"Hints Dropped" by Kubiak - Is there a MegaBUXXX Signing on the Way?

[mussop]

On the front page in youre latest article, I believe there is a link (hints dropped) that goes to the wrong place. The link goes to the Toro dunking picture. Anyway Im interested in youre comment "With hints dropped that the Texans might be poised to make a sizeable splash this year, it's hard not to get a little antsy.". Can you tell me about this or point me in the right direction. I havent heard anything about this.

[painekiller]

I'm not Keith, but he and both read a comment by Kubiak (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5151), (on if the team will be looking to improve defensively through free agency) “Obviously, it’s something Rick and I have been discussing over the course of the last few weeks. We definitely need to make our football team better in free agency, and I think there is an opportunity for us to do that, without specific names or positions. But we’ve done our homework; we are ready to go. Hopefully, we can improve our football team in a couple of spots, and then when we get through with that, we’ll move on to the draft. I think there are some good football players out there.”

I read between the lines and commented here (http://inthebullseye.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8334&postcount=18). I just got feeling listening to Kubiak, the official site has the video of the comments, that Kubiak and Smith where going to try and make a splash this year.

I guess Keith also thought something similar.

Now I might be wrong but what if the team went after Haynesworth...

How would that make the DL look?

[gunslinger57]

Someone--Haynesworth--Amobi--Mario ??

I'm down with that. If they want to keep Mario on the right they'll need someone bigger like Gilbert (SJSU) or Johnson (?) out of Georgia Tech to play strong side. Plus, since neither is 1st round material (probably) we can still spend 15 on a LB like a Cushing or Matthews. That would shore up the defensive front 7 pretty well. Of course, they could always move Mario to the left side which would open up the RDE for someone like an Orakpo (if he last to 15, which may not happen now), Brown, Sidbury, or even Barwin out of Cincinnati. Couldn't believe it when I saw him on NFL network. Impressed the hell out of me physically. Big enough for rush end but quick enough and shifty enough to drop in to short coverage if needed.

Either way, you're looking at an awfully tough (and possibly HUGE) defensive line.

[mussop]

I'm not Keith, but he and both read a comment by Kubiak (http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=5151),

I read between the lines and commented here (http://inthebullseye.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8334&postcount=18). I just got feeling listening to Kubiak, the official site has the video of the comments, that Kubiak and Smith where going to try and make a splash this year.

I guess Keith also thought something similar.

Now I might be wrong but what if the team went after Haynesworth...

How would that make the DL look?

This is exactly what we need to do. There are so many benefits. I seem to be in the minority on this but I believe he will continue to play well after he gets his payday.

[Roy P]

I read between the lines and commented

"I think there is an opportunity for us to do that, without specific names or positions. But we’ve done our homework; we are ready to go. Hopefully, we can improve our football team in a couple of spots, and then when we get through with that, we’ll move on to the draft. I think there are some good football players out there.”


This doesn't sound like they are targeting ONE player like Haynesworth. What about two players - S Sean Jones & LB Jonathan Vilma?

[Joshua]

While I certainly wouldn't complain about Haynesworth, I do have my doubts about what kind of effort you would get, as well as how many snaps. I read a rumor somewhere that the Redskins are supposedly interested and that Daniel Snyder and Haynesworth's agent were seen dining together during the combine. Just getting him out of our division would probably be good enough for me.

[Roy P]

This doesn't sound like they are targeting ONE player like Haynesworth. What about two players - S Sean Jones & LB Jonathan Vilma?

Two guys that I had ahead of Dunta Robinson in the 2004 draft may be available as FA. I just don't know how much $$$$ it would take to sign DT Tommie Harris or DE Will Smith.

[Keith]

On the front page in youre latest article, I believe there is a link (hints dropped) that goes to the wrong place. The link goes to the Toro dunking picture. Anyway Im interested in youre comment "With hints dropped that the Texans might be poised to make a sizeable splash this year, it's hard not to get a little antsy.". Can you tell me about this or point me in the right direction. I havent heard anything about this.
PK is right. Sorry. Maybe next time I upload a page I'll think to test my own links!

[jppaul]

This doesn't sound like they are targeting ONE player like Haynesworth. What about two players - S Sean Jones & LB Jonathan Vilma?

Or Sean Jones and Channing Crowder

[papabear]

Or Sean Jones and Channing Crowder

I was thinking Crowder too.

AS far as Haynesworth. I know how dominant he can be, but he's never played a full season and I saw a stat the other day that he only plays about 60% of the defensive stats. I like when teams rotate their lineman to keep them fresh, but I'm not sure I want to pay the highest salary of any defensive players when he's a guy who is hurt a lot and he is off the field for 40% of the plays anyway. I think he either stays in Tenn. or someone give him a ridiculous amount of money and I doubt that will be us.

[gunn]

I was thinking Crowder too.

AS far as Haynesworth. I know how dominant he can be, but he's never played a full season and I saw a stat the other day that he only plays about 60% of the defensive stats. I like when teams rotate their lineman to keep them fresh, but I'm not sure I want to pay the highest salary of any defensive players when he's a guy who is hurt a lot and he is off the field for 40% of the plays anyway. I think he either stays in Tenn. or someone give him a ridiculous amount of money and I doubt that will be us.


And yet he was still in the converstation for MVP of the entire league... For a DT to even be mentioned in that conversation, let alone one who you say only plays 60% of the snaps, that's domination. I'll take him on my team.

[papabear]

And yet he was still in the converstation for MVP of the entire league... For a DT to even be mentioned in that conversation, let alone one who you say only plays 60% of the snaps, that's domination. I'll take him on my team.

I know. I would be pumped even though I don't like the guy. I just think it's a huge risk to give a guy like that so much money. The money he wants he will likely hinder our ability to hold onto some other guys in the future if we signed him.

[jppaul]

And yet he was still in the converstation for MVP of the entire league... For a DT to even be mentioned in that conversation, let alone one who you say only plays 60% of the snaps, that's domination. I'll take him on my team.

As PB said, it will hinder the retention of our core guys. Would you sign Haynesworth, if the cap ramifications prevented us from resigning Ryans and Daniels, or Dunta and Ryans or Mario Williams down the road?

I wouldn't.

[gunn]

As PB said, it will hinder the retention of our core guys. Would you sign Haynesworth, if the cap ramifications prevented us from resigning Ryans and Daniels, or Dunta and Ryans or Mario Williams down the road?

I wouldn't.

I don't think it's quite the doomsday scenario as you're making it out to be.

[papabear]

I don't think it's quite the doomsday scenario as you're making it out to be.

Zierlein Report is that the Redskins are going to offer a 100 mill a year at 15-16 Mill a year. That's elite QB money...higher than the franchise tag this year that Cassel is getting if I'm not mistaken. Definitely could be a cap issue, but it's hard to say what kind if any cap there will be over the life of this deal.

http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/

[WMH]

Zierlein Report is that the Redskins are going to offer a 100 mill a year at 15-16 Mill a year. That's elite QB money...higher than the franchise tag this year that Cassel is getting if I'm not mistaken. Definitely could be a cap issue, but it's hard to say what kind if any cap there will be over the life of this deal.

http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/

I would HOPE the Texans would not do something like that. SERIOUS cap issues coming for the Redskins.

[gunn]

Zierlein Report is that the Redskins are going to offer a 100 mill a year at 15-16 Mill a year. That's elite QB money...higher than the franchise tag this year that Cassel is getting if I'm not mistaken. Definitely could be a cap issue, but it's hard to say what kind if any cap there will be over the life of this deal.

http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/


Which was to be expected as many had stated the past few days. He's an impact player that has shown to dominate the game. Whether or not he deserves that kind of contract... How's it any different than giving a similar amount to the number one overall pick who is likely, if not as much, an even bigger risk. I just don't think it's a "sky is falling" scenario that people make it out to be. It's the climate of the NFL. Larry Fitzgerald has roughly 28 million in guaranteed money in his new deal and Asomugha's first two years of his 3 year 45 million dollar contract are guaranteed. Haynesworth would likely receive similar guaranteed money.

[papabear]

Which was to be expected as many had stated the past few days. He's an impact player that has shown to dominate the game. Whether or not he deserves that kind of contract... How's it any different than giving a similar amount to the number one overall pick who is likely, if not as much, an even bigger risk. I just don't think it's a "sky is falling" scenario that people make it out to be. It's the climate of the NFL. Larry Fitzgerald has roughly 28 million in guaranteed money in his new deal and Asomugha's first two years of his 3 year 45 million dollar contract are guaranteed. Haynesworth would likely receive similar guaranteed money.


What is gauranteed in the deal is the key, and we don't know that yet. I'm sure the high salaries would be on the end of the contract too. If he is getting 15 million a year, that's QB money, ELITE QB money and I think would almost definitely have cap implications or at least affect how much payroll room you have to maneuver at some point. It is probably better to wait until someone who knows what they are doing(Keith) can see the actual terms to decide though...of course it's hard to say after this year.

[cadams]

Which was to be expected as many had stated the past few days. He's an impact player that has shown to dominate the game. Whether or not he deserves that kind of contract... How's it any different than giving a similar amount to the number one overall pick who is likely, if not as much, an even bigger risk. I just don't think it's a "sky is falling" scenario that people make it out to be. It's the climate of the NFL. Larry Fitzgerald has roughly 28 million in guaranteed money in his new deal and Asomugha's first two years of his 3 year 45 million dollar contract are guaranteed. Haynesworth would likely receive similar guaranteed money.

well, one difference is that a rookie . . .even the first pick isn't gonna get a 100 million dollar contract, also, I would bet that haynesworth will have significantly more guarenteed money than asomugha

[Keith]

I think we might be seeing some of the last capped year / uncapped year coming into play here. The Redskins are definitely a "have", and if there is a team that would spend up to their eyeballs in an uncapped situation, it would be Dan Snyder and the Skins.

I think with the Texans tagging Dunta, cutting off talks with DeMeco, and (in what appears likely) tendering Owen Daniels instead of offering a new contract, the Texans might be putting off their big money deals to the uncapped year in 2010, too. Verrrrrrrrryyyy interestink /GermanSoldierVoiceFromLaughIn.

Credit to LZ for sure, but I think Peter King made mention of Haynesworth's agent being in D.C. in his last MMQB... this news isn't a total shock to me.

[papabear]

I think we might be seeing some of the last capped year / uncapped year coming into play here. The Redskins are definitely a "have", and if there is a team that would spend up to their eyeballs in an uncapped situation, it would be Dan Snyder and the Skins.

I think with the Texans tagging Dunta, cutting off talks with DeMeco, and (in what appears likely) tendering Owen Daniels instead of offering a new contract, the Texans might be putting off their big money deals to the uncapped year in 2010, too. Verrrrrrrrryyyy interestink /GermanSoldierVoiceFromLaughIn.

Credit to LZ for sure, but I think Peter King made mention of Haynesworth's agent being in D.C. in his last MMQB... this news isn't a total shock to me.

King mentioned Fat Al's agent had dinner with Synder. Clayton also mentioned the possibility of a team, maybe the skins, offering him 100+ Mill a few days ago.

There's only one reason that the Texans could be putting off deals for guys like Demeco and Daniels in my mind. They want extra room to go after a free agent...or two? With the uncapped year looming and the almost certainty that salaries go up (assuming our financial system isn't more F'ed up then than it is now) it would make sense to get two guys who are almost certain to be a part of your long term plan locked up now. I would really like it if they got deals done for these two before the season starts though.

[nero THE zero]

Does Rick Smith's position in the competition committee give him an inside track on the liklihood of an uncapped '10?

Making a big signing, or many healthy signings, is a gamble given the uncertainty of the cap situation next season. But, if a GM has some insight that leads him to believe the cap is ending (like having a seat on the competition committee) and has an owner who is of the wealthier persuasion (like Bob McNair) it might make him more likely to make a big splash.

I keep dismissing the whole Peppers notion as nonsense, but the things that have been happening lately keep reviving it.

[papabear]

Does Rick Smith's position in the competition committee give him an inside track on the liklihood of an uncapped '10?

Making a big signing, or many healthy signings, is a gamble given the uncertainty of the cap situation next season. But, if a GM has some insight that leads him to believe the cap is ending (like having a seat on the competition committee) and has an owner who is of the wealthier persuasion (like Bob McNair) it might make him more likely to make a big splash.

I keep dismissing the whole Peppers notion as nonsense, but the things that have been happening lately keep reviving it.

The competition committee is the one who makes recommendations on rule changes...force out rule, overtime, etc. Game day stuff, and even then my understanding is that it is only a recommendation that the league (owners) vote on. I don't see where that would offer any kind of insight into the labor negotiations. Revenue sharing and salary cap stuff is solely the domain of the owners and the NFLPA. McNair might feel he's got an idea of where the negotiations are headed and given that as guidance to the front office guys. Even then he only has a part of the equation. The lower revenue teams probably have completely different objectives than McNair. Not to mention that the NFLPA is leaderless right now, so there's no way to really gauge what they will want and how hard they will fight to get it.

[Keith]

I keep dismissing the whole Peppers notion as nonsense, but the things that have been happening lately keep reviving it.I don't really think Peppers is coming here either, but he would be one guy that sure could keep Mario at RDE.

As for hints... in the DeMeco interview on 790 this morning, it sure seemed like DeMeco thought there was potential for something big in free agency. (click here (http://www.inthebullseye.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8527#post8527) to read a few quotes I transcribed).

Of course, DeMeco could be speculating like the rest of us. Or it could be that Rick Smith might have mentioned something to he and Dunta during negotiations too about why they aren't signing their own to mega deals just yet... I'm reading tea leaves here, but maybe Smith might need to keep the available cash ready for a big free agent signing bonus..?? hmmmm....

[Bigtinylittle]

I don't want Haynesworth and it's because I look a player in terms of whether he outperforms his contract. That's the key to winning in the NFL. Get abunch of guys like Owens, Ryans, Slaton, etc. any you have a recipe for a very solid team. We just got rid of Carr, Green, Greenwood, and maybe now Weaver. They were taking cap money that we could have been paying guys who were difference makers on the field.

I'm very leery of giving huge cap money to guys that are in their last contract. The minute their talent declines or their effort declines, you are stuck, stuck, stuck. No thanks.

[nero THE zero]

I don't really think Peppers is coming here either, but he would be one guy that sure could keep Mario at RDE.

As for hints... in the DeMeco interview on 790 this morning, it sure seemed like DeMeco thought there was potential for something big in free agency. (click here (http://www.inthebullseye.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8527#post8527) to read a few quotes I transcribed).

Of course, DeMeco could be speculating like the rest of us. Or it could be that Rick Smith might have mentioned something to he and Dunta during negotiations too about why they aren't signing their own to mega deals just yet... I'm reading tea leaves here, but maybe Smith might need to keep the available cash ready for a big free agent signing bonus..?? hmmmm....
Yep.
1. McClain's insistence that the Texans won't be adding a smallish RDE, but a legitimate LDE.
2. Kubiak's recent comments
3. The impending release of Weaver
4. The cap clearing (Greenwood, Green)
5. The stockpiling of picks (Sage, Jacoby)

And now even DeMeco's comments.

That's not to say that something huge is bound to happen. But, this is one of those instances where if something huge did happen, you'd look back and say, "How did I not see this coming, all the tell-tale signs were there."

[nunusguy]

Here's my observation about this thread: we got some guys on this Board with some real active imaginations.

[Keith]

Here's my observation about this thread: we got some guys on this Board with some real active imaginations.

:D

Haha, true that. Welcome the offseason.

I will say though that I had an active imagination before the story broke years ago that the Texans were making a run at signing Orlando Pace. Funny things happen, makes it hard not to be excited for Friday morning.

[kravix]

I think we might be seeing some of the last capped year / uncapped year coming into play here. The Redskins are definitely a "have", and if there is a team that would spend up to their eyeballs in an uncapped situation, it would be Dan Snyder and the Skins.

I think with the Texans tagging Dunta, cutting off talks with DeMeco, and (in what appears likely) tendering Owen Daniels instead of offering a new contract, the Texans might be putting off their big money deals to the uncapped year in 2010, too. Verrrrrrrrryyyy interestink /GermanSoldierVoiceFromLaughIn.

Credit to LZ for sure, but I think Peter King made mention of Haynesworth's agent being in D.C. in his last MMQB... this news isn't a total shock to me.

But why not lock these guys in long term now paying less money than they will get in an uncapped league, "year" is decieving because I dont see it changing for 10+ years if they go uncapped at all.

If the league goes uncapped, Demeco and Daniels will be UFA and still get paid less. That is no way to treat your star players though. They have both out performed their rookkie contracts and should be rewarded. I would never pay my best employee minimum wage while bringing in lesser talent that gets paid alot more.

[Keith]

The UFA rules change in an uncapped year though, as DeMeco and Daniels would be RFAs next year.

Well... how's about this?? A Panthers message board is starting to think Houston might be a destination for Peppers based on pretty much the same factors we've already discussed in our forums.

http://www.carolinagrowl.com/MessageBoards/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=5780

Peppers supposedly likes the Houston area (http://www.houstondiehards.com/?p=2959) and his agent Carl Carey lives here somewhere. Carey even informed the Panthers of Peppers' decision to leave Carolina from Houston (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3839736). Peppers works out with Danny Arnold at Plex (http://www.plex.cc/1clients.htm) near Sugarland.

Peppers called Houston his second home (http://sports.ign.com/articles/488/488736p1.html) in a 2004 interview:
IGN Sports: Your team came to Houston during the season to face the Texans; does it help you to be familiar with the surroundings of the stadium as far as comfort zone?

Peppers: Actually, I work out in the off season here in Texas so I am very familiar with this whole surrounding. I look at this as my second home or my home away from home. I know my way around this city very well here.

Worth noting... when the Vikings acquired Jared Allen, who had been tagged by the Chiefs, it took a first rounder and two third rounders, plus a contract reported (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3916583) to have $31 million in guarantees over six years.

[dalemurphy]

The UFA rules change in an uncapped year though, as DeMeco and Daniels would be RFAs next year.

Well... how's about this?? A Panthers message board is starting to think Houston might be a destination for Peppers based on pretty much the same factors we've already discussed in our forums.

http://www.carolinagrowl.com/MessageBoards/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=5780

Peppers supposedly likes the Houston area (http://www.houstondiehards.com/?p=2959) and his agent Carl Carey lives here somewhere. Carey even informed the Panthers of Peppers' decision to leave Carolina from Houston (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3839736). Peppers works out with Danny Arnold at Plex (http://www.plex.cc/1clients.htm) near Sugarland.

Peppers called Houston his second home (http://sports.ign.com/articles/488/488736p1.html) in a 2004 interview:


Worth noting... when the Vikings acquired Jared Allen, who had been tagged by the Chiefs, it took a first rounder and two third rounders, plus a contract reported (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3916583) to have $31 million in guarantees over six years.


I have zero interest in Peppers coming here. Not only would he cost too much in draftpick compensation but his contract would also cost us in terms of not being able to sign or re-sign players of interest. For a guy approaching 30 with inconsistent results and effort, I say, "no thank you!".

[jppaul]

I have zero interest in Peppers coming here. Not only would he cost too much in draftpick compensation but his contract would also cost us in terms of not being able to sign or re-sign players of interest. For a guy approaching 30 with inconsistent results and effort, I say, "no thank you!".

What he said.

[coloradodude]

This just in from the guy who thought the 4th round was the 1st round of Day 2 (this would be me)...


I'd love to see Peppers in a Texans uniform. Now that I no longer care one hill of beans about the salary cap and compare the players on the Redskins and Cowgirls year after year verses ours....sign everybody you want! That's what those two teams do and yet we have had players that can't make it in Canada while being maxed out on cap room.

Sign Peppers! And Haynesworth too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Keith]

Okay, I organized all this Peppers info into a single article with supporting linkage. Enjoy the mental holiday... :p

http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2009/20090225.html

[dalemurphy]

This just in from the guy who thought the 4th round was the 1st round of Day 2 (this would be me)...


I'd love to see Peppers in a Texans uniform. Now that I no longer care one hill of beans about the salary cap and compare the players on the Redskins and Cowgirls year after year verses ours....sign everybody you want! That's what those two teams do and yet we have had players that can't make it in Canada while being maxed out on cap room.

Sign Peppers! And Haynesworth too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hardly thing we want to model our organization after those two. How about comparing our playoff wins in the last decade to the Cowboys and Redskins. Oh, that's right, they would combine for one more than us.

[popanot]

I hardly thing we want to model our organization after those two. How about comparing our playoff wins in the last decade to the Cowboys and Redskins. Oh, that's right, they would combine for one more than us.But yet, they can make the playoffs or be in the running for division titles and we can't. Your analogy is like saying it's a bad thing to be dating the 3rd best looking Victoria Secret model.

[nunusguy]

Sign Peppers! And Haynesworth too!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's what I'm talking about ! If you're gonna dream, really dream big, be all-in with it.
With a DLine featuring Mario, Peppers, & Haynesworth any warm body could play the 3-technique. Keith maybe ? I say lets give real meaning to fantasy football.

[dalemurphy]

But yet, they can make the playoffs or be in the running for division titles and we can't. Your analogy is like saying it's a bad thing to be dating the 3rd best looking Victoria Secret model.

You're kidding! Redskin fans are miserable and hopeless because Dan Snyder is young and will never learn. Cowboy fans are too dumb to realize how bad it is for them. The current Texan organization is vastly superior than the current Redskin or Cowboy organization.

[popanot]

You're kidding! Redskin fans are miserable and hopeless because Dan Snyder is young and will never learn. Cowboy fans are too dumb to realize how bad it is for them. The current Texan organization is vastly superior than the current Redskin or Cowboy organization.And Texans fans (like myself) are just happy-campers satisfied with mediocrity and never sniffing the playoffs. I say that in jest, by the way. Regardless of whether you like or dislike a organization/owner/fans, they're (certainly the Cowpies are) doing something that this franchise has yet to figure out. That's how to build a team capable of consistently competing. I'll take McNair over JJ or Snyder any day of the week, and I certainly don't condone employing a-holes like Pac-Man and the like, but McNair has yet to prove he's capable of finding that competetive edge to where this team is in the hunt for even a wildcard spot. Not sure why, but it's sure is taking a loooong time for this organization to find an identity and compete on a consistent basis. I feel that starts at the top. If they can get Peppers at a reasonable price and at a salary structure that won't kill them in the future, I say do it.

[Mike]

I don't see us making a play for Peppers since we will eventually have to re-up Mario and then we would have way to much $ tied up at DE.

I wonder if there might be a move for Bertrand Berry. He played for Frank Bush, played for some team in Colorado some time ago and he lives in Houston. Just a thought.

I would love to be a fly on Rick Smith's Blackberry at 12:01 Friday AM.

[popanot]

I would love to be a fly on Rick Smith's Blackberry at 12:01 Friday AM.Yuck! ;) ....

[papabear]

Okay, I organized all this Peppers info into a single article with supporting linkage. Enjoy the mental holiday... :p

http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2009/20090225.html


The thought of Peppers teamed with Mario is exciting...I doubt it will happen, but it would be fun to watch. I know Peppers has been accused of disappearing and taking plays off, but I know there's a tendency when a sack guy isn't getting sacks to say that he's coasting. Even if it's not the case. So I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. My biggest concern is what is going to happen when Mario wants a new deal. If we have to give Peppers close to 30 MILL gauranteed, what are we going to have to give Mario in a few years who is a better all around player IMO??? I would like to have Peppers, but I don't know that I would if it makes it hard to keep OD, Demeco, and Dunta. There's just so much uncertainty with the CBA. Any big move like this is even more risky than in a normal year.

[papabear]

Yuck! ;) ....


It's good to know that I'm not the only twisted one here.

[jppaul]

You're kidding! Redskin fans are miserable and hopeless because Dan Snyder is young and will never learn.

Wow Gramps, you wanna drop a "...back in my day for us...".

[jppaul]

It's good to know that I'm not the only twisted one here.

Thats wrong.:D

[kRocket]

...I would never pay my best employee minimum wage while bringing in lesser talent that gets paid a lot more.

You don't run many corporations do you ? I worked in them for 35 years and saw it all the time.:D

[coloradodude]

I hardly thing we want to model our organization after those two. How about comparing our playoff wins in the last decade to the Cowboys and Redskins. Oh, that's right, they would combine for one more than us.


You totally missed my point. Those teams consistently have players I would love to see on our team (most teams would love to have many of their players). But we have suffered through the the most mediocre players and still have been maxed out on cap room.

And management/coaching is the reason those teams can't win more games...they definitely have the talent to win more games, including playoff games. Those tow teams know how to get superior players, they just don't kow what to do with them when they get them...excluding pacman Jones.

[barrett]

You totally missed my point. Those teams consistently have players I would love to see on our team (most teams would love to have many of their players). But we have suffered through the the most mediocre players and still have been maxed out on cap room.

And management/coaching is the reason those teams can't win more games...they definitely have the talent to win more games, including playoff games. Those tow teams know how to get superior players, they just don't kow what to do with them when they get them...excluding pacman Jones.

We are absolutely not in cap trouble. So whatever happened years ago, we are not in cap trouble with mediocre players. We are in a great cap situation.

The colts and patriots spend wisely (one on their own talent and the other on bargain free agents). Neither spends huge money in FA. And they are the undoubted models of long term consistency in the league. I would hope the Texans are smart enough to follow suit. The skins and boys are proof that the NFL is more than a spending contest.

Now one FA signing does not make for an irresponsible spending spree. I don't mind overpaying for a single player if he makes a difference (you overpay for any FA). My problem is with your idea that those two teams are a good model of how to aquire talent.

[dalemurphy]

You totally missed my point. Those teams consistently have players I would love to see on our team (most teams would love to have many of their players). But we have suffered through the the most mediocre players and still have been maxed out on cap room.

And management/coaching is the reason those teams can't win more games...they definitely have the talent to win more games, including playoff games. Those tow teams know how to get superior players, they just don't kow what to do with them when they get them...excluding pacman Jones.

You are confusing the ramifications from the former organization led by Casserly, with the current one. We've been dealing with ridiculous contracts and dead money from the Casserly years. All of that has now been cleared and the team's main challenge is re-signing all these very good draft picks that have been coming down the pike the past 3 seasons. After the wonderful cuts today, we are more than $25 million under the cap heading into free agency. This is the first season that the handcuffs are off of Rick Smith. Look for some significant signings. However, you should be thrilled that they won't make the splashes in the media that Snyder and Jones do. Those guys are horrible with the cap and with personnel decisions. I have no idea what you are envious of?:

Pacman Jones
T. O.
Leonard Davis at Guard for $50 million?
Randle El for $30 million?
trading a 1st, 3rd, and 6th round pick for Roy Williams?

ugggh! I don't know why an educated football fan would want anything to do with those organizations...

The Cowboys had a couple good drafts but that was when Jerry gave control to Bill Parcells- of course, then he blew that up and signed T.O. against the Tunas' wishes and got rid of Bill in order to run the organization himself again. Thanks but no thanks!

[coloradodude]

Wow...I can't believe you two guys don't understand my point.

I know we're not in cap trouble but we HAVE BEEN. That means past tense. Here's my point on that subject, ready? What did we have to show for it talent wise will in cap prison? Not much in comparison to other teams with similar cap numbers.

If we are inevitably gonna be maxed out once again, and eventually we will, I want to have something to show for it. (We have had nothing to show for it since our inception as an organization.) Talent levels that match the payouts AND 11+ wins. Compare that to what we've endured in high salaries, non-pro bowl talent with non-winning records. Playoff wins come from talent of players, commitment to team, AND coaching. You have to pay for talent.

You guys want to talk foreign policy about the ramifications of sending Clinton to China with her history of insulting China on human rights? :eek:

[barrett]

Wow...I can't believe you two guys don't understand my point.

I know we're not in cap trouble but we HAVE BEEN. That means past tense. Here's my point on that subject, ready? What did we have to show for it talent wise will in cap prison? Not much in comparison to other teams with similar cap numbers.

If we are inevitably gonna be maxed out once again, and eventually we will, I want to have something to show for it. (We have had nothing to show for it since our inception as an organization.) Talent levels that match the payouts AND 11+ wins. Compare that to what we've endured in high salaries, non-pro bowl talent with non-winning records. Playoff wins come from talent of players, commitment to team, AND coaching. You have to pay for talent.

You guys want to talk foreign policy about the ramifications of sending Clinton to China with her history of insulting China on human rights? :eek:

you don't get it. The cowboys have made big FA signings and they have not gotten better. There best players have been draft picks like Ware, Romo, Barber, etc... There big money spending has gotten them guys who have not helped.

As for the idea that we will "eventually" be maxed out on the cap so we should just spend while we can, this is just plain stupid. How do you figure we will eventually end up maxed on the cap with mediocre talent if we don't spend on big FA? You underline it like it's the strength of your argument, but it is little more than an illogical and unsupported statement. Please attempt to explain how we will end up "maxed on the cap" anyways no matter how we spend.

[mussop]

Wow...I can't believe you two guys don't understand my point.

I know we're not in cap trouble but we HAVE BEEN. That means past tense. Here's my point on that subject, ready? What did we have to show for it talent wise will in cap prison? Not much in comparison to other teams with similar cap numbers.

If we are inevitably gonna be maxed out once again, and eventually we will, I want to have something to show for it. (We have had nothing to show for it since our inception as an organization.) Talent levels that match the payouts AND 11+ wins. Compare that to what we've endured in high salaries, non-pro bowl talent with non-winning records. Playoff wins come from talent of players, commitment to team, AND coaching. You have to pay for talent.

You guys want to talk foreign policy about the ramifications of sending Clinton to China with her history of insulting China on human rights? :eek:

You never should of used Dallas and Washington as examples. That was youre downfall.

[papabear]

Wow...I can't believe you two guys don't understand my point.

I know we're not in cap trouble but we HAVE BEEN. That means past tense. Here's my point on that subject, ready? What did we have to show for it talent wise will in cap prison? Not much in comparison to other teams with similar cap numbers.

I get your point, but I don't agree with it. The cap numbers for most teams aren't that far apart. There's a few with a bunch of room, and a few barely squeaking under. Everyone else generally falls in between. Plenty of them don't have anything to show for it either. It's not like we are that much worse than the majority of teams in the NFL.



If we are inevitably gonna be maxed out once again, and eventually we will, I want to have something to show for it. (We have had nothing to show for it since our inception as an organization.) Talent levels that match the payouts AND 11+ wins. Compare that to what we've endured in high salaries, non-pro bowl talent with non-winning records. Playoff wins come from talent of players, commitment to team, AND coaching. You have to pay for talent.

You do have to pay for talent, and we have. We just haven't been very good at judging talent. I get the feeling that you want the team to have sexier free agents signings. The kind of guys who are considered the best available at their position. Haynesworth, Clements, etc. The fact is that the teams who spend for the mega bucks free agents rarely show much improvement. Cowboys, Redskins, 49er's, and Jets are all teams who have spent heavily for the big guns but didn't get that much better on the field. The cap is set up so that most teams do end up with cap decisions to make at some point. Spend 100 Mill on Haynesworth or sign 4 or 5 guys for about the same amount of money who still give you an upgrade at several positions and/or great depth at others. Then draft well. I prefer the second option, but it comes down to how well you judge talent. We haven't always done a great job at that with FA. Hopefully Smith changes that. If you dump most of your free resources at a big name free agent and he fails you are screwed.

[Bigtinylittle]

I get your point, but I don't agree with it. The cap numbers for most teams aren't that far apart. There's a few with a bunch of room, and a few barely squeaking under. Everyone else generally falls in between. Plenty of them don't have anything to show for it either. It's not like we are that much worse than the majority of teams in the NFL.




You do have to pay for talent, and we have. We just haven't been very good at judging talent. I get the feeling that you want the team to have sexier free agents signings. The kind of guys who are considered the best available at their position. Haynesworth, Clements, etc. The fact is that the teams who spend for the mega bucks free agents rarely show much improvement. Cowboys, Redskins, 49er's, and Jets are all teams who have spent heavily for the big guns but didn't get that much better on the field. The cap is set up so that most teams do end up with cap decisions to make at some point. Spend 100 Mill on Haynesworth or sign 4 or 5 guys for about the same amount of money who still give you an upgrade at several positions and/or great depth at others. Then draft well. I prefer the second option, but it comes down to how well you judge talent. We haven't always done a great job at that with FA. Hopefully Smith changes that. If you dump most of your free resources at a big name free agent and he fails you are screwed.

You are right-on, Papabear. I would much rather hope we get lucky signing lower level guys than hope these megabuck superstars live up to their gigantic contracts. And I don't mean just for the first year or two. Signing guys to their last contract is a risky proposition.

[Roy P]

Gibril Wilson was signed by the Dolphins for 5 years, $27.5 Million, $8 Million guaranteed. $16.5M is in the first 3 years. If we could sign Sean Jones for that kind of money, I'd be very pleased.

[HPF Bob]

I'd rather have little splashes that produce big instead of big splashes that produce big. With any team, it's all about maximizing output while minimizing expense. Is forking over a ton of draft choices and cap space on one player a smart idea? I don't think so, especially when we've spent more than the GDP of some continents to be able to sack Peyton Manning and still have almost nothing to show for it.

[Mike]

Gibril Wilson was signed by the Dolphins for 5 years, $27.5 Million, $8 Million guaranteed. $16.5M is in the first 3 years. If we could sign Sean Jones for that kind of money, I'd be very pleased.

Gibril has made out like a Bandit the last two years. Win the superbowl, take old man Al's nice signing bonus, get cut and then get Tuna dollars.

[gunslinger57]

I'd rather have little splashes that produce big instead of big splashes that produce big. With any team, it's all about maximizing output while minimizing expense.

So, you'd rather spend less money than more and get the same production? That's some out of the box thinking, Bob. How are you not at least assistant GM yet? ;)

[Roy P]

That's some out of the box thinking, Bob. How are you not at least assistant GM yet? ;)

If I were the GM, Bob would be the Assistant GM and I'd have Painekiller as my College Scout.

[papabear]

So, you'd rather spend less money than more and get the same production? That's some out of the box thinking, Bob. How are you not at least assistant GM yet? ;)

I think the idea is to spend the same, but spread the "bust" risk out over several players. In general your are going to be better making smaller upgrades to several postions than one major upgrade.

[gunslinger57]

I think the idea is to spend the same, but spread the "bust" risk out over several players. In general your are going to be better making smaller upgrades to several postions than one major upgrade.

I got it, I was just being sarcastic. I guess I don't do it well.

[Nconroe]

So, everyone staying up till 11:30 to see if have any big splashes or a few middle splashes right out of the starting gate? guess I will.

[gunslinger57]

Yeah I'll stay up for a while. I don't have work tomorrow so I'll see what happens for the first couple of hours.

[papabear]

If I were the GM, Bob would be the Assistant GM and I'd have Painekiller as my College Scout.

Can I just be the well paid guy who's job is to just hang out and watch practices, and be in the warroom on draft day. Maybe sit in the back for a couple film sessions. Kind of like Dan Reeves consultant gig...without the experience or the ability to offer any kind of usefull insight.

...hell I wouldn't even need to be well paid. A cot to sleep on at the stadium and the leftovers from the buffet would probably do it.

[gunslinger57]

Can I just be the well paid guy who's job is to just hang out and watch practices, and be in the warroom on draft day. Maybe sit in the back for a couple film sessions. Kind of like Dan Reeves consultant gig...without the experience or the ability to offer any kind of usefull insight.

...hell I wouldn't even need to be well paid. A cot to sleep on at the stadium and the leftovers from the buffet would probably do it.

I'll be the offensive and defensive line dietician.

"No, you can not just look at the menu and say, 'OK!'"

[Keith]

Yeah, I'll be up late for sure.

Thanks to BattleRedBlog.com (http://www.battleredblog.com/2009/2/26/772576/the-curious-case-of-julius) for joining me in fantasy-time on Julius Peppers. A sister site of theirs, catscratchreader.com, reacts to the posting here (http://www.catscratchreader.com/2009/2/26/772808/postulating-where-peppers).

The writer's thoughts:
I admit my postulation that Julius Peppers might end up in Miami was a shear guess based on little information. Yet the Dolphin fans quickly pointed out that such a trade is not a Bill Parcels type of move. The subsequent analysis focused on the Eagles as a potential landing place was not based on much more. ...

The fact Peppers is familiar with and likes Houston makes sense. Ever since Peppers off-season revelation that he wants to leave I've had the impression that he already had an idea of where he wanted to go. Why would he be so adamant about leaving when he doesn't know if it's a better situation for him (or does he?) With his agent located in Houston you would imagine he has a close relationship with the Texans ownership (though I'm not suggesting tampering, but some might...). Again, this postulation makes more sense than anything I've read or heard to date.

Especially with word that the Texans might be interested in Antonio Smith, a pursuit of Peppers seems and remains pretty unlikely, but still fun to think about nonetheless.

Oh, and both sites are running polls on whether a trade for Peppers including the Texans' 1st, 3rd, and 6th rounders would be worthwhile. The results? As of this posting, on the Panthers site, 80% would take the picks. On BRB, 61% wouldn't make the trade.

[gunslinger57]

A 1st, 3rd, and 6th on top of a new contract is kinda steep. The way Rick and Gary have drafted, I'd rather take my chances in the draft. We're not at the point where we can give up multiple picks just to get one player who might "put us over the top".

[papabear]

A 1st, 3rd, and 6th on top of a new contract is kinda steep. The way Rick and Gary have drafted, I'd rather take my chances in the draft. We're not at the point where we can give up multiple picks just to get one player who might "put us over the top".

I agree. I would do it for a 1st and a sixth...especially since the players around fifteen don't seem all that great to me I would be more willing to give up that pick.

[TexanJedi]

I agree. I would do it for a 1st and a sixth...especially since the players around fifteen don't seem all that great to me I would be more willing to give up that pick.

How about a 1 and a 4 (no 3 or 6 involved) since we seem to have an extra now?

[painekiller]

If I were the GM, Bob would be the Assistant GM and I'd have Painekiller as my College Scout.

Head of Scouting thank you, but I thought I would get Bob's job by now:D

[papabear]

Head of Scouting thank you, but I thought I would get Bob's job by now:D

We could make up a really important sounding title for you if it would help...but you don't get a raise.

See, I'm a perfect consultant.

[painekiller]

We could make up a really important sounding title for you if it would help...but you don't get a raise.

See, I'm a perfect consultant.

They where going to pay me too!


I just want into the room, and I will eat the leftovers from the buffet. Get me into the room....:o Sorry I went on a rant. :D

And what do i have to do to leap frog Bob on the this corporate chart? I needs to know so I can work on my alibi, er I mean my plan.

[gunslinger57]

And what do i have to do to leap frog Bob on the this corporate chart?

Compromising photographs (I'm guessing Bob in a Cowboys jersey) and possibly either A) a bathtub full of sulphuric acid; or B) a shovel and a conveniently located desert

[papabear]

Compromising photographs (I'm guessing Bob in a Cowboys jersey) and possibly either A) a bathtub full of sulphuric acid; or B) a shovel and a conveniently located desert

I heard Bob thinks Jared Allen is a fine upstanding you man who would never deliver a late hit to a QB, secretly wishes Al Davis owned the Texans, AND has a closet full of Cowboy's jerseys...Including a pink Romo jersey that he likes to wear with a blond wig.

[painekiller]

I heard Bob thinks Jared Allen is a fine upstanding you man who would never deliver a late hit to a QB, secretly wishes Al Davis owned the Texans, AND has a closet full of Cowboy's jerseys...Including a pink Romo jersey that he likes to wear with a blond wig.

Bob, I am so sorry I got this line of thought going, but papabear has one active imagination. This made me laugh out load. Blond wig.....

[Roy P]

The writer's thoughts:.

Peppers said he wants to go to a 3-4 team and play OLB. Send him to Arizona to play with the defending NFC champs for Anquan Bolden. Everyone would be happy. Including Steve Smith.

[Nconroe]

Yes, this is the owner, I appreciate humor, and I think it is good to brainstorm different opinions in a friendly way. I think atleast 10 of you should be called the Monday morning Fan feedback team(MMFFT for short), and get to eat all the left oves you want. If you go public with any info, you are off the team. My door is always open so come on by. And this is just a joke just in case someone didn't catch that yet.

[papabear]

Bob, I am so sorry I got this line of thought going, but papabear has one active imagination. This made me laugh out load. Blond wig.....

I'm sure Bob isn't like that at all. Especially the Cowboys gear...not sure about the wig though.

[painekiller]

I'm sure Bob isn't like that at all. Especially the Cowboys gear...not sure about the wig though.

Now he might still have some Texas Rangers gear hiding in the closet, something Nolan Ryan at the very least. We'll tie him Dallas some how... :D

You know the wig is not as disturbing as the black pumps...

[papabear]

You know the wig is not as disturbing as the black pumps...


...but the make his legs look so good.


Sorry, I can't help myself. I'll stop.

[painekiller]

...but the make his legs look so good.


Sorry, I can't help myself. I'll stop.

me too!

Deangelo Hall signs with the Redskins, only news I have heard so far.

[coloradodude]

I'd rather have little splashes that produce big instead of big splashes that produce big. With any team, it's all about maximizing output while minimizing expense. Is forking over a ton of draft choices and cap space on one player a smart idea? I don't think so, especially when we've spent more than the GDP of some continents to be able to sack Peyton Manning and still have almost nothing to show for it.


Excellent point Bob. And mussop was 100% correct as I hate Dallas and Snyder (but barrett has trouble understanding me).

Getting back to Bob's point, we have spent big dollars in an attempt to get to Peyton Manning. What did that really cost us? At best we have a mediocre secondary, at best. After six years in the league we have one, maybe two if we count DeMeco, PB players on defense and 8 wins?

Look, the chances of the Texans winning the SB are slim. It's difficult no matter what the team name is otherwise we would have repeat teams year after year. This makes the Patriots truly special imo. But this being the fact I will GLADLY take a team that wins 10 or 11 games and loses in the playoffs. And clearly this doesn't happen with a bunch of no namers unless you have a very special front office and coaching staff (see Dolphins).

Yes, give us some splashy named players but up to this point they can't. Know why? Because we have sucked. We have been the laughing stock of the NFL. Come on guys, the stinkin Raiders get more respect than we do and they truly suck.

Eh, I'm done. No matter how much is or is not spent, it did not cost me a penny. One way or the other we will be in cap Hades in due time with this regime but I think our wins will be in the range I'm looking for.

Thanks for your patience.

[Keith]

Florio is posting news at his shadow site:
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/real_scouts/page:1

McClain's latest article on the Texans:
In free agency, they will look at defensive linemen, linebackers, a backup quarterback, a blocking tight end, and depth in the offensive line and secondary, but they don’t figure to be in that group of big spenders that will be guaranteeing players $25 million or more.

Arizona left defensive end Antonio Smith is one of the players they covet most. A lot of teams are after him. ...

The Texans also want to sign a veteran quarterback like Detroit’s Dan Orlovsky or Cincinnati’s Ryan Fitzpatrick


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6283856.html

[painekiller]

Florio is posting news at his shadow site:
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/real_scouts/page:1

McClain's latest article on the Texans:


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6283856.html

So now Albert is signed, where do the Texans look 1st?

And BTW thank you Redskins for getting him out of the our division.

[papabear]

So now Albert is signed, where do the Texans look 1st?

And BTW thank you Redskins for getting him out of the our division.

If I ever run into Dan Schneider I'm going to have to buy him a beer...and then see if I can get him to give me a bunch of money. I've convinced people at bars of everything from pitching for the Astros to being a defensive end at UT. I ought to be able to get a few mill from him,

[WMH]

If I ever run into Dan Schneider I'm going to have to buy him a beer...and then see if I can get him to give me a bunch of money. I've convinced people at bars of everything from pitching for the Astros to being a defensive end at UT. I ought to be able to get a few mill from him,

I am glad that he is out of our division, but is his signing really good for us? DeMeco is looking for an extension, Dunta is looking for a long term deal, etc, etc, etc. I think that this deal is bad for everyone not named Haynesworth or whatever his agent's name is.

[painekiller]

If I ever run into Dan Schneider I'm going to have to buy him a beer...and then see if I can get him to give me a bunch of money. I've convinced people at bars of everything from pitching for the Astros to being a defensive end at UT. I ought to be able to get a few mill from him,

Pete Harnish and I had a girl convinced I was him once, didn't get me a million $, but it was fun messing with her head. BTW Dwayne Henry was our driver, Harnish was Henry, it was funny.

[papabear]

Pete Harnish and I had a girl convinced I was him once, didn't get me a million $, but it was fun messing with her head. BTW Dwayne Henry was our driver, Harnish was Henry, it was funny.

I had a buddy convince everyone at a bar that he was Chris Simms (back when he was at UT). That man was a master of making up BS at bars. He had a girl he met on spring break fly to Austin for a surprise visit...too bad he wasn't even going to school at Texas.

[painekiller]

I had a buddy convince everyone at a bar that he was Chris Simms (back when he was at UT). That man was a master of making up BS at bars. He had a girl he met on spring break fly to Austin for a surprise visit...too bad he wasn't even going to school at Texas.

To bad for him, he could of had ...

Well that was such a dumb stunt.