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 ?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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