I want to know more details on the contract, but first blush, this is about what I expected him to sign for. Good defensive ends get PAID in this league.
Weaver was given $12 million guaranteed, too, but recall that his guarantee was split in half - $6 million signing bonus and $6 million option bonus due a year later. Hopfeully I'll get better confirmation at some point as to how Smith's guarantee adds up.
If the Texans get the Smith that played well in the playoffs, then this will be a great deal. If he has trouble adapting, then look out.
I think hopes ought to be much higher than just in thinking Smith is a Weaver clone. Weaver was coming over from a 3-4 system and was never thought of as much of a disruptive penetrator (at least that I can recall). Smith is re-teaming with a familiar face in Frank Bush. The Cards mixed things up (Smith played all over it seems), so perhaps the transition to the Texans won't be as daunting.
Some quotes from the sheet at the official:
Quote:
on playing for Texans defensive coordinator Frank Bush) “I was excited to play for coach (Bush) again because from the beginning of my career, he always kept me grounded. He always kept me hungry, making me work. ...
(on the defense’s style of play in Houston compared to the Arizona defense) “Basically, the only difference will be that I will be a left end now, solely a left end. They basically play almost the same style as far as when you talk technique, speed up the field but still using your hands; not necessarily a reading defense and not necessarily an up-the-field defense.” ...
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03-01-2009, 10:16 AM
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