'm not seeing it....
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
That makes me think of one question...
You know how I know your gay?
the purple tights you wear….
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Anybody could use some Bob Lee Swagger.
Except with Dunta gone now we dont need his skill set as much.
To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.
As long as he opened up fire on the BESF's
I think it’d be a net positive.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
Oh Kuharsky
That’s a freaking terrible post, man.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
He clarifies it
Just admit it was a dumb post and move on, man.
I don’t care if my cornerback is a meek little bitch who doesn’t talk to girls as long as he gets 10 picks.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
Bodden is back with NE
From what my buddy in Boston said. He is probably guessing but is most likely right.
I still wish they would call up wash and say, here is a fourth for Carlos Rogers. I know y’all are going to bash me for this comment, but I think they guy could excel here
by AllenOU on Mar 6, 2010 3:51 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Im wondering how smart Dunta is.
He turned down the $23 mil offer last year saying it wasnt enough. He then gets a cool $10 mil to do nothing for a year and entered a weak CB free agency class as the best based on his reputation. Dunta then swings a deal for $57 mil including $25 guaranteed.
My question to yall is: Did Dunta plan this entire money making scheme from the beginning??
To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.
Atlanta is more than a Dunta way from being real good
and, the Texans are a bad contract away from being hamstrung, so kudos to Rick Smith and Co. for making the wise decision.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
He is not worth that much money.
Thanks, Atlanta. For inflating an injured has been’s ego by paying him that much guaranteed money.
THANK YOU ATLANTA.
FUCK YOU DUNTA.
by Jordann on Mar 6, 2010 7:29 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
hurts us, really
if 2011 is capped, and we’re short a CB1.
Look what lower than average CB1s are going for on the free market.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
i wish the texans made that move to get kerry rhodes for the 4th and future 7th...
then we can go CB, NT, and OL in the first 3 rounds…
by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Mar 6, 2010 7:34 PM CST reply actions
Let's all just be a little patient
I’m not gonna go crazy over them not doing anything quite yet
I bet they have some things lined up, but don’t overpay. It could mean losing an OD or even a demeco. You never know.
Let’s concentrate on drafting tebow, gresham, Aaron hernandez, chris brown, and the slowest CB there is
by AllenOU on Mar 6, 2010 8:00 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Kevin Walter and timing
I read that the 2009 league year didn’t end until Friday, which means KWs contract, if signed before then, would have fallen under the capped 2009 season (or Final Capped Year). Did we have cap space to get this deal done?
Was this done after FA began to get this contract in the uncapped year, or did his price demands drop when Baltimore was no longer in the running?
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
The NFL year began Thursday night at 11:01 CST
Im 100% sure Walter’s contract was signed after that. If he signed with us before that than it would be tampering because he was a UFA.
I dont think his demands dropped, I just think he wanted to come back here when Baltimore passed on him. I cant see him getting paid much more than what he signed with us, even in this inflated market.
To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.
by TexasHoosier on Mar 6, 2010 11:18 PM CST up reply actions
He wasn’t a UFA until Thursday night @ 11:01 CST, he was under contract with the Texans, so there would be no tampering if we signed him before then. See Robinson, DelJuan, and lots of other NFL players.
I know we signed him in the final league year, I was asking if we had the cap space to sign him in the final capped year, ie before Thursday night.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
by texanphil on Mar 7, 2010 8:52 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I see what you mean
But unless he signed before Thursday night, and we re-structured his contact for last season, it wouldnt affect our cap because we wont be paying him his new contract until the uncapped year.
To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.
I'm very happy...
that #83 is staying. He had on off year and that my be a good thing, teams will be less focused on him and his stealthiness will win us some games.
GO TEXANS!!!!
Our time will come...
This just in....
The Oakland Raiders have cut RB Justin Fargas.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
i know its ESPN but
on rumors it says that Shuan Rogers could be traded, oh god could we at least call the browns.
living the Texas dream
The Texans have decided to bring in free agent CB Leigh Bodden for a visit.
Pancakes on twitter.
He also said he doesn't eat pancakes
But looking at him you know he eats pancakes, small children, and duntas ego.
He also ate one of lance berkmans kids I’ve heard
by AllenOU on Mar 7, 2010 11:26 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
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