View Full Version : Texans sign Dan Orlovsky
JamesC
02-28-2009, 12:22 PM
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6286086.html
Dan Orlovsky is the second free agent quarterback who will visit the Texans.
Orlovsky, who started for Detroit in the Lions' 28-21 loss on Oct. 19 at Reliant Stadium, follows Denver's Patrick Ramsey, who was in town Friday and today. Orlovsky will visit today and Sunday.
In his start against the Texans, Orlovsky completed 12 of 25 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown. For the season, he threw for 1,616 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions while splitting time at quarterback with Daunte Culpepper.
Arizona defensive end Antonio Smith is spending the day with the Texans. Smith is a candidate to replace left defensive end Anthony Weaver, who was waived earlier this week.
This is a terrible group of QB free agents. I've said it before but I really hope we get Pat White.
bigtexxx
02-28-2009, 12:31 PM
Pat White? To play QB? No thanks
Maybe WR.
moestavern19
02-28-2009, 12:34 PM
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H-Town Info
02-28-2009, 12:35 PM
Pat White? To play QB? No thanks
Maybe WR.
Wildcat offense with him and slaton. Can we get Owen Schmitt from Seattle as well b/c I want to relive the WVU offense!
BmwM3
02-28-2009, 12:36 PM
Pat White? To play QB? No thanks
Maybe WR.
If you have been keeping up with him since the East vs West or North vs South forgot which one, he has realllllly improved throwing the ball. He has surprised a lot of scouts during workouts.
JamesC
02-28-2009, 12:47 PM
I think Pat White could run those bootleg reverses to perfection. Give the texans someone a bit more mobile at the position. He couldnt be any worse than Ramsey or Orlovsky.
bigtexxx
02-28-2009, 12:58 PM
I think Pat White could run those bootleg reverses to perfection. Give the texans someone a bit more mobile at the position. He couldnt be any worse than Ramsey or Orlovsky.
mobility as an NFL QB doesn't mean all that much other than the potential to get hit more while trying to run
moestavern19
02-28-2009, 01:04 PM
mobility as an NFL QB doesn't mean all that much other than the potential to get hit more while trying to run
He actually impressed the scouts enough in throwing drills to move ahead of most of the other QBs on the draft board. He could a Seneca Wallace type in the NFL, he'll fall in the draft more because of his size, unless somebody wants to turn him into a WR.
Joshfast
02-28-2009, 01:39 PM
mobility as an NFL QB doesn't mean all that much other than the potential to get hit more while trying to run
He's not talking about running the ball down field, just those Kubiak designed bootleg rollouts.
baller4life315
02-28-2009, 01:47 PM
Pat White at QB? Seriously? In the pro's? I don't care if he's doing okay at the combine. You don't learn how to play in the NFL by running draw plays, QB sneaks and throwing four yard passes in a spread offense. He's better off pursuing a career in baseball. I'm not kidding either.
moestavern19
02-28-2009, 01:50 PM
Pat White at QB? Seriously? In the pro's? I don't care if he's doing okay at the combine. You don't learn how to play in the NFL by running draw plays, QB sneaks and throwing four yard passes in a spread offense. He's better off pursuing a career in baseball. I'm not kidding either.
I'm not saying he can be a starting QB in the NFL, but he showed enough arm strength and accuracy in the combine to make scouts believe he actually could. He'll be drafted because he's an athlete and a football player.
baller4life315
02-28-2009, 02:51 PM
I'm not saying he can be a starting QB in the NFL, but he showed enough arm strength and accuracy in the combine to make scouts believe he actually could. He'll be drafted because he's an athlete and a football player.
I wouldn't touch him unless we're talking the last two rounds. Drafting a player as an "athlete" with no position rarely works on slim NFL rosters. If what you're saying is true about him displaying improved strength/accuracy that definitely bodes well for him even though I have a hard time processing anybody taking him seriously as a potential pro-QB.
hsf09
02-28-2009, 04:25 PM
Heck dont sign a FA QB and go draft Mark Sanchez. ESPN's Todd McShay has us taking him, and some other site, I forget. Though really, I dont care what QB we pick up, as long as he is decent and can fill in if and when Schaub goes down.
moestavern19
02-28-2009, 04:27 PM
I wouldn't touch him unless we're talking the last two rounds. Drafting a player as an "athlete" with no position rarely works on slim NFL rosters. If what you're saying is true about him displaying improved strength/accuracy that definitely bodes well for him even though I have a hard time processing anybody taking him seriously as a potential pro-QB.
Somebody will draft him before the 4th round, I'm almost sure of it. Just because he ran a 4.4, and he showed some arm strength.
JamesC
02-28-2009, 05:45 PM
Like moestavern said, White seems like a pretty good prospect. If teams are willing to give guys like Craig Nall, Orlovsky, and 50 year old Brad Johnson a shot, why not White? He's got a pretty good arm and mobility, and with any QB you hope he has the discipline to learn the position.
kaleidosky
02-28-2009, 06:20 PM
I like Orlovsky as a backup...more than Ramsey actually
Fulgore
02-28-2009, 11:20 PM
Yea visit then he can keep going. Minus Kurt Warner all these free agent qb's put together dont make one decent one.
rezdawg
02-28-2009, 11:23 PM
I'll take him over Ramsey. He's only 26 and posted a 73 rating with that crap hole of an offense with the Lions.
With the weapons we have, he can get that rating up to 80, easy.
He's young and still learning...Id be happy with him as the back up.
Cannonball
02-28-2009, 11:51 PM
Yea visit then he can keep going. Minus Kurt Warner all these free agent qb's put together dont make one decent one.
It's not like we're looking for a starter.
Fulgore
03-01-2009, 12:23 PM
It's not like we're looking for a starter.I understand. Im just saying this free agent class of qb's suck and as much as Shuab gets hurt I wouldnt feel too comfortable with Orlovsky or Ramsey under center.Hopefully im wrong though because Kubiak knows offense and made a decent qb out of Sage so maybe he can do the same with one of these guys.
Oski2005
03-01-2009, 12:27 PM
Nobody thought getting Sage was a good move, now people are worried he's gone. Whoever Kubiak signs, he'll turn into a decent backup.
rezdawg
03-01-2009, 12:53 PM
On the Texans website, they are saying we signed Orlovsky for 3 yrs/9 million.
desihooper
03-01-2009, 01:18 PM
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/03/01/orlovsky-lands-with-texans/
Posted: Adam Schefter | Adam Schefter | Tags: Dan Orlovsky, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans
After trading Sage Rosenfels to the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, the Houston Texans needed a backup quarterback. They got one on Sunday, signing former Lions QB Dan Orlovsky, who arrived in Houston on Saturday and signed on Sunday.
Orlovsky received a three-year, $9.15 million contract with a $2.4 million signing bonus. The Broncos were outbid for Orlovsky, a four-year NFL veteran who started seven games for the Lions last season.
Cannonball
03-01-2009, 01:35 PM
Does this mean we're NOT drafting Sanchez in the 1st?
RocketJedi
03-01-2009, 01:41 PM
Does this mean we're NOT drafting Sanchez in the 1st?
McShay faints.
desihooper
03-01-2009, 01:44 PM
Does this mean we're NOT drafting Sanchez in the 1st?
I think you can pretty much discount any mock that has us taking Sanchez or Tyson Jackson (DE - LSU) in the first round (Jackson at 15 to any 4-3 team is pretty hard to imagine).
The only way Sanchez is in play is if Kubiak and Smith get a contract extension before the draft. Otherwise, it wouldn't be in their best interests to draft a player in the first round and have him sit when this is a make or break year for this iteration of the Texans brain trust.
My best guess is a RB is on deck, probably one that has experience in the one cut and go system a la Rueben Droughns. I guess I wouldn't be surprised to see a DT brought in as well.
Ziggy
03-01-2009, 01:46 PM
On Pat White:
He can't even play WR. He isn't as fast as you think and he simply isn't physical enough to play WR in the NFL. Maybe return specialist.
rezdawg
03-01-2009, 01:46 PM
Does this mean we're NOT drafting Sanchez in the 1st?
OLB - Clay Matthews. Done.
Mattj
03-01-2009, 02:09 PM
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/03/01/orlovsky-lands-with-texans/
Posted: Adam Schefter | Adam Schefter | Tags: Dan Orlovsky, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans
After trading Sage Rosenfels to the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, the Houston Texans needed a backup quarterback. They got one on Sunday, signing former Lions QB Dan Orlovsky, who arrived in Houston on Saturday and signed on Sunday.
Orlovsky received a three-year, $9.15 million contract with a $2.4 million signing bonus. The Broncos were outbid for Orlovsky, a four-year NFL veteran who started seven games for the Lions last season.
In a related story, the team announced they are extending their endzones from 10 to 15 yards.
Mac#5
03-01-2009, 02:16 PM
The Texans signed free agent quarterback Dan Orlovsky, the team announced Sunday.
Orlovsky (6-5, 230) spent the first four seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions. He has completed 150-of-272 career pass attempts for 1,679 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has appeared in 12 games with seven starts in his career
Orlovsky received a three-year, $9.15 million contract with a $2.4 million signing bonus. The Broncos also were interested in Orlovsky, a four-year NFL veteran who started seven games for the Lions in 2008, but Denver was outbid by Houston.
And the link
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/03/01/orlovsky-lands-with-texans/
desihooper
03-01-2009, 02:21 PM
In a related story, the team announced they are extending their endzones from 10 to 15 yards.
Brilliant! More room for the WRs to operate! We have to match that offer sheet for DA now.
p.s. Go Mighty Vikings!
DonnyMost
03-01-2009, 02:21 PM
An active Texans offseason, omg!
So, Dan O = a $3mm 4th rounder?
How much cap space remans?
Egghead
03-01-2009, 02:44 PM
great pick up
Chuck 4
03-01-2009, 03:17 PM
I like this better than Ramsey. Now I'd like to se us add Derrick Ward to complement Steve Slaton.
gucci888
03-01-2009, 03:26 PM
Good to see the Texans fill some needs early on, Orlovsky is a quality backup.
ryan17wagner
03-01-2009, 03:40 PM
Terrible signing. He will see some time as a starter next year cause Schaub can't ever stay healthy. He's unrefined, and not proven.
Refman
03-01-2009, 03:45 PM
$3M a year for a backup QB? That is just dumb.
rezdawg
03-01-2009, 03:46 PM
Terrible signing. He will see some time as a starter next year cause Schaub can't ever stay healthy. He's unrefined, and not proven.
1600 yards, 8 tds and 8 ints...playing for the Lions. (8 starts)
He's young and still learning.
Orlovsky + 4th rounder > Rosenfels
He's not a stud, but he will be more than adequate given the weapons on offense. Only 2 million in guarantees...that is a good deal.
Nice signing.
kaleidosky
03-01-2009, 03:49 PM
solid signing. better than ramsey
he learned to throw it up to Calvin...will know how to do that to Andre if he has to.
nWo34Life
03-01-2009, 03:54 PM
As long as it wasn't Ramsey....
Mac#5
03-01-2009, 04:06 PM
Terrible signing. He will see some time as a starter next year cause Schaub can't ever stay healthy. He's unrefined, and not proven.
if he was a proven QB he wouldnt be a back up so idk wat u expect of a back up
ryan17wagner
03-01-2009, 04:31 PM
1600 yards, 8 tds and 8 ints...playing for the Lions. (8 starts)
He's young and still learning.
Orlovsky + 4th rounder > Rosenfels
He's not a stud, but he will be more than adequate given the weapons on offense. Only 2 million in guarantees...that is a good deal.
Nice signing.
He's a terrible signing. Boom!
Orlovsky deal astounds
Maybe the most astounding contract I've seen handed out so far in free agency is not the Albert Haynesworth deal in Washington, it's the Dan Orlovsky signing in Houston. The Texans reportedly gave the ex-Lions quarterback a three-year deal worth $9.15 million, including a $2.4 million signing bonus, to take over the backup spot that was vacated by the trade of Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota.
Are you kidding me? More than $3 million per year for the guy who forgot that NFL end zones are only 10 yards deep? (Okay, that's a cheap shot, but tell me you weren't going to say it if I didn't?) Denver was reportedly interested in Orlovsky, but were the Broncos interested in him at anywhere near that price, or did the Texans in essence bid almost against themselves?
With Chris Simms still out there, with Byron Leftwich, Jeff Garcia, Rex Grossman, and J.P. Losman all still available, the Texans made Orlovsky their priority after getting a free-agent visit from Patrick Ramsey on Friday? I just don't get it. The guy went 0-7 as the Lions starter, and probably cost them the game they had the best shot of winning all season, that 12-10 loss at Minnesota when he ran out of bounds for a safety.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/02/27/signings/index.html#
ryan17wagner
03-01-2009, 04:33 PM
if he was a proven QB he wouldnt be a back up so idk wat u expect of a back up
I expect a backup to come in and lead you to a win. Not someone to have as a backup just to be one. There are proven QB's out there to be a backup who have started and won and are proven.
conquistador#11
03-01-2009, 04:42 PM
maybe kubiak loved the way D.O shredded our defence, just like gus, an 41 year old brunnel, and every other qb we've faced since 2006. I actually like this better than ramsey too. Back QB, not a bad gig....if you can get it. :eek:
Lonestar28
03-01-2009, 05:39 PM
"With Chris Simms still out there, with Byron Leftwich, Jeff Garcia, Rex Grossman, and J.P. Losman all still available"
LOL at this list. All are beyond terrible except maybe Losman. I really like how this guy judges D.O. on one boneheaded play. Hello???? Rosencopter anyone?
The guy played on the worst team ever with no offense except Johnson. He will do much, much better here in Houston.
Cannonball
03-01-2009, 05:56 PM
I expect a backup to come in and lead you to a win. Not someone to have as a backup just to be one. There are proven QB's out there to be a backup who have started and won and are proven.
Backups aren't expected to come in and win games. If they were good at doing that, they wouldn't be backups. That's why Matt Cassel is going from back up to starter, because he's shown he is capable of winning games. What you really expect out of your backup is someone who won't come in and cost you the game (like the Indy game).
DonnyMost
03-01-2009, 06:07 PM
if ryanwagner hates it then its probably a great move
rezdawg
03-01-2009, 06:22 PM
ryanwagner...2.4 million in guarantees...its not like we are breaking the bank here. The guy is capable of making some passes with our receivers, OD, and Slaton.
Who would you have preferred...and at what price?
Yes, I'd rather have Losman, but we wouldnt get him at just over 2 million guaranteed.
H-Town Info
03-01-2009, 06:41 PM
"With Chris Simms still out there, with Byron Leftwich, Jeff Garcia, Rex Grossman, and J.P. Losman all still available"
LOL at this list. All are beyond terrible except maybe Losman. I really like how this guy judges D.O. on one boneheaded play. Hello???? Rosencopter anyone?
The guy played on the worst team ever with no offense except Johnson. He will do much, much better here in Houston.
I guess u didnt see Losman play this year. Rather have the qbs listed than losman.
Wakko67
03-01-2009, 07:27 PM
I guess u didnt see Losman play this year. Rather have the qbs listed than losman.
Didn't he pull a Rosenfels against the Jets?
Maybe not as bad..........a Sage Jr.
Just realized that sounds like a hamburger. Not delicious. Unless you're in Indy.
H-Town Info
03-01-2009, 07:33 PM
Didn't he pull a Rosenfels against the Jets?
Maybe not as bad..........a Sage Jr.
Just realized that sounds like a hamburger. Not delicious. Unless you're in Indy.
Yep he did and he's pathetic. As much as I hate to say it, Carr > Losman
Mac#5
03-01-2009, 09:36 PM
I expect a backup to come in and lead you to a win. Not someone to have as a backup just to be one. There are proven QB's out there to be a backup who have started and won and are proven.
If a back up could always lead u to a win he would be ur starter
ryan17wagner
03-01-2009, 09:54 PM
if ryanwagner hates it then its probably a great move
I'm always right. Boom!
ryan17wagner
03-01-2009, 09:57 PM
If a back up could always lead u to a win he would be ur starter
That's what teams want. A backup QB that can help lead you to a win. D.O isn't that. And he will start some games this year. This will be one hot mess. Boom!
rezdawg
03-01-2009, 10:24 PM
Whats worse...having Sage Rosenfels as your starting QB or having Dan Orlovsky as your backup QB?
I dont think we should be complaining about this signing, specially when a playoff team like the Vikings is counting on Sage to lead the way.
Shroopy2
03-01-2009, 10:49 PM
IMO running out of bounds for an unforced safety is about as bad as Rosencopter. This is a mild pickup. Guess they figured he was the youngest QB with anything near upside on the market. He didnt overperform nor underperform in his career so far. Plus you know he welcomes the change of scenery.
EddieWasSnubbed
03-01-2009, 10:55 PM
I live in the Buffalo market and saw a lot of Bills games this year. Let's just say the Bills will be glad to have Losman off their hands. From what little I have seen of Orlovsky, I'd rather have him than Losman. Losman is a mediocre quarterback with above average mobility, a low football IQ, and poor deep-ball accuracy. In other words, he's a poor man's David Carr.
I'm actually pretty happy with the signing of Orlovsky. If that boneheaded move happened on any team other than the Lions, you wouldn't hear so much about it.
Chamillionaire
03-02-2009, 02:34 AM
did we sign him or ramsey, or both?
pgabriel
03-02-2009, 09:01 AM
chris simms would have been a nice backup in my opinion, still young, and fairly cheap and actually showed some promise at one point under another solid qb coach in gruden.
Summer Song Giver
03-02-2009, 09:11 AM
did we sign him or ramsey, or both?
Yeah? Both?
DieHard Rocket
03-02-2009, 09:50 AM
Yeah? Both?
Just Orlovsky.
The only report on us signing Ramsey was some guy at Pro Football Journal (or whatever it was called) saying he had a "source" saying that Ramsey was a Texan. Nothing from any major outlet, or the Chronicle.
DonnyMost
03-02-2009, 11:23 AM
LMAO. I love the chron...
Article by solomon here about the Texans solid offseason moves so far...
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/6288949.html
First picture and caption listed?
http://www.chron.com/photos/2008/10/12/15526591/260xStory.jpg
Quarterback Dan Orlovsky brings four years of NFL experience to the Texans
Too funny chron, too funny.
No Worries
03-02-2009, 11:26 AM
The Texans reportedly gave the ex-Lions quarterback a three-year deal worth $9.15 million, including a $2.4 million signing bonus, to take over the backup spot that was vacated by the trade of Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota.
Something not right here. Backup QBs are a dime a dozen.
The Cat
03-02-2009, 11:52 AM
Something not right here. Backup QBs are a dime a dozen.
What are you talking about? That's not a particularly expensive contract for a veteran backup QB.
UTweezer
03-02-2009, 12:27 PM
doesn't surprise one bit. There are plenty of proven starters out there that would take that money.
Vintage Texans: One step forward, 2 steps backwards
rezdawg
03-02-2009, 12:48 PM
doesn't surprise one bit. There are plenty of proven starters out there that would take that money.
Is that so?
Tell me 1 starting QB that would take on a contract for 3 years that guarantees only 2.4 million.
Afterall, in football, its about the guaranteed money.
Im all ears bro, lets hear it.
UTweezer
03-02-2009, 12:55 PM
Is that so?
Tell me 1 starting QB that would take on a contract for 3 years that guarantees only 2.4 million.
Afterall, in football, its about the guaranteed money.
Im all ears bro, lets hear it.
imo
I'd take choker Chris Simms over this guy. I'm sure he'd take something similar to what safety boy signed.
simply put for the most part, the texans make boneheaded FA moves.
rezdawg
03-02-2009, 01:03 PM
imo
I'd take choker Chris Simms over this guy. I'm sure he'd take something similar to what safety boy signed.
simply put for the most part, the texans make boneheaded FA moves.
Ok, well, its not really a sure thing that Simms is a better QB at this point than Orlovsky...
Other than his 2 pass attempts he made last year, the last time Simms was on the field was in 2006 . Thats quite a long time ago.
However, lets look at his numbers that season...
54.7% completion percentage
5.5 ypa
1 TD
7 INT
46.3 QB rating
Honestly, he hasnt showed anything since 4 years ago that would make me want him over Dan Orlovsky.
Vintage Texans: One step forward, 2 steps backwards
let's not get carried away - it is a back-up QB, after all. also keep in mind: kubiak and his staff turned a career journeyman who couldn't crack the starting line-up for two QB-starved teams into a 4th round pick from a team that hopes to play for a super bowl. he also plucked schaub - a 3rd round pick, iirc - off atlanta's bench and has him playing at a top-10 level.
so his track record is pretty doggone good with QBs, especially when you throw jake plummer into the mix.
there's a chance the orlovsky signing will be a bust; but at 25, i'd wager there's a better chance he'll be a decent back-up/spot starter. and if schaub doesn't prove durable... well, kubiak will have a young kid locked up with a similiar build to schaub who might be able to assume the starting spot.
i think it's a solid, smart move.
moestavern19
03-02-2009, 01:36 PM
Swapping backup QBs and getting a 4th round pick out of it is never a bad idea, unless your backup QB happens to be Matt Cassel.
Swapping backup QBs and getting a 4th round pick out of it is never a bad idea, unless your backup QB happens to be Matt Cassel.
and they got, like, half a 2nd round pick for him.
i can't believe sage f'ing rosenfels and the back-up QB position is causing this much consternation....
No Worries
03-02-2009, 09:23 PM
i can't believe sage f'ing rosenfels and the back-up QB position is causing this much consternation....
Since Sage started 1/3 of the games the last two years, the Texan backup QB has become a semi-BFD.
If Dan Orlovsky starts 5 games this year, Kubiak may be placing his neck in Orlovsky's hands. Kubiak's job is another semi-BFD.
Since Sage started 1/3 of the games the last two years, the Texan backup QB has become a semi-BFD.
and three years ago, did you think sage rosenfels was anything special? kubiak's track record here with QBs has been fairly exceptional. no reason to think orlovsky won't benefit greatly from being under his tutelage.
take a cue from your moniker, dude - stop worrying. :)
btw, if orlovsky's starting 5 games this year - wait, if schaub's missing five games; it's all going to hell in a hand basket regardless of who the back-up is (unless, you know, we deal for brady or something insane like that).
Lonestar28
03-02-2009, 10:33 PM
imo
I'd take choker Chris Simms over this guy. I'm sure he'd take something similar to what safety boy signed.
simply put for the most part, the texans make boneheaded FA moves.
Taking Simms would be 10 steps back for the Texans. IMO.
and three years ago, did you think sage rosenfels was anything special?
I think this oft-repeated mantra is the most valid point in the discussion.
kubiak's track record here with QBs has been fairly exceptional.
With, to be fair, one rather glaring exception.
Speaking of David Sissyhands, does anyone else note the subtle irony in all the talk of Kubiak's future being tied with Shaub, or his job on the line with Shaub, etc.? I mean, I can understand the line of reasoning, but the same precise sentences were being uttered two years ago, but with DC's name rather than Shaub's, and under a bit of a different context.
Jet Blast
03-03-2009, 12:36 AM
http://www.connpost.com/sports/ci_11820242
For Orlovsky, Texans a 'good, good situation"
Connecticut Post Staff
Posted: 03/02/2009 06:02:28 PM EST
As much as he wanted to stay, Dan Orlovsky knew it was time to go.
He had been dumped. Pure and simple. Detroit didn't want him anymore. The relationship, four years worth, was over. Just like that.
Orlovsky had said he had unfinished business there. The ache of the Lions' embarrassing 0-16 season still pained him. He wanted to return and help right the ship. After playing the role of good soldier for those four seasons, he felt he deserved that chance.
But the Lions brass didn't. So much for loyalty. So much for being a team player. Orlovsky found out the hard way it's not what you've done, it's who you know. And in the case of the Lions, new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan knows old quarterback Duante Culpepper.
So, playing the entire game against Chicago with a broken thumb? Coming back five weeks later and playing in the final three games when you didn't have to? Throwing for 1,616 yards and eight touchdowns? All that meant nothing.
All Orlovsky wanted was a chance to fight for the starting job. The Lions wouldn't even give that to him.
"If they had said that I could compete head to head, yes, I would have stayed," Orlovsky said.
But the Lions are going in a different direction (probably south) and now so is Orlovsky. Just one day after the NFL free agent signing period started, the former UConn star and Shelton native signed a three-year, $9.15 million deal with the Houston Texans to back up starting quarterback Matt Schaub.
"I knew when I signed the deal that I wasn't going to be the starter, I know I still have to prove a lot of things," Orlovsky said after landing in Connecticut Monday afternoon. "It's a good situation. I'm 25 years old and I'm going to be learning from one of the better quarterback coaches (Kyle Shanahan) in the league. There's no gray area here. I'm the backup. He's the starter, but it's a good, good situation."
The Texans wasted no time in swooping in to ask Orlovsky to dance. They called Orlovsky's agent Friday night and said they were going to bring him in on Saturday morning.
So he headed to Bradley Airport, caught a 6 a.m. flight and reached Houston around 1 p.m., being met at the airport by Shanahan and head coach Gary Kubiak. At dinner the group talked about a lot of different things, some of it football. And as the comfort level grew, so apparently, did the Texans feelings to get something done.
Orlovsky was supposed to fly to Denver Sunday morning to meet with the Broncos, but Texans general manager Rick Smith met him and took him to coach Kubiak.
"I really like you. I want you here," Kubiak said. "We don't want you to leave the building."
A couple of phone calls from Smith to Orlovsky's agent and the deal was done.
"I just had a real good feeling with the two coaches, how they coached, what they believed in, what the team's goals are," Orlovsky said. "It came down to "¦ financially, it wasn't a big deal to me. I didn't think another place was going to be a bad place, I just felt Houston was the best place. So I made the decision and I'm real comfortable with it."
Some NFL scribes however, thought that it was a big deal. Too big of a deal.
"Maybe the most astounding contract I've seen handed out so far is not the Albert Haynesworth deal in Washington, it's the Dan Orlovsky signing in Houston," Sports Illustrated's Peter King blogged on SI's website. "Are you kidding me? More than $3 million a year for a guy that forgot that NFL end zones are only 10 yards deep?" And CBS Sportsline.com's Pete Pricso: "Now let me see: Dan Orlovsky is worth $3 million to be a backup quarterback? Are you real?"
Maybe Orlovsky cut in front of King at a NFL buffet line or something because the guy has hammered him from the day he entered the league. Orlovsky, who said that he doesn't read the newspapers or the Internet sites, nevertheless, started hearing the commentary through friends.
"People have been telling me about it but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. I know Peter King is no fan of mine," Orlovsky said. "He's entitled to his opinion. I've never met the guy I don't know what I've done wrong to him. But at the end of the day, that's why he writes about football and that's why the guys that hired me coach it. What was I supposed to say when they offered me a contract, no? Peter King can write what he wants.
"I play this game because I love it. I've never claimed to be the greatest, but I know I'm not the worst. Is Albert Haynesworth worth $41 million guaranteed? No. No professional athlete is, but that's the market. That's the society we live in. This sport pays extremely well."
In the meantime, Orlovsky is gearing up for his Foundation's second Beer and Wine tasting party on March 14 at the Race Brook Country Club and in June, his fourth annual Gala and Golf tournament before heading back to Houston in July for the start of training camp and the start of a new chapter in his career.
"I'm real excited about it," he said. "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Raven Lunatic
03-03-2009, 07:38 AM
I'd like to think that choosing that Orlovski picture was someone at the Chronicle inserting a little tongue in cheek humor to the signing...but I think that would be giving them far too much credit.
Speaking of David Sissyhands, does anyone else note the subtle irony in all the talk of Kubiak's future being tied with Shaub, or his job on the line with Shaub, etc.? I mean, I can understand the line of reasoning, but the same precise sentences were being uttered two years ago, but with DC's name rather than Shaub's, and under a bit of a different context.
i think it's pretty obvious carr was damaged goods and beyond saving - i don't hang that on kubiak at all.
No Worries
03-03-2009, 09:00 AM
kubiak's track record here with QBs has been fairly exceptional.
Kubiak did wonders with David Carr.
It is still early but ... Kubiak appears to have overpaid to get Schaub.
Exceptional indeed. Not unless you consider Sage, whom he then traded for an unexceptional middle round pick. ;)
Kubiak did wonders with David Carr.
as i said above, kubiak inherited carr in the fifth year of a busted career. i don't saddle kubiak with carr's failure at all. he was a broken QB by 2006.
It is still early but ... Kubiak appears to have overpaid to get Schaub.
that's a completely different issue. schaub was among the best 10-best QBs in football last year.
Exceptional indeed. Not unless you consider Sage, whom he then traded for an unexceptional middle round pick. ;)
do you think sage would have fetched a 4 three years ago? hell, had they dealt him last year, he (reportedly) would have landed us a 3. the guy was a career back-up when kubiak signed him and now you've got a super bowl contender thinking they can win with him... that's pretty impressive.
No Worries
03-03-2009, 09:41 AM
the guy was a career back-up when kubiak signed him and now you've got a super bowl contender thinking they can win with him... that's pretty impressive.
Pretty big disconnect here. If Minnesota traded for a QB that "they can win with ", I suspect that they would pay more dearly than a 4th round pick. Something here is overstated. I am just saying ...
No Worries
03-03-2009, 09:59 AM
that's a completely different issue. schaub was among the best 10-best QBs in football last year.
for the 10 games he played (including some real stinkers to start last season).
If Schaub continues to struggle staying healthy, the Texans lose on that trade. Instead of landing a QB, the Texans would have been better served landing an OL that can pass protect and then go after a starting QB. As is, the Texans are running the risk of turning Schaub into the next, beaten down David Carr.
Pretty big disconnect here. If Minnesota traded for a QB that "they can win with ", I suspect that they would pay more dearly than a 4th round pick. Something here is overstated. I am just saying ...
point is, three years ago, before kubiak got a hold of him, minnesota never would have dealt a 4 for rosenfels.
i think it's pretty fair value: he's 31, 32 years old and has never been a full-time starter... if cassel is worth a 2, rosenfels for a 4 seems about right.
If Schaub continues to struggle staying healthy, the Texans lose on that trade.
no one is arguing this. not a single person. the point is while healthy, schaub under kubiak has been a very good - at times great - QB. same with rosenfels. so there's no reason to think kubiak can't have a smiliar impact on orlovsky.
As is, the Texans are running the risk of turning Schaub into the next, beaten down David Carr.
are you aware that of the 10 games schaub's missed, one was for food poisoning and 4 more were the result of late, illegal hits in which the defenders were fined by the NFL?
schaub's been sacked 39 times in his two seasons here. carr topped that # in 4 of his 5 seasons - one year - in houston. the degree of abuse isn't even remotely close. there's no danger of schaub heading down carr's path.
Raven Lunatic
03-03-2009, 12:04 PM
Yeah, not to mention the critique with Carr was always that the abuse he received made him gun shy and hindered his development. Schaub is clearly already MUCH more developed as a QB than Carr ever managed. The only thing to be concerned about with him taking hits is an injury concern.
weslinder
03-03-2009, 01:25 PM
I've said it before but I really hope we get Pat White.
I've said it before, but I'd rather have the Utah quarterback, Brian Johnson than Pat White. He'll be a steal in the 5th or 6th round.
A_3PO
03-07-2009, 09:38 AM
Kubiak's future here is tied to Schaub. No matter who the backup is, if Schaub goes down the Texans (and Kubiak) are in deep trouble. After last season, it was time for Sage to leave. Simple as that. Maybe they overpaid some for Orlovsky, but not that much. They can easily cut him after next season.
I have no problem with this move at all. 3yrs/$9MM with a $2.4MM signing bonus is no big deal.
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