Texans sign UDFA RB Arian Foster

[cloudwasher]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/...er-is-a-texan/

Here's the story:

Although there were conflicting media reports as to whether former University of Tennessee running back Arian Foster had agreed to a free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints or the Houston Texans, a league source just cleared up any remaining confusion during a telephone interview with us a few minutes ago.

Per our source, Foster is officially a Texan.

“Arian was kind of disappointed that he didn’t get picked, but he has picked his head up and realizes that it’s time to get to work,” the league source told us. “He sees it as a very good opportunity and he can’t wait to get started and get to work.”

WWL-TV in New Orleans reported tonight that Foster was one of the Saints’ undrafted rookie signings. And the Houston Chronicle and the Knoxville News-Sentinel have both reported that Foster has joined the Texans.

As it turns out, the confusion may have been caused by the fact that the Saints did pursue Foster and wanted to sign him to a contract. However, Foster ultimately decided to go with the Texans.

The 6′0,” 226-pounder rushed for 2,964 career yards and 23 touchdowns to rank second on the Volunteers’ all-time rushing list and third in all-purpose yardage.

Hampered by a thigh bruise last season, Foster was limited to 570 yards and one score.

In 2007, he rushed for a career-high 1,193 yards and 12 touchdowns, catching 39 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns.

[Arky]

McClain reported in Monday's chat that Foster was signed to a 2-year UDFA deal:

John McClain: He was a big-time prospect as a junior, but he got hurt at the end of the season and underwent knee surgery. He tried to come back last season on a bad team and didn't do much. If the Texans get the 6-1, 227-pound Foster who was a junior, he'll be a steal. They had to give him a two-year contract to get him, unusual for an undrafted FA, but that's how much they think of him.

The rumor was that the Saints were also after him and perhaps Rick Smith had to give him the 2-year deal as grease...

[Warren]

Brush up on your dinosaur, John McClain:

Practice had just ended last week. [Foster], a senior on the verge of becoming UT's all-time leading rusher, was requested for media interviews.

He had a demand: whoever interviewed him had to speak Pterodactyl, some made-up dinosaur language. No interview was conducted.

Deadspin

Originally Posted by Arky

McClain reported in Monday's chat that Foster was signed to a 2-year UDFA deal:



The rumor was that the Saints were also after him and perhaps Rick Smith had to give him the 2-year deal as grease...

Is the second year guaranteed or something?

[Arky]

Originally Posted by Warren

Is the second year guaranteed or something?

I suppose. Just guessing, if he can't go or gets injured or can't make the team, he gets another shot in 2010...

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by Arky

I suppose. Just guessing, if he can't go or gets injured or can't make the team, he gets another shot in 2010...

No when you cut'em you cut'em.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by painekiller

No when you cut'em you cut'em.

OK. Then, how would you answer Warren's question re: 2nd year guaranteed?

Wouldn't it be double parting money if he gets cut in the first year?

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Arky

McClain reported in Monday's chat that Foster was signed to a 2-year UDFA deal:



The rumor was that the Saints were also after him and perhaps Rick Smith had to give him the 2-year deal as grease...

I think that a two year deal makes it more likely that he gets more guanteed money in terms of signing bonus. With the depth of the RB corps, if Foster is healthy, he should be on the roster for both years and able to find that 2nd contract.

[Warren]

FWIW, Pro Football Weekly's Draft Preview book calls Foster an "arrogant malcontent" who lacks competitiveness, has fumbling issues, and is similar to the Titans' bust Chris Henry in that he doesn't play to his timed speed. On the plus side, they like his size, vision for cutback lanes, ability to break tackles, and hands. Based on this it looks like he'd be a great fit for this offense if he has his head on straight, but that may be a big "if."

[NBT]

I always try to be a glass half-full type of guy, so I would hope that the "malcontent" would turn out to be determination to do well now that he is in the NFL. As for Foster's timed speed, it wasn't all that great to begin with, IIRC. High 4.6's or something. If he can work hard and get it down below 4.6, say the 4.55 neighborhood, then we just might have found something. Let's hope so.

[Bigtinylittle]

http://broncomadness.com/2009/03/31/...-arian-foster/

Check out this nice profile of him on Broncomadness.

[Blitzwood]

I think this was the biggest signing of the off season, IMO. I was hoping we'd take him in the late rounds.

Really solid pickup, good running style, played in the SEC...

[superbowlbound]

Hopefully going undrafted was a bit of a humbling experience, turning "arrogant malcontent" into "guy with everything to prove." If that's the way he takes it, we could have ourselves a player on our hands.

[popanot]

This kid has all talent in the world and his running style is well suited for the ZB scheme. But as I recall, he was a fumbling machine at Tennessee. They'll definitely need to work with him on his ball handling skills, which should be easy to fix if the kid is focused.