What Should Be Done with Dunta Robinson in the Offseason? [F-Tagged on 2/19!]

[cadams]

Originally Posted by dalemurphy

I would transition tag him. He would cost about $2 million less and it would give the team some protection while he tried to shop himself around the NFL. If he's asking for top dollar, he can find out for himself that he can't get it and will likely be priced down into something the team is willing to pay. If he signs with someone else, we still have an opportunity to match.

dunta would get pretty close to top dollar on the open market. he would be the most sought after db fa this offseason.

[NBT]

Originally Posted by cadams

dunta would get pretty close to top dollar on the open market. he would be the most sought after db fa this offseason.

Dunta WAS good, yes! But last year he was coming off a bad injury. He only got to play in the last part of the season and he still wasn't full speed yet. So it is still problematical if he is or WILL, get back to his old self. So saying, I want the Texans to continue to negotiate in good faith until we find out what his fair market price is going to be. If, say by June, he is not signed, is time enough to think about the dreaded tag.

[Keith]

If Dunta is indeed tagged, it will happen in February. I don't have the exact date on me, but it will definitely be before UFA signing begins.

fyi - I'm guessing the transition tag is roughly $8.0 million... problem is a match might mean a poison pill, which would be a big problem. Plus, transition tags come with no compensation. Both reasons are why you don't see the transition tag used all that much.

and... welcome dalemurphy. Braves fan?

[RunninRaven]

Is a transition tag the same as a franchise tag?

[Keith]

They're different. F-tags are offered the top 5 average salaries, T-tags are top 10. F-tags give the old/current team a right to match, and if they choose not to, they then receive two first round picks from the new team. T-tags give the old/current team the right to match an offer but no trade compensation if they choose not to.

Scout.com seems to think they know the tag #s for 2009, though I haven't confirmed yet how official this is. Fwiw though:

Franchise/Transition Tag Levels

Quarterback
Franchise $14.651m
Transition $12.440m

Running Back
Franchise $6.621m
Transition $5.925m

Wide Receiver
Franchise $9.884m
Transition $8.393m

Tight End
Franchise $4.462m
Transition $4.065m

Offensive Linemen
Franchise $8.451m
Transition $7.744m

Kicker/Punter
Franchise $2.483m
Transition $2.264m

Defensive Tackle
Franchise $6.058m
Transition $5.45m

Defensive End
Franchise $8.991m
Transition $7.777m

Linebacker
Franchise $8.304m
Transition $7.480m

Safety
Franchise $6.342m
Transition $5.130m

Cornerback
Franchise $9.957m
Transition $8.374m

http://det.scout.com/a.z?s=93&p=2&c=834345

[popanot]

They should at least it make so that the T-Tag is compensated with one #1. Some teams would probably be willing to spend or receive a #1 for some players. I could certainly see that being the case with someone like DRob.

[cadams]

Originally Posted by popanot

They should at least it make so that the T-Tag is compensated with one #1. Some teams would probably be willing to spend or receive a #1 for some players. I could certainly see that being the case with someone like DRob.

I think that is effectively how the f-tag works. I don't recall anyone having to actually give up two, first rouders on a guy, I am sure it has happened, I just can't recall. More often once the f-tag is used if another team is interested they work out a trade with the current team for something below the two 1st rounders

[dalemurphy]

Originally Posted by Keith

If Dunta is indeed tagged, it will happen in February. I don't have the exact date on me, but it will definitely be before UFA signing begins.

fyi - I'm guessing the transition tag is roughly $8.0 million... problem is a match might mean a poison pill, which would be a big problem. Plus, transition tags come with no compensation. Both reasons are why you don't see the transition tag used all that much.

and... welcome dalemurphy. Braves fan?

Big Braves fan but I've lost interested in baseball the past 5-8 years. I used to post a fair amount on Houstonprofootball.com and recognize you from there.

I'm assuming that poison pills are kind of a non-issue with the collective bargaining agreement ending and the uncapped year in 2010. But, that's just a guess. I just think the transition tag is a way to negotiate with Dunta if he's demanding huge dollars without destroying the team's relationship with him, franchise him, and end up in the same position next year- only with a higher franchise level.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by dalemurphy

I used to post a fair amount on Houstonprofootball.com and recognize you from there.

Glad you're here. Thanks for (re-)joining.

Originally Posted by dalemurphy

I'm assuming that poison pills are kind of a non-issue with the collective bargaining agreement ending and the uncapped year in 2010.

A team could structure an offer though to make the entire signing bonus into a roster bonus executable 3/15/09. If a team with oodles of cap room like the Eagles really wanted Dunta, then a transition tag could screw the Texans in an effort to shave just $2 million off the tag. So the poison pills are still an issue at least one more season.

No team would ever give up two #1s for Dunta, but if the Texans f-tagged him, they might be in a better position to negotiate a trade for more reasonable compensation if so desired, a position that would be basically non-existent if Dunta received a transition tag.

[Keith]

More on Dunta and the tag written here:
http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2009/20090130.html

Those franchise and transition #s I posted in this thread yesterday look good, too.

[nero THE zero]

Wonderful article as usual. You captured my thoughts perfectly.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Keith

More on Dunta and the tag written here:
http://www.inthebullseye.com/archive/2009/20090130.html

Those franchise and transition #s I posted in this thread yesterday look good, too.

Okay, this is what I'd do. I'm thinking a 4 year deal worth $33 Million and I'd guarantee $18 Million. If he wants a 5 year deal, I'd be willing to go $36/$21 because I'd be hesitant to go that extra year. It sounds like a lot of money, but it's probably in the ball park of what he's worth.

[cadams]

Originally Posted by NBT

Dunta WAS good, yes! But last year he was coming off a bad injury. He only got to play in the last part of the season and he still wasn't full speed yet. So it is still problematical if he is or WILL, get back to his old self. So saying, I want the Texans to continue to negotiate in good faith until we find out what his fair market price is going to be. If, say by June, he is not signed, is time enough to think about the dreaded tag.

I dont think you can wait until June to decide to tag a player. I am pretty certain they have to decide in the next few weeks.