Dunta Watch 2009

[Keith]

I think it's best to set aside the emotional aspect for a bit, this is business.

The question isn't about whether Dunta is worth $23 million or more, it's whether you agree to either promise not to tag him again in 2010 or sweeten the 2009 compensation to more than $9.957 million in order to get him into camp a couple weeks earlier.

I think I'd agree with barrett on this. Wait it out. Dunta is a vet, maybe he's rusty, but he knows the drill. And the initial slate of regular season games isn't going to be against teams known for prolific passing offenses.

vs. Jets
@ Titans
vs. Jaguars
vs. Raiders

You have to get all the way to Week 5, with reasonably you have both a healthy Reeves and a less rusty Dunta, when you play the Cardinals (with Fitzgerald, Boldin, et al.).

[WMH]

I am on the wait side. Once the season starts, he will be back, I can't imagine he would give up that kind of game check. I am sure he is stayong in "shape", and will get back to form quickly. No need to sweeten the pot. IMO.

[dadmg]

Originally Posted by Keith

I think it's best to set aside the emotional aspect for a bit, this is business.

Couldn't agree more. I have trouble reading through Dunta threads because they seem more emotional than rational to me. But I guess it all depends on your perspective.

The question isn't about whether Dunta is worth $23 million or more, it's whether you agree to either promise not to tag him again in 2010 or sweeten the 2009 compensation to more than $9.957 million in order to get him into camp a couple weeks earlier.

I think I'd agree with barrett on this. Wait it out. Dunta is a vet, maybe he's rusty, but he knows the drill.

I agree that having Dunta in camp isn't a huge concern to me because he is a veteran and it's not as hard for a corner to adjust to a new DC as any other position on the D. But, at the same time, Reeves' injury has just given Dunta significantly more leverage imo. Before this, I would've guess that Dunta would be signed before the regular season to a deal that didn't include a do-not-tag, although I wouldn't have been sure enough to lay money on it; with the Reeves injury, I think Dunta's much more likely to get that which I don't want him to get, the do-not-tag provision. I certainly hope they're able to find a way to sweeten the deal without including this provision.

[Big Texas]

I agree, this Reeves injury has really thrown a curve ball. It is pretty apparent the need for Dunta now. Despite what we may or may not think that Dunta is worth, reality is its all about supply and demand. Right now we are looking at starting a 6th round rookie CB for the season. At this point I would venture to say that he, or someone of his caliber, is in high demand right now. Sad to say the Reeves injury benefits Dunta right now. Now maybe stronger play by Mcain or Quin could possibly dilute a little of Dunta's momentum.
Me, personally, pay the man and get it over with.

[edo783]

Originally Posted by Big Texas

Me, personally, pay the man and get it over with.

Nothing to do on that front. The ball is in his court. All he needs/can do is sign or not sign the franchise sheet. They have passed the date for doing a long term deal and have to wait until after the season to get back to that part of it.

[Big Texas]

I forgot about that. Well it really is simply up to him to work his behind off and prove he is worth the major deal.

Maybe he just doesn't wanna attend training camp in the heat. LOL.

[superbowlbound]

I think it simply amounts to the fact that training camp isn't fun, and he doesn't want to do it. He got his feelings hurt when the Texans gave him a deal that was more than he's worth (methinks his agent was expecting a low-ball offer, as in "Dunta, whatever they offer you, turn it down. They're going to offer you less than another team. That's a fact") and then balked at letting him walk for nothing. Really this holdout reeks of, in my best cartman voice, "screw you guys, i'm going home." He's certainly not accomplishing anything from a negotiations standpoint, and as far as injuries go, his entire tender is guaranteed from the second he signs it, healthy or with a broken neck. I really do have a hard time really wrapping my head around how ridiculous dunta's behavior has been, given the relationship he's had with this team and this city for the past 5 years. "waaa, i don't wanna go to training camp!" is the only thing that makes any sense to me.

[WMH]

Rick Smith should just tell him there will be no tag next year and be done with it.
He can always change his mind later ...............