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It's time for the Texans and Robinson to kiss and make up
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Dunta Robinson felt betrayed by Texans GM Rick Smith and his decision to use the franchise tag (Photo: Houston Chronicle)
With contract negotiations at an impasse two weeks ago, the Texans were forced to use the franchise tag on Dunta Robinson to keep him from bolting in free agency.
Robinson was angry. He said Rick Smith lied to him.
Smith admitted that he told Robinson’s agent that he didn’t want to use the tag. I believe him.
But Robinson and his agent were naive if they believed that Smith wouldn't use the tag if forced.
The franchise tag guarantees Robinson a one year deal of nearly $10 million - if he signs the deal.
To Smith’s defense, he probably didn’t expect Robinson to turn down Chris Gamble money – if it’s true that’s what was offered.
At least one reporter for the Houston Chronicle has been saying that's the case, but I’m guessing that information came from the Texans so who knows what was really on the table at the time Dunta rejected the last offer before the deadline to apply the franchise tag.
Here’s what I’m thinking.
It takes a lot of energy to be angry and stay angry, and two weeks is ample time to have cooled off. So now that the initial stages of 'free agency frenzy' have concluded, I’d like to see the two sides get together again and finish this deal - if nothing else to keep attitudes from festering through the draft, minicamp, OTAs and eventually into the locker room.
The Texans want Robinson here and I'm pretty sure that Robinson wants to be here. Texans fans sure want Dunta back. That's called common ground.
If Robinson really did turn down Gamble money, then I question his judgement. There’s a clear range of salaries established that are commensurate with his abilities and value.
If you look at the contracts signed recently, a ‘Gamble contract’ puts you at the top of the second tier of cornerback contracts in the league - in the range of $20 - $23 million guaranteed.
There’s only one person at the top tier – Nnamdi Asomugha – and sorry Dunta, we love ya and all, but you’re not the best corner in the league.
And because there are owners out there like Al Davis, Jerry Jones, and Dan Snyder, being the highest paid player at a position doesn't always mean you're the best.
I’ve compiled a list of cornerback contracts below that's relevant to Dunta's situation. The list is arranged in order by guaranteed money – which is what’s of prime importance to teams and players. Total values, such as the $80 million figure on Nate Clements' deal, are nothing more than ego boosters for agents.
The list clearly shows the market range for the top corners in the league. There’s one guy at the top (Asomugha) then a second tier (Gamble, Hall, Hayden, Clements, Trufant, Webster, and Samuel).
I’m also showing a few third tier guys to show a lower bound to the market. The list may not be all inclusive but I think it tells a story.
Again, when you compare contracts, don’t look at total contract value – look at guaranteed money. Another factor is how much of the money is paid out in the first three years of the deal (which isn't shown in the table).
Date | Player | Team | Terms |
2/09 | Nnamdi Asomugha | Raiders | 3 years, $45-$50 million. First two years ($28.5 million) guaranteed |
11/08 | Chris Gamble | Panthers | 6 years, $53 million, $23 million guaranteed |
2/09 | DeAngelo Hall | Redskins | 6 years, $54 million, $22.5 million guaranteed |
2/09 | Kelvin Hayden | Cots | 5 years, $43 million, $22.5 million guaranteed |
3/07 | Nate Clements | 49ers | 8 years, $80 million, $22 million guaranteed |
3/08 | Marcus Trufant | Seahawks | 6 years, $50.2 million, $20 million guaranteed |
12/08 | Corey Webster | Giants | 5 years, $43 million, $20 million guaranteed |
3/08 | Asante Samuel | Eagles | 6 years, $57 million, $20 million guaranteed |
2/09 | Domonique Foxworth | Ravens | 4 years, $27.2 million, $16.5 million guaranteed |
3/09 | Ron Bartell | Rams | 4 years, $28 million, $13.6 million guaranteed |
3/09 | Jabari Greer | Saints | 4 years, $23 million, $10 million guaranteed |
3/08 | Jacques Reeves | Texans | 5 years, $20 million, $8 million guaranteed |
3/09 | Philip Buchanon | Lions | 2 years, $8.5 million |
3/09 | Drayton Florence | Bills | 2 years, $6.6 - $7.3 million |
Contrary to some reports, if Dunta's contract situation isn’t resolved this season and he elects to play '09 under a one-year 'tag deal,' the Texans could franchise him again next season.
Teams will have two franchise tags available to them next year under the rules of the existing collective bargaining agreement which expires after the 2010 season. If the Texans decided to franchise Dunta again, which would seem unlikely at this point, then Dunta could still end up getting his $20 something million guaranteed - over the course of two one-year franchise tags instead of a long term deal.
Anyway, it's time to kiss and make up guys. Let’s check the egos at the door and get this thing done so we can all move on.
And Dunta, if you insist on getting more guaranteed than those in that $20-$23 million guaranteed club, then I'd say that in 2010 it may be time for you to move on.
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