CB Leigh Bodden Visiting Texans

[painekiller]

Chron.com is reporting that the Texans are trying to schedule Boddin for an interview. Let's see them pull this off, pay him the 12M Dunta wanted this season and get a real top 10 CB, not an average guy living off a rookie season.

Time to clear the house of some of our overpaid middle of the road guys, and get us somebody else's overpaid middle of the road guys.

[NBT]

Yeah.......so dRob is gone. I couldn't care less, but I wonder if we will be looking for a FA CB or stick to the Draft for his replacement?

[WMH]

Yeah.......so dRob is gone. I couldn't care less, but I wonder if we will be looking for a FA CB or stick to the Draft for his replacement?

PFT is reporting that Bodden is coming to town. Not sure if that is an upgrade over DROB, but it if happens, he is alot better depth..... Jabba disputes it, but we'll see.

As for DROB, thanks for stopping by. You weren't that great, but you were entertaining and honest with the local media, which at times was fairly humorous.

[Roy P]

PFT is reporting that Bodden is coming to town. Not sure if that is an upgrade over DROB, but it if happens, he is alot better depth..... Jabba disputes it, but we'll see.

Bodden is coming to town. The question is will we offer him the same contract that Dunta Robinson just signed with the Falcons? Bodden is a better CB, that's why we let Dunta walk, so shouldn't he expect the same or more than Robinson's contract? Asante Samuel was thought to have been an over-priced CB who just did well under the Patriots system, until he did well in the Eagles' Secondary as well. Speaking of which, Lito Sheppard has been released by the Jets, so we should bring him into the complex for a visit.

[TexanJedi]

Bodden is coming to town. The question is will we offer him the same contract that Dunta Robinson just signed with the Falcons? Bodden is a better CB, that's why we let Dunta walk, so shouldn't he expect the same or more than Robinson's contract? Asante Samuel was thought to have been an over-priced CB who just did well under the Patriots system, until he did well in the Eagles' Secondary as well. Speaking of which, Lito Sheppard has been released by the Jets, so we should bring him into the complex for a visit.

Bodden is supposedly asking for something in the $5 million per year range, if true then that is quite a bit cheaper and a much better value than Dunta. I hope we can sign him to a deal in that neighborhood, then we could be free for the most part to go BPA in the draft. I would also feel better about this off season and how Rick Smith is handling it, retaining Walter and getting a starting CB would be a very good start.

[Roy P]

Bodden is supposedly asking for something in the $5 million per year range, if true then that is quite a bit cheaper and a much better value than Dunta.

What was the contract that we gave to Jaques Reeves? Bodden should be worth $5 Mil considering the crazy money being thrown around towards CBs. Does anyone remember the 49ers signing Nate Clements?

[Keith]

What was the contract that we gave to Jaques Reeves? Reeves signed a 5-year, $20 million contract in 2008. It included a $4 million signing bonus and another $2 million roster bonus paid that first season (i.e. $6 million "guaranteed" and "$4 million per year"... often misleading terms the media loves to report).

[Roy P]

Reeves signed a 5-year, $20 million contract in 2008. It included a $4 million signing bonus and another $2 million roster bonus paid that first season (i.e. $6 million "guaranteed" and "$4 million per year"... often misleading terms the media loves to report).

So, 5-year $26 Million with $9 Mil guaranteed sounds about right, right?

[Keith]

Yeah, about right.

Alan Burge was on this topic earlier:
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=4973431) suggested that Bodden would command a deal in the $5 million per season range (potential contract value, i.e., 4 years, 20 million). ...

http://www.examiner.com/x-778-Houston-Texans-Examiner~y2010m3d7-Texans-free-agency-update--Whats-the-right-price-for-Bodden

Another bit Alan picked up while tuned in to NFLN:

Jason LaCanfora repeated what others have been saying - that the Patriots are still trying to keep Bodden - but he added "it's down to the Texans and Patriots." Lindsay Soto asked LaCanfora whether the Seahawks or Steelers were in the running, to which LaCanfora responded "I'd be surprised if it's not the Patriots or Texans."

While I don't always buy what LaCanfora sells, he repeated several times yesterday that the Texans were "very interested," so on this one I'll listen to him a while longer.

LaCanfora went on to say that Bodden is "going to stay (in Houston) through the night and meet with coaches and management tomorrow." He added, "if the money wasn't already in the ball park he would have never gotten on that plane."

Michael Lombardi said that Bodden "had a better season than Dunta Robinson" last year. Lombardi called Bodden a "solid starting corner, but not a Pro Bowler."

[Roy P]

Hmmm....I just saw Ron Bartell's deal at 4-years $28Mil with $13.6Mil guaranteed. If that's the going rate, I'm thinking my earlier deal is the best I can do. Otherwise, I'll take Kyle Wilson in the 1st round. I wonder how much $$$ that's going to cost me in the #20 - #25 range.

[dadmg]

Bodden would be a definite upgrade for our CB corps and is someone I'd love to see in Houston. He's not quite as good as he was a few years ago in Cleveland, but from what I've heard he's still a damn good CB and easily the best CB we could potentially suit up this year. Let's get this one done.

[popanot]

Considering Reeves was hurt for much of last year and losing DR, I'd consider overspending a little on Bodden. I don't think his signing should impact our draft at all. If the BPA at #20 is a CB, then take him regardless. IMO, you can't ever have enough quality CBs on the roster. Also, it wouldn't surprise me at all to see Molden cut this year.

[painekiller]

Hmmm....I just saw Ron Bartell's deal at 4-years $28Mil with $13.6Mil guaranteed. If that's the going rate, I'm thinking my earlier deal is the best I can do. Otherwise, I'll take Kyle Wilson in the 1st round. I wonder how much $$$ that's going to cost me in the #20 - #25 range.

Vontae Davis was picked #25 last season and was the only CB picked in the 20 to 25 range so I grabbed his numbers from the Orlando Sun Sentinal (http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/bigo/2009/08/breaking_down_2009_rookie_cont.html).

1st Rd - Cornerback - Vontae Davis -5-year contract

500,000 - Signing Bonus (Divided into every year of the contract 100,000 per year).
4,045,000 - Option bonus (Bonus spread over the last 4 years of the contract starting in 2,010, 1,011,250 per year)
310,000 - Base Salary
815,000 - Roster Bonus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,225,000 (Roster Bonus + Base Salary + Pro Rated Signing Bonus)

Vontae Davis - 2010
395,000 - Base Salary (Guaranteed)
100,000 Pro-Ration from Signing Bonus
1,011,250 (Pro-Rated Option Bunus)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,506,250 Cap number

Vontae Davis - 2011
676,250 - Base Salary (Guaranteed)
100,000 (Pro-rated from signing bonus)
1,011,250 (Pro-rated option bonus)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,787,500 Cap number

Vontae Davis - 2012
957,500 - Base Salary
1,011,250 (Pro-rated option bonus)
100,000 (Pro-rated from signing bonus)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,068,750 Cap number

Vontae Davis - 2013
786,250 Base salary
1,011,250 (Pro-rated option bonus)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,897,500 Cap number


Those number are not bad, add a few million for the higher pick if we stay at 20, but reasonable for a starter. Top 10 is where you are over paying for most rookie starters.

[Roy P]

Vontae Davis was picked #25 last season and was the only CB picked in the 20 to 25 range. Those number are not bad, add a few million for the higher pick if we stay at 20, but reasonable for a starter. Top 10 is where you are over paying for most rookie starters.

Gee, $2Mil for a CB for the next 5 years....that sounds pretty good. Makes me wonder, Devin McCourty might be worth that and Kyle Wilson should be. If Coach Gibbs could screw on Patrick Robinson's head on straight, he may be the best "cover corner" in the lot. I'd like to get into the interview room with P. Rob and see what his demeanor is like. Then I wonder about Brandon Ghee and the possibilities of him being available at #51. Those are my 4 top CBs to choose from.

[Roy P]

Resigns with the Patriots :(

[WMH]

Resigns with the Patriots :(

Not yet, but usually where there's smoke......

From the agents Twitter via PFT:

“Reports of Leigh Bodden re-signing with the Patriots are not true and pre-mature at best. Leigh is still evaluating his options. Leigh has always indicated his desire to return to New England but nothing is official and probably will not be until 2mrw at the earliest.”

[Blitzwood]

Not yet, but usually where there's smoke......

From the agents Twitter via PFT:

“Reports of Leigh Bodden re-signing with the Patriots are not true and pre-mature at best. Leigh is still evaluating his options. Leigh has always indicated his desire to return to New England but nothing is official and probably will not be until 2mrw at the earliest.”

LZ is reporting he off the market:

While Leigh Bodden is off the market since he reportedly has agreed to re-sign with the Patriots, in his eyes, Bodden was definitely the second-best CB in free agency behind Dunta Robinson. He didn't, however, think D-Rob was head and shoulders ahead of Bodden based upon his film study and he didn't think Bodden was a lock to be a starter for the Texans if they had signed him.

[Roy P]

So, 5-year $26 Million with $9 Mil guaranteed sounds about right, right?

He signed for 5-year $28.5 Mil and I'm not sure how much was guaranteed....I think we may be "better off" going to the draft anyway.

[WMH]

He signed for 5-year $28.5 Mil and I'm not sure how much was guaranteed....I think we may be "better off" going to the draft anyway.

From what I saw, it was about $10MM, which really confuses the shit out of me as to why we didn't get him. Of course, if he was playing us, ala Orlando Pace, then he got what he wanted. But $10MM, for a 5 year day on a CB that is supposedly equal to Drob? We couldn't have upped that ante a hair or two?

Confused.....

[Roy P]

It's the slippery slope theory. I wouldn't have paid more than what I was projecting and apparently neither would the Texans. Whenever you overpay one player, then the rest of the roster comes wanting to redo their deals.

At any rate, Bodden most likely wanted to stay with the Patriots. He's on a team that annually goes deep in the playoffs instead of one that has never been and he's getting paid. Can you blame him?

Therefore, you make a sincere offer and see if he really wants to be a part of your team or if it is mere a show to gain leverage with the team he wanted to play for. I give the Texans credit for doing their due dilligence but not overpaying.

[nunusguy]

From what I saw, it was about $10MM, which really confuses the shit out of me as to why we didn't get him. Of course, if he was playing us, ala Orlando Pace, then he got what he wanted. But $10MM, for a 5 year day on a CB that is supposedly equal to Drob? We couldn't have upped that ante a hair or two?

Confused.....
My thoughts exactly, because Robinson reportedly got > twice that amount in
guaranteed money ? There must be material condition(s) in one or both of their contracts we are unaware of ?

[Mike]

I guess the Texans did not think Bodden was worth that type $. If they have him graded a certain way, and did not think he was worth 10MM and refused to overpay then we have to respect that.

We have in the past overpayed (Walker, Wade, Robaire Smith). No sense in being burned with a bloated contract for an average player if they have other players targeted in the draft or FA that they feel can contribute with less $. Our corners would not be such a need if someone other that Mario could put some heat on.

I expect a better, healthy Reeves this year, Quinn on the other side and hopefully we see the improved rookie version of Fred. I think Antwan takes the spot of Busing at reserve safety.

[Joshua]

It's the slippery slope theory. I wouldn't have paid more than what I was projecting and apparently neither would the Texans. Whenever you overpay one player, then the rest of the roster comes wanting to redo their deals.

At any rate, Bodden most likely wanted to stay with the Patriots. He's on a team that annually goes deep in the playoffs instead of one that has never been and he's getting paid. Can you blame him?

Therefore, you make a sincere offer and see if he really wants to be a part of your team or if it is mere a show to gain leverage with the team he wanted to play for. I give the Texans credit for doing their due dilligence but not overpaying.

While I agree in principle, I think the reality is that in free agency, any player who's good enough to have a couple of teams bidding on him will most likely have to be overpaid to some degree. The question is what is that degree. While I'm just pulling numbers out of the air, I don't think it would be unreasonable to decide what you think a guy is worth then tack on an additional 20% as what it may take to get him in free agency.

You also may be right about going back to the Patriots, but experience shows that the vast majority of players go to the highest bidder. While we fans always talk about how we would prefer playing for a winner even if it meant making a little less salary, history indicates that very few players think this way. They have a limited window in which to make their money and very few shortchange themselves in the hope of playing for a winner. While it makes sense to us, quite frankly, it just doesn't happen very much. Pretty much the only ones that do are those that were one of the best at their position and have already bagged at least 1 big contract and are on the downside of their careers and are looking to cap their career with a championship (think Seau, Corey Dillon, etc.). Bodden played for the league minimum last year and this is probably his last chance at a decent sized deal. Don't see him leaving money on the table.

[Roy P]

I don't think it would be unreasonable to decide what you think a guy is worth then tack on an additional 20% as what it may take to get him in free agency.

That's what I did when I said, 5-yr $26M and $9M guaranteed. Bodden isn't "worth" that much money, but like you said, you will always 'overpay' a bit when dealing with free agents. Considering what the Texans paid Jacques Reeves, I would have liked Bodden at 4-yr $18M and $7M guaranteed, but since it was said that he was looking for $5M per year, I went a little extra and extended the contract by a year.

At any rate, it's not happening and I don't blame the Texans. There are still ways to improve the team left at their disposal. If the team doesn't have another FS and CB in the starting lineup next season, then I'll start bashing them for letting opportunities slip away.

[Joshua]

At any rate, it's not happening and I don't blame the Texans. There are still ways to improve the team left at their disposal. If the team doesn't have another FS and CB in the starting lineup next season, then I'll start bashing them for letting opportunities slip away.

Agreed. While we have a long way to go till the season starts, I'm worried about another slow start to the season and this being one of the primary reasons why. We don't have a single CB I'm confident in and right now, a bunch of young guys are going to be forced into playing. We can't afford another 1-3 September while these guys get over their learning curve.

[Nconroe]

I guess we can worry now, but it is quite a while to training camp to fill any needs. I thought what got us going last years after the tough start was on defense Cushing and Pollard, and on offense once got over three interior OL being injured. We are light at proven CB for sure, but not without hope.

[Roy P]

We don't have a single CB I'm confident in and right now, a bunch of young guys are going to be forced into playing.

It may be that way regardless of what we do. After Haden ran a 4.6 in his 40, the only CB who I'd have "confidence" in would probably be Earl Thomas. However, I want him to play FS if we draft him. The other prospects haven't shown me the ability to make interceptions or be effective against the run or have the "shut down" ability and long speed. Patrick Robinson is showing he has ability, I'm just not sure abou the mental makeup. Kyle Wilson may or may not be the guy, but I wouldn't say that I'm 'confident' in him. Hell, I wouldn't have been 'confident' in Leigh Bodden either. I'm willing to let Darrelle Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha or Charles Woodson defend Reggie Wayne all by himself. Anybody else, is going to have some help over the top.

[painekiller]

It may be that way regardless of what we do. After Haden ran a 4.6 in his 40, the only CB who I'd have "confidence" in would probably be Earl Thomas. However, I want him to play FS if we draft him. The other prospects haven't shown me the ability to make interceptions or be effective against the run or have the "shut down" ability and long speed. Patrick Robinson is showing he has ability, I'm just not sure abou the mental makeup. Kyle Wilson may or may not be the guy, but I wouldn't say that I'm 'confident' in him. Hell, I wouldn't have been 'confident' in Leigh Bodden either. I'm willing to let Darrelle Revis, Nnamdi Asomugha or Charles Woodson defend Reggie Wayne all by himself. Anybody else, is going to have some help over the top.

Warren plays the run like Dunta, He ran a 4.5 so he might not have long speed. But in the games I saw he flashed.

[Roy P]

Warren plays the run like Dunta, He ran a 4.5 so he might not have long speed. But in the games I saw he flashed.

The time I saw for him was 4.67 which is too slow for a Safety. No way I could put him a CB. Yes, I'm a speed snob. :p