Hayden's new deal another benchmark for Texans Robinson

February 18, 10:11 PMHouston Texans ExaminerAlan Burge

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Here we are on franchise tag eve, and not a creature was stirring - except for the crickets chirping in the Texans contract negotiation center.

I'm sure they're all very busy with contracts and combine and draft prep and stuff, but there's not exactly a lot of information coming out of Reliant Park these days.

But not all is quiet around the league.

The latest domino to fall was Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden, who according to Adam Schefter, just received a new five-year, $43 million contract that includes $22.5 million in guaranteed money.  Cha ching.

Just a few days ago, the Colts were talking about franchising Hayden.

Hayden's signing is certainly another (timely) benchmark for the Dunta Robinson negotiating team.

In November, the Panthers signed Chris Gamble to a six-year, $53 million contract that includes $23 million worth of guarantees. 

I'm sure Dunta thinks he's worth every bit as much as Gamble and Hayden, even though he wasn't back to his pre-injury form by the end of the 2008 season.

Only time will tell if the Texans think the same.  If I had to guess, I'd say $20 million guaranteed is Dunta's magic number with the Texans.

Time is getting very short.

Tomorrow at 3 p.m. CST is the deadline for teams to assign franchise tags to players that will otherwise become unrestricted free agents on February 27.

If the Texans don't tag Robinson tomorrow, then one of two things will happen:

1. The Texans will sign him to a new contract by the February 26th, or
2. He's gone. 

If Dunta gets out there and starts entertaining offers from other teams, the Texans will have a far more difficult time keeping him in Houston. 

READ MORE ON THE TEXANS AND THE NFL:

• Dunta watch:  Expect more franchise tags on players this week
• NFL calendar shows busy weeks ahead
• Texans number one need?  How about talent and stability on defense
• Texans release of Green and Greenwood should come as no surprise
• Browns hire former Houston Oilers running back Gary Brown
• Memo to Vikings fans:  You're really no different than Houston or Cleveland
• Accused of violating NFL rules:  What say you, Texans?
• Would the Texans consider trading Sage - again?
• Texans are an estimated $32 million under the salary cap