SBN: Arian Foster Is The Most Underpaid Player In The NFL

"As an exclusive rights free agent, Foster will receive $525,000, a $45,000 raise under the new collective bargaining agreement."

10 months ago Tim 34 comments 0 recs |

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I smell holdout

“Arian, call me. I’ll get you through this. Trust me.”

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Jul 31, 2011 9:51 PM CDT reply actions

He can't holdout

Point #1

Exclusive-Rights Free Agents (ERFA)
An Exclusive-Rights Free Agent is an NFL player who is not under contract, but has only two years of NFL experience. If his former club makes him an offer at the three year veteran minimum salary, then that’s it, he has to take it or leave the NFL. These guys have no right to negotiate with other teams. They are “free” only in the sense that they’re free to quit.

Point #2
He’ll be fined $30K for every day he holds out & if he doesn’t report by Week 1, then he will not be credited with an accrued season. Holding out for one month will cost him more than he makes (about $1 million)

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid

by The Night Owl on Jul 31, 2011 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions

That's hardcore.

Arian’s not the type to hold out though either. He wants his $525k. I’m sure he thinks the FO will pay him after this year. I hope he stays healthy and has an awesome year because I would love to see him make a shit ton of money. He deserves it and is a great story about what you can do if you work hard.

by WhiskeyR on Aug 1, 2011 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions

Here's what I think

He can incur a career ending injury by playing this season, and for what? $525,000? If I were advising him, I would say, “No thank you.” I would recommend sitting out and waiting for a better offer next season, if it came to that. Hopefully, it wouldn’t. Hopefully the team would renegotiate now and pay him now so he can play now. That’s my point and I’m sticking to it. If there is some rule that they can’t renegotiate, then too bad. I still recommend sitting out and not putting Foster at the risk of injury for the $525,000.

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Aug 1, 2011 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Insurance for that...

I agree tot el lee.

by chuckiepoo on Aug 1, 2011 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions

But that's the name of the game, Rip.

He barely has any wiggle room in negotiations. If he and his agent decided to hold out, or to bluff a holdout, he might just holdout/bluff his way to no paycheck at all.

And it’s not like, by taking that route, he would be in a new contract situation next season. So, he really has zero choice, in the event he still wants to have an NFL career.

Look at it this way, though. The Texans are a very loyal organization. AJ signed a “bad” contract (I believe it was ’07), and as soon as he brought it up with the FO, the deal was almost immediately re done.

Now, let’s say Arian does suffer that hypothetical career ender this season. I’m sure Uncle Bob would react the same way many other sporting franchises have reacted, in such situations: “Arian, we deeply thank you for your excellent contributions to the ballclub. So, now we have an office position waiting for you, as well as a sizeable bonus”.

Arian is an gifted fellow. He would probably even fill the FO role well, rather than simply receive a “cosmetic” job title ;)

Arian is highly underpaid. It’s obvious to everyone. FO included. Alas, they have to work from within a salary cap. It’s a temporary fly in the ointment, from everyone’s perspective. But regardless of what happens for Arian this season, one has to think that he’ll see the compensation he rightly deserves, as soon as there’s a chance to do so.

Agent Jersey, I’ll await your rebuttal…

by Cut Block on Aug 2, 2011 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions

The spookiest thing about this situation to me is...

the “Denver” philosophy of interchangeable, replaceable personnel. Much evidence exists from Kube’s time in the Milehigh. Good for texans as he was able to replace and regain momentum, possible not so good for Arian. I would hate to see such a situation, and it’s probably that Arian would be a little more loyal based on Kubes record with TB’s.

by chuckiepoo on Aug 2, 2011 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, the system churns out successful RBs...

the way Frank Bush’s system churned out completions for opposing QBs.

But I’ll go out on a limb, here, and say that Arian is really special. They’ll do whatever they can to keep him around.

by Cut Block on Aug 2, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions

How is that FO job working out for Domanick (Davie) Williams?

Because he is the real deal, he has as much wiggle room as he wants. The Texans would be punishing themselves as much as they would Foster by not agreeing to better terms. The only factor against Foster is that Tate and Ward are sitting by, very qualified, and ready to go if called on, and likely they would do nicely in this offense on a consistent basis. But, why? The team needs Arian. Arian needs the team. And, he is worth more, regardless of the fact that they have an existing contract that was signed under very different circumstances. Back then he was and undrafted free agent just looking for a team that would take him in and possibly have an opening on the field where he could prove himself. We are well beyond that contract. My verdict is the team needs to tear up that contract and do what is right.

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Aug 2, 2011 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions

I would like to hear Kubiak's response to the question, "Do you think Arian Foster is worth redoing a contract?"

I would like to hear an honest answer on that. Rick Smith, too. I want to hear them say, “He is already under contract and we don’t need to worry about anything.” They couldn’t do that.

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Aug 2, 2011 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't want to be the voice of discension, but I would think that the majority of BRB would get behind a "Give Arian a New Contract Initiative"

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Aug 2, 2011 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Your point of view sounds valid -but are your facts?

What, exactly, do you know of Domanick Davis-Williams’ compensation?…

by Cut Block on Aug 2, 2011 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions

He was injured during the 2005 season, was on IR for the 2006 season and was released after the 2006 season.

What kind of injury settlement there was, I don’t know. I don’t think he has a lifetime office job with the Texans.

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Aug 3, 2011 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Indeed, though I wasn't referring to a (legal) "injury settlement".

I was just referring to the possble contingency of loyalty being “promised”/exhibited by ownership.

Davis-Williams very well could have received a cosmetic job title, and a nice reward for his on-field sacrifices. Not saying he did or did not, though there have previously been such instances in pro sports.

Not sure Domanick was underpaid throughout his career, though, anyway.

Anyhow, business is business. Arian still has to take what’s readily available and possible, or else find a new career.

This is also somewhat similar to lamenting over other veterans sacrifcing and re-structuring, in order to help out the team’s cap situation. What are you doing for those players? Or do you only represent Foster? :P

by Cut Block on Aug 4, 2011 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions

That's cold. They could have at least put some sweet incentives together for performance this year.

I hope he’s as hungry this year as he was last year so he gets a nice package from the Texans in 2012.

by MeMongo on Jul 31, 2011 10:00 PM CDT reply actions

Where's his money?

I'm a household name... at my house.

by taylorrohrman on Jul 31, 2011 10:44 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs

No worries

He’ll get paid. He’ll have a new contract midway through the season.

by Tony Ung on Jul 31, 2011 11:32 PM CDT reply actions

Rick smith doesn't negotiate with players during the season.

He’s been very adamant about that.

by WhiskeyR on Aug 1, 2011 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions

I doubt they would risk him being a FA next year though

If he comes out strong I can see them making an exception.

I wish we could hire coaches without "having grown up in Houston" being a job requirement.

by DaGoaT on Aug 1, 2011 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions

If I understand his situation correctly

he could be made to play for the league minimum next year as well. At least, from what I was reading the other day that is the conclusion I drew. Not sure how I got there, though. Anyone with details of his situation next year?

by WhiskeyR on Aug 1, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

He'll be a restricted free agent

Probably would put a 1st & 3rd tender on him, & if someone makes him an offer, we can match it or let him go (odds are they match the offer sheet)

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid

by The Night Owl on Aug 1, 2011 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

If he plays like he did last year he'll get a better deal.

Until then he’s got to shake the “one year wonder” tag IMO.

No matter how bad it gets,I will believe.It's the only thing I have left for the Texans.

by Ethan Matz on Jul 31, 2011 11:43 PM CDT reply actions

Agreed

It’s smart front officing….Arian will get his if he shows that he’s as legit as we all think.

"Lord, beer me strength."

by TexansDC on Jul 31, 2011 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions

And Arian is a very smart man, I'm sure he understands that.

GET A SILK BAG FROM THE GRAVEYARD DUCK TO LIVE LONGER.

by Synchysi on Aug 1, 2011 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions

the tecans fo is smart

I don’t believe he will be like slaton but with the new cap they would be smart to wait. If he starts off playing this season where he left off he will get a sweet contract

"Taco Joe - the beacon of optimism" TexansDC
"Great, you've doomed us all!" - UprootedTexan
God blessed Texas, but he has forsaken the Texans

by Taco Joe on Aug 1, 2011 4:35 AM CDT up reply actions