As I recall, the reporting on the Smith/Dunta feud was fairly shoddy. While the headlines blared that Smith promised Dunta that he wouldn't franchise him and then reversed course, Smith's actual quotes did not support this. According to Smith, he told Dunta he didn't want to franchise him but that the franchise tag was never off the table. Thus, I don't think it was ever a situation where Smith changed his mind. It was a situation he hoped to avoid (having to franchise Dunta) but one he simply wasn't able to. Moreover, from a logical standpoint, why would Smith conclude (in January) that he will not use the franchise tag under any circumstances? How would this have been in the Texans' interests?
Clearly, by Dunta's reaction, Smith probably could have done a better job of making sure Dunta understood his position. However, I also don't see how Dunta (and particularly his agent) would think the Texans would simply let him walk. Dunta's quotes suggest he thought the Texans would negotiate up until the franchise tender date, and if an agreement wasn't met, would simply let him hit the market to the highest bidder with the Texans getting zero in return. Such a position gives the Texans no leverage and gives Dunta no incentive to negotiate with the Texans when he can hold out for a bidding war. The notion of that is ridiculous and I think Dunta and his agent are being somewhat disingenuous to suggest this was there honest understanding.
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