Texans Finish Second in Bodden Sweepstakes

They usually say that second place is the first loser. But I don’t think so in this case.

Sure, I would have loved to have had Leigh Bodden in the secondary for the next couple of years. Something that won’t happen since he agreed to terms with New England after yesterdays visit with Texans brass. But, lets be real here. Most Texans fans hadn’t even heard of Leigh Bodden before this past weekend.

I hope you enjoyed the free steak, Leigh...

I mean, it isn’t like we just missed out on Deion Sanders in his prime here. Bodden is a serviceable guy, but he will be 29 by opening day and isn’t exactly a “shutdown” corner. It sucks, because Houston doesn’t have another guy on the roster as good as him, but this team has had a knack for finding hidden talent in the late rounds of the NFL Draft. But Bodden never seemed to want to leave New England and was probably just pulling an Orlando Pace on us and driving his price up back home. Perhaps he didn’t fit what Kubiak and Frank Bush were planning. Perhaps McNair just didn’t feel like paying to raise his market value for the Pats. We just can never know.

We also never know who else is going to be cut by other teams suffering in a financial situation. We never know if a trade can be worked out. We don’t know is Boise State’s Kyle Wilson could fall to Houston at #20 in the Draft.

In short, I am saying to not freak out. I doubt they go to war with Glover Quin and Jacques Reeves as their starting guys next year. If they do, then you have my permission to follow me into a mass freak out.

My next concern is to see what the team does with this leftover cash they were ready to lay down for Bodden.  Does Bob McNair pocket it? Or does he use it to work on a long term deal with the likes of DeMeco Ryans?

I bring it up because before I learned of them courting Leigh Bodden and resigning Kevin Walter, I was beginning to accuse the team of being cheap. If it comes to light that bringing Bodden in for a visit was just a PR move and they never had any intention of spending that money, I just may have to divulge my feelings on this matter more in a very near future post…

Tags: Bob McNair, Boise State Broncos, Deion Sanders, DeMeco Ryans, Frank Bush, Gary Kubiak, Glover Quin, Jacques Reeves, Kyle Wilson, Leigh Bodden, New England Patriots

Another Free Agency Update: Bodden & Wade Smith In Town Visiting

It was reported that both Wade Smith and Leigh Bodden arrived in Houston yesterday evening and met with Gary Kubiak and the Texans brass for dinner. Today, they will visit Reliant Stadium and begin talks over a (hopeful) offer for their services.

Bodden was interviewed by Mark Berman of FOX 26 Sports when he arrived at Hobby Airport last night and he had some interesting things to say.

Bodden's interest in Houston sounds legit. Let's hope McNair, Kubiak and Smith don't let him leave town without a deal in place.

“I think it’s great having a team like the Houston Texans being interested in me,” Bodden told Berman. I’m just going to go here, meet the coaches, and hopefully everything goes good. I do (have other visits scheduled), but hopefully I don’t need it. It’s kind of nerve-wracking. It is what it is. It’s part of the business. Hopefully I can get things done with the Texans and just move on.”

That sounds to me like if Houston wants him, they could get him. And they have proven in the past that when they want someone and get them to visit, they rarely leave town without a contract in hand. Cedric Benson being the lone example of this not happening.

When asked what Bodden would bring to Houston, he replied:

“I could bring a solid corner. I get my hands on the ball. I play good defense. I’m just a competitor and that’s what I can bring to this organization and hopefully I can do that.”

Sure sounds like an upgrade over the old “# 23″ if you ask me…More updates as they happen. I will be updating via Twitter all day. Follow me if you haven’t already at @Zepp1978

Also, speaking of Twitter, go ahead and drop Leigh Bodden a message on his Twitter and show him some of that love, Houston. Let him know how much we want him here. You can find him at @Leighbodden

Tags: Bob McNair, Gary Kubiak, Leigh Bodden, Mark Berman, Rick Smith, Wade Smith

Leigh Bodden Scheduled To Visit With Texans

This is why you can never take the word of certain local beat writers to much as gospel.

It has been reported by many national writers and reporters that Houston had remained in contact with the representatives for free agent CB Leigh Bodden ever since free agency began last Friday. A previously mentioned local beat writer has shot this down for two days saying he was asking for more than Houston would be willing to pay. Now he has changed his tune after it was reported this afternoon that Houston would be the first team Bodden would be visiting with this evening at Reliant Stadium.

A CB who could actually net an interception or two would certainly be an upgrade...

Some are saying his asking price has come down, which makes no sense. After Dunta Robinson got just silly money from ATL, I would think his demands would be similar. The latest figure is that Bodden is wanting about $5 Million annually. If that is all it takes, I would be shocked if Bodden doesn’t leave Houston with a contract in hand. Unless someone or something just completely rubs him the wrong way.

This would be a huge signing, in my opinion. CB quickly goes from a position of need, to only needing to address depth in the later rounds of the draft. Let us hope it gets done. If so, I will write a lot more about Leigh Bodden. I just don’t want us to get too excited too early.

But I will tell you that Bodden is 28 and had five interceptions last season (…that’s only five more than Dunta had last year). He wants to sign somewhere he will be guaranteed to be the starter. I would definitely think we have room for a guy like that. And like I said, the # 23 is certainly available.

In other news, Wade Smith visited the team today to hear their free agency pitch. No reports on how the visit went and most reports are that he is leaning towards playing with his former coaches in Buffalo. The reports may have just gotten lost in the shuffle with the Bodden news. More as it develops.

Tags: Buffalo Bills, Dunta Robinson, Leigh Bodden, Wade Smith

Walter Retained, Bodden Unlikely & Dunta Gets Stupid Money

Well that was an interesting turn of events.

It was being reported yesterday afternoon that Kevin Walter was “close” to agreeing to terms with The Baltimore Ravens. Then the Arizona Cardinals came calling. The Cards have made it no secret that they were done with the talented, but troubling WR Anquan Boldin. Well, they found a suitor for him in Baltimore who gave up a 3rd and 4th rounder in this April’s draft for his services.

Good for K-Dub. He certainly earned it.

Good news for Houston, as Kevin Walter agreed to terms with them only hours after the Boldin deal was finalized. A pretty reasonable contract for a hard worker and all around good guy for $21 Million over five years with only $8 Million guaranteed. Walter worked hard and he earned it. Glad to see he will be sticking around.

The other sorta-Texans news yesterday was the announcement of the contract terms for CB Dunta Robinson who signed with The Atlanta Falcons. You ready for this? He got a six year deal worth $57 Million…$25.5 Million of that guaranteed. Wow (and ouch for ATL). Looks like Dunta made the right choice by thinking he could get more on the open market than he could from Houston. As a Texans fan, I’m not sad to see him go. But we’ve been over this already. As an ATL fan, all I can do is shake my head as I really thought Thomas Dimitroff was smarter than this. The dude got absolutely fleeced. Especially when the reports are that there was no other real competition for him. Dimitroff competed against himself. Perhaps a change of scenery will really help Dunta, but I’m doubting it. Horrible, horrible decision for ATL. But who can really blame Dunta? He got the only thing he ever wanted; to get paid.

The good news is that if Houston doesn’t go sign a high priced free agent, they’re due possibly as high as a 3rd round compensatory draft pick for losing Dunta. Not exactly sure if that is this year or 2011. To be honest, there are too many moving parts to these kinds of things and we won’t have a real answer to that until free agency is pretty much done.

I mentioned yesterday that Houston had interest in Patriots CB Leigh Bodden. Well, Dunta signing for as much as he did pretty much screwed that over. Bodden, who was considered to be the 2nd best CB available in Free Agency behind Dunta is going to get comparable money now. And I’m fairly confident Houston isn’t going to offer even close to that kind of deal. No, I’d say expect a high draft pick to be used on a corner in this April’s draft.

More news as it develops.

Tags: Anquan Boldin, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Dunta Robinson, Kevin Walter, Leigh Bodden, New England Patriots, Thomas Dimitroff

Nothing Much To Report For Texans In Free Agency

I wanted to wait a little later in the day to report on what The Texans are doing in Free Agency. Well, here we are, over 12 hours into it and there really isn’t much to talk about.

Houston made one move by resigning Punter Matt Turk to a one year deal.

I really wouldn't mind seeing Bodden in Battle Red. I've even heard the #23 is available...

As far as their own free agents, Dunta Robinson is about to sign with The Atlanta Falcons (Idiots!). As a Falcons fan as well as Texans fan, I hate this. I just can’t get away from this clown.

Then the reports are that WR Kevin Walter is going to get paid somewhere. Overpaid, too. So, I have to believe that his time in a Texans uniform is over. So, barring anything unexpected, looks like it’s your time to shine, Jacoby Jones. Rumor has it that Chester Pitts will be seeking employment elsewhere, too. Which really makes me sad. One of my favorite Texans ever. Kris Brown is the last original Texan left. And his time appears to be limited as well.

Rumor is that once Dunta Robinson inks his deal with ATL, the market will be set for CB Legih Bodden. Apparently Robinson is the consensus best CB available (snickers) and what he gets from ATL will help determine Bodden’s asking price. Then we will see if Houston is still interested. Many reports say they have been in constant contact with Bodden. Someone who would be a superb replacement for Dunta, in my opinion. But I would be shocked to see Houston lay down serious money for him.

More on it as it develops.

Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Chester Pitts, Dunta Robinson, Jacoby Jones, Kevin Walter, Kris Brown, Leigh Bodden, Matt Turk

Texans Tender Seven of Eight Restricted Free Agents

In not such a surprising move, Houston announced tenders to seven of their eight restricted free agents yesterday evening.

The biggest names of the bunch were Owen Daniels and DeMeco Ryans who received the biggest tender offer with 1st and 3rd round picks attached as well as right of first refusal. Meaning they will have seven days to decide whether to match any offers for the two.

Texans fan favorite Bernard Pollard will be back "knockin' the piss outta people" in 2010.

Next biggest was Bernard Pollard who has a 1st rounder attached. Not bad for a guy who was on the street to begin last season. He will be seeing a significant raise.

Rashad Butler, Ryan Moats, Chris White and Tim Bulman were also received some sort of tender. John Busing was the only restricted free agent to not receive a tender. Therefore, he will be an unrestricted free agent at midnight to tonight and can sign with any team he so desires.

Ryans is the only Texans player who has the right to tell Rick Smith to pay him...

Now, before everyone freaks out, realize that no team in its right mind is going to give a big enough contract offer for Houston not to match as well as give up 1st and 3rd round draft compensation for DeMeco Ryans or Owen Daniels. Pretty sure the same is true for Bernard Pollard, who would bring back a 1st round pick.

Also, Houston now has the option of negotiating a long term deal with any of the players. And the reports are that Rick Smith has had recent meeting with the agents for all three guys in regards to this matter.

Honestly, I hate Houston playing with fire like this on DeMeco Ryans. The guy has earned it. Pay the man, already. Or else he is going to bolt at first opportunity out of spite. Regardless of if Houston offers the most money or not. The guy has been a complete professional about his contract situation, unlike Owen Daniels. No one on the team deserves it more than DeMeco.

Pay the man.

Tags: Bernard Pollard, Chris White, DeMeco Ryans, John Busing, Owen Daniels, Rashad Butler, Rick Smith, Ryan Moats, Tim Bulman

Will Texans Show Interest In Recently Released Veterans?

When you are a team that had as abysmal of numbers in the running game as Houston did last season, every time a free agent running back suffering from Logan’s Run (that means he is past 30, for all you younger folks), your name is going to come up as having interest.

We saw it with Ladainian Tomlinson earlier this year. He hadn’t even been cut yet and there were several reports (still are, actually) that Houston had interest in his services.

Even with Jones great numbers the past few years, it is doubtful Houston brings in another post-30 year old running back.

Next, the recently released Thomas Jones. Formerly of The New York Jets, Jones seems to have done well with the Logan’s Run effect. However, he will be 32 by the time the 2010 NFL season kicks off. Yet, Houston’s name has come up as having interest.

But it isn’t just running backs.

Next, the Chicago Bears waived seven time Pro Bolwer Orlando Pace. Houston’s name has been whispered. But I think this is mostly just due to the fact that the Texans heavily courted him in Free Agency in 2004. I doubt they still have interest, especially with Duane Brown heading into his third season and noticeably improving every game.

As far as Tomlinson and Jones go, the mainstream media continues to say Houston is interested. While the local Houston media adamantly contests that there is zero interest in either after the Ahman Green fiasco.

I could see the team bringing in Pace if he is coming here for peanuts. More as a mentor role to Duane Brown or for depth. But I believe some team will pay him to play every game.

More rumors as they come. For free agency begins this Friday.

Tags: Ahman Green, Chicago Bears, Duane Brown, Ladainian Tomlinson, New York Jets, Orlando Pace, Thomas Jones

Kubiak Misses The Combine, But Rick Smith Gives Plenty of Answers

I was a bit surprised when I heard that Gary Kubiak would be missing the 2010 NFL scouting combine because of sleep apnea.

First, because I had no idea what sleep apnea was. And second, because he is always at the combine. But after doing some research, I learned that sleep apnea is kind of a big deal.

Sleep apnea is caused by a blockage in the airway that can cause one to wake up repeatedly through the night. More than 18 million suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.

Kubiak is missing his first combine after undergoing nose surgery on Wednesday in Houston to help cure a problem with sleep apnea. He is expected back in the office on Monday. In six weeks, he’ll undergo a second procedure on his throat to help alleviate the problem.

Yeah, doesn’t sound like anything to mess around with or delay. Plus, everything at the combine is recorded, so he wont miss anything major.

Besides, he has Texans GM Rick Smith in attendance in Indiana to do some research and answering questions from the numerous amounts of media at Lucas Oil Stadium this week. And some of his replies weren’t just the usual PR. He answered some things in great detail and with heavy importance.

In regards to losing the draft positioning coin toss with Atlanta, he reliped “We didn’t blow the coin toss, the league had a coin with logos on both sides.” On if Houston would pursue free agent RB Ladainian Tomlinson, he said the team was “entertaining idea and thought process of adding Tomlinson. RB is a position where you can get early production from younger players.” That sounds like a “No thanks.” to me.

The concerns over the departure of CB Dunta Robinson was a popular subject as well.

It’s important to get another CB now that Robinson is gone, but Texans have great CBs in Quin and McCain and Reeves. We’re not depleted at CB, but still looking to add quality players” Smith added. When asked about some of Houston’s own free agents he told the media “Despite CBA uncertainty, we are approaching contracts as business as usual.” So don’t expect McNair to go nuts on the FA market when it opens next Friday. He also said that the team has been in contact with the agents for Kevin Walter, Owen Daniels, Bernard Pollard and would meet with DeMeco Ryans agent this weekend.

Overall, some good tidbits of info there. I see Kevin Walter walking in free agency. With the growth, development and playmaking ability of  Jacoby Jones last season, I think the team views Walter as expendable. Sad, because I like the guy. But that is the cost of becoming a better team. Hard to keep them all there. Pollard, Ryans and Daniels will all be tendered in the least and will be Texans next season. But I truly hope the team gets a deal hammered out with DeMeco Ryans. That’s a guy I want to see in a Texans uniform for a long, long time.

In other news, the team did reach a contract deal with DelJuan Robinson. No details on the terms yet, but not bad for a guy that was picked up off the streets.

More Combine info as it happens.

Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Bernard Pollard, Bob McNair, Brice McCain, DelJuan Robinson, DeMeco Ryans, Dunta Robinson, Gary Kubiak, Glover Quin, Jacoby Jones, Jacques Reeves, Kevin Walter, Ladainian Tomlinson, Owen Daniels, Rick Smith

Texans To Part Ways With Dunta Robinson

In a move that surprised many on the national level, but none in Houston, The Texans announced yesterday that they will not offer CB Dunta Robinson a new contract, nor hit him with a second year of a franchise tag.

By doing so, Robinson is an unrestricted free agent and can sign with whatever team he desires. Which, as us in Houston know, means he will sign with whoever offers him the most money.

It was a tumultuous final year in Houston for Dunta. From his holdout in training camp, to the infamous “Pay Me, Rick” incident, the writing was on the wall for a divorce between Robinson and The Texans. This was even before his lackluster play on the field all season.

“We appreciate all the hard work and effort Dunta put into the organization,” Texans GM Rick Smith said. “This was a difficult decision, but we felt it was in our best interests as we move forward. We wish him the best.”

So long, Dunta... Hopefully you can find whatever it was that made you so unhappy to be a Texan...

Dunta, a 2004 first round pick by Houston,  was one of the best corners in the game before his season ending injury in 2007. An injury that he worked hard to come back from, but never seemed the same on the field.

“Sometimes, things happen like this when you’re dealing with a tough business like the NFL,” Robinson said. “I don’t regret anything at all. I’ve been through a lot of things in my time here that made me a much better and much stronger man. I want to thank (Texans owner) Bob (McNair) especially, then Coach Kubiak and Rick (Smith). The thing I’ll miss the most, other than the city of Houston, is the relationships I built on and off the field with my teammates. I love them, and I’m going to miss them. Thank you, Houston. From the first game I played in when I lined up against Keyshawn Johnson to the last game in when I lined up against Randy Moss, the ride has been great.”

This isn’t a surprise to anyone who watched Dunta play every snap last season, when he was paid nearly $10 Million for the season. And the team would have been on the hook for about $12 Million in 2010 if they had franchised him again. Which would have made him one of, if not the highest paid corner in the game. And I’m sorry, but that isn’t even close to being true.

Most of us knew from the “Pay Me, Rick” and “That’s what were here for…to get paid” moments that Dunta was on his last ride as a Texan. And even with arguably the Texans greatest weakness being at CB, it is a risk I am willing to take. Apparently, the Texans are, too.

Tags: Bob McNair, Dunta Robinson, Gary Kubiak, Keyshawn Johnson, Randy Moss, Rick Smith

With The 20th Pick In The Fanball 2010 Mock Draft…

I can only pray that the real draft goes like this.

It is no secret that I am of the mind that Houston HAS to do something to get to the opposing QB better. The best way to do that is to get some help for Mario Williams. The guy is double and sometimes triple teamed on every single play. Therefore, with my pick, I am aiming for a DT/NT to help him out.

Here are the other picks before mine:

FANBALL SPORTS NETWORK 2010 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1 St. Louis Rams – (RamsHerd.com) – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

2 Detroit Lions -  (RoarOfTheLions.com) – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

3 Tampa Bay Bucs -  (WhatTheBucs.com) – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

4 Washington Redskins – (PaintItRedskins.com) – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

5 Kansas City Chiefs – (ChiefsChatter.com) – Joe Haden, CB, Florida

6 Seattle Seahawks – (FlockOfSeahawks.com) – Brandon Graham, LB, Michigan

7 Cleveland Browns – (GridironBrownies.com) – Jimmy Clausen,QB, Notre Dame

8 Oakland Raiders – (RaidersRadar.com) – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

9 Buffalo Bills – (BillsHerd.com) – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

10 Denver Broncos -  (BroncosStable.com) (from Chicago in Cutler trade) – Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

11 Jacksonville Jaguars -  (TealPower.com)- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

12 Miami Dolphins -  (BlogWithAPorpoise.com) – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

13 San Francisco 49ers – (NinersNuggets.com) – Earl Thomas, S, Texas

14 Seattle Seahawks -  (FlockOfSeahawks.com) (From Denver) – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

15 New York Giants – (GmenDen.com) – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

16 San Francisco 49ers – (NinersNuggets.com) (From Carolina) – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

17 Tennessee Titans – (HonkyTonkTitans.com) – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

18 Pittsburgh Steelers – (SteelersMill.com) – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

19 Atlanta Falcons -  (DirtyBirdBlog.com) – Taylor Mays, S, USC

So, this leaves plenty of DT/NT options on the board. Including the guy I wanted before the mock even began. That is why with the 20th pick in the Fanball 2010 NFL Mock Draft, The Houston Texans select:

Dan Williams, Defensive Tackle, The University of Tennessee

Williams isn’t heralded as a big playmaker as a pass rusher, but his sturdiness and play up front makes it possible for smaller LB’s to get to the ball and make tackles.  Thus, making opposing defenses have to account for him instead of aiming most of their D-Line at the aforementioned Mario Williams.

Williams, standing 6′3″ and 325 pounds makes him seem more likely to fit in a 3-4 defense as a Nose Tackle. But it is likely that he could succeed in a traditional 4-3 like Houston runs.

He had a pretty good showing at The Senior Bowl a month ago and may not have all the hype that Terrence Cody from Alabama may have, but I feel he would be a great fit for Houston. He has better instincts for the passing game than most think and has a decent wingspan to get a hand up and block passes. He seems to defend against the screen pass well, a thorn in the Houston defense’s side for years.

This opinion could all change after the NFL Combine happening over the next week. I really did like Terrence Cody here, but his weight has me seriously concerned. And that is just the weight he has put on since the National Championship Game a month and a half ago.

If Houston decides to go a different route here, I could see them snagging Jared Odrick, Brian Price or Tyson Alualu in the second if they fall that far. Possible even Lamaar Houston from UT. But that is probably just me being a homer.

It’s draft season, folks. Time to get excited! Especially with “Smithiak’s” positive draft record over the past few seasons. A little about Dan Williams in the vid below.

Tags: Mario Williams