RSS
Home
Upcoming deals will continue to influence Robinson's asking price
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
The Texans used their franchise tag on Dunta Robinson on Thursday after being unable to strike a long term deal, but that doesn't mean we've heard the last of this. Far from it.
Two new deals in the works and bear watching - if nothing else just to see how crazy the cornerback market has become.
The first is Buffalo corner Jabari Greer. I know, who? Greer is the Bills #2 cornerback, or at least he was.
Greer will begin to explore free agency next week after rejecting an offer from the Bills.
Greer was an undrafted free agent in 2004, the same year that Dunta was a 1st round pick, and started only three games in his first three seasons. He missed six games last season due to injury but yet expects to strike it rich on the free agent cornerback market.
What a country.
The Bills won't miss a beat since Leodis McKelvin will step right in, but this isn't about the Bills secondary situation, it's about the stupid money that some of these guys are getting.
The other situation that bears watching [and I'm ducking under my desk as I type this] is the Bucs and their reported "top priority" which is to re-sign Philip Buchanon.
I have to say that after reading the words Philip Buchanon and 'top priority' in the same sentence, I'm a bit stunned, so if this article trails off into oblivion that's the reason.
While Greer getting anywhere near Hayden/Gamble money would be a serious a head scratcher, If P-Buc ends up getting more than say, Jacques Reeves, I think it's time to schedule a cranial MRI for whomever is negotiating contracts for the Bucs these days.
Who can forget the second and third round draft picks that good ole' Charley gave up for a guy whose biggest claim to fame with the Texans is that turnstile move (ole') that he put on Willie Parker near the goal line when the Steelers visited Reliant Stadium in '06.
If you want a guy who covers when he feels like it, and isn't worth a flip in run support then P-Buc is your man.
I'm sure Dunta and his agent will be closely watching every cornerback contract signed over the next few weeks. Even if it's a lesser deal than what the Texans (reportedly) offered Dunta, it's information that can be used during negotiations for his long term deal. It's all about establishing his market value and where he sits in the pecking order of NFL corners.
GM Rick Smith said Dunta and his agent declined an offer "that was going to make him one of the highest paid corners in football." What that meant in terms of actual dollars is unknown.
What we do know is that since Dunta hasn't signed his tender, he's not under contract and is under no obligation to attend any of the Texans offseason minicamp activities, workout program or training camp.
Dunta and his agent can talk to other teams starting on Friday, but it's unlikely that he will receive an offer sheet from another team considering the high draft pick compensation involved with the tag.
But there's nothing stopping his agent from putting out feelers to test the market, obtain more data to add to the basis for Dunta's asking price, and set the stage for next year.
I don't see Dunta's current situation deteriorating to the point where he demands a trade, and holding out wouldn't be a wise financial move on his part. So I think Dunta will sign with the Texans, hopefully before training camp, and play under a one year deal in 2009 that would guarantee him $9.96 million.
That is unless they somehow can come together in the coming months and get a long term deal hammered out.
More to come, I'm sure.
MORE COMMENTARY ON DUNTA ROBINSON:
- Texans tag Robinson hours before deadline. Now what?
- Hayden's new deal another benchmark for Texans Robinson
- Dunta watch: Expect more franchise tags on players this week
MORE ON THE TEXANS AND THE NFL:
- Kubiak: Texans flexible on where Mario lines up
- NFL.com blog a must read for scouting combine enthusiasts
- Giants running back Ward says Texans are a possible destination
- 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
- Texans can't afford another free agent mistake
- 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?
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
