RB Derrick Ward Interested in Texans [Signs with Bucs]

[jppaul]

Yeah but everybody is kinda missing the point. A FREE AGENT ACTUALLY WANTS TO COME TO HOUSTON. A marked improvement over past years imo.

[Arky]

Looking at Ward's stats, he's low-mileage - a late bloomer.

The last two years of his 5 years in the league are really the only ones where he "worked". 307 carries, 1627 yards @ 5.3 yds/carry over the last two years. This, of course, is with the NYG offense....

From the little I've seen of him, he's not a one-cut-and-go back, he's just a "go" back - a tough north/south runner. He's "proven" which should count for something. Don't know if the Texans will go after him but I'd certainly like to see them work a deal with the guy. If they pass, it would be understandable...

[edo783]

His positives are: He is a fairly big back, He has some speed, he catches well, he blocks well, low milage experienced guy and can pick up the blitz.

Negatives: He will be 29, wants more than a draft pick would cost and would be making a lot more than Steve.

Looks like a guy that could help for 2-3 years and probably isn't that big of a cap issue, but the real issue may be how Steve would see it. If they can get a sense of how Steve would see it and if he wouldn't get in a snit over it (I don't see him as that type), so I think he (Ward) would be a nice fit.

[barrett]

Slaton made far less than his backup Ahman Green last year. Every contributing player on their first contract is underpaid other than the top half of the first round guys. 2nd contracts are where guys cash in.

I would imagine Slaton and his agent would see it as a plus if anything, since when it comes time for contract #2 they have a very clear point of reference to jump up from.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by barrett

Slaton made far less than his backup Ahman Green last year.

Slaton didn't enter the season as first string though. Big difference.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Keith

Slaton didn't enter the season as first string though. Big difference.

But my point is that you don't get paid on your first contract. You get paid on the 2nd. Guys understand this. And the Texans giving a backup 4 million means that Slaton's agent can jump off from there in contract negotiations.

A signing like this does not hurt Slaton now, and it helps his ability to get paid later.

[barrett]

and by the way, Chaun Thompson was paid more than Demeco last year (and that includes allocated bonuses).

It's facts of life in the NFL you don't get paid on your first deal unless you were a high 1st rounder. Slaton would have no issue with a backup making more than him.