That's like saying, why didn't the Lions sign Julius Peppers instead of Vanden Boesch. A player has to want to sign with a team and a team has to want to sign a player. Dunta is from Georgia and they are hoping he can go back to his former self before the injury. Maybe Bodden expressed to them he had no interest in playing there? Also, not all players fit all systems
If you guys did not know this already..... The Texans don't do free agency until the big names are gone, that's the way it has always been and always will be
Is it true that Bodden is going to Detroit? Someone mentioned that on another message board, but I havent been able to find a true source. If true, the Lions are incredibly active...but I hope its not true.
We can also say that the Colts and Steelers routinely fail when it comes to free agency as well. You dont need to sign big names in FA to win in this league. In fact, signing big names usually hinders a team from winning over many years. Since we've had Smith running the show, we have improved consistently...there is no questioning that we are a franchise on the rise.
not true at all. The Colts and Steelers are the ONLY teams to stay competitive without signing big time guys (although the colts have signed a few). The Texans front office does not have near the track record of those two teams.
The Colts and Steelers built their teams through the draft...and that is exactly how we have improved and become competitive. Look at all the top money that is spent on a player...if there is one thing to learn its that you dont go out there and blow your load. We obviously dont have the track record of those teams, but if we are going to emulate anyone, it should be them. And thus far, we are doing a good job after a few seasons of Smith and Co.
It's true what you say, but signing a big name in FA or making a trade with draft picks can quickly turn around a team's fortune or propel them to next level. http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80852164&template=with-video&confirm=true Marshall Faulk traded to the St. Louis Rams for draft picks Wes Welker and Randy Moss traded to the Patriots for 3rd and 4th round draft pick. Anquan Boldin traded for a 3rd Rounder. Deion Sanders signed in FA by both 49ers and Cowboys. Drew Brees (future SB MVP and OPOY) signed with the Saints (in free agency), after Dolphins questioned his shoulder (aren't they still kicking themselves).
Again, that is only 2 teams. The Saints, Cardinals, Giants, Patriots, Eagles, Panthers, Bears, Bucs, Broncos, Rams etc (some of the more competitive teams in the past decade) have used the draft AND free agency.
You can definitely come up with a list...but the list of busts is about 10 times the length. Also, trading for a player is different than signing a FA...I'd be much more willing to give up a 3rd rounder for a proven player than to sign a FA for a price that is above market average. The way the money is being thrown around right now (and over the last couple seasons), I just think its a safer bet to hold on to the money and let the dust settle before diving in.
What do you want to see? Look at their rosters. Do you want a list of guys on the teams or something?
Dallas Cowboys, key players: Tony Romo : Undrafted FA Marion Barber: Draft pick Felix Jones: Draft pick Roy Williams (wr): Traded for him and he's been a complete bust. Jason Witten: Draft pick Miles Austin: Undrafted FA Leonard Davis: 7 yrs, 50 million, with 19 million guaranteed Flozell Adams: Draft pick Demarcus Ware: Draft pick Terrence Newman: Draft pick Keith Brooking: FA...3 yrs, 6 million. Andre Gurode: Draft pick Roy Williams: Draft pick All the probowlers on the Cowboys were original draft picks. Dallas may not have superbowl rings over the past decade, but they have been very competitive and playoff bound.
Philadelphia Eagles, key players: Draft picks: Donovan McNabb Lesean Mccoy Reggie Brown Desean Jackson Brent Celek Shawn Andrews Broderick Bunkley Sheldon Brown Trent Cole Trades: Jason Peters for a 1st and 4th round pick FA signing: Asante Samuel - 6 yrs, 56 million
Look at the Redskins when you think you can build through FA. I always believe in the draft, draft, draft and the draft to build your team.
