[KTRK-TV] Texans Interested in DE Antonio Smith

[mussop]

Originally Posted by Roy P

On the NFL Network, they had a list of potential FAs on the side of the screen last night. When I saw Antonio's name up there, I came to this conclusion.

1. Plays at a position of need.
2. Playoff experience last season.
3. Worked with Bush in Arizona.
4. Cheaper tier FA potentially.
5. LDE who keeps Mario at RDE.

Sounds like a legit speculation. It would keep the team from feeling forced to draft a DE like Robert Ayers in the 1st round. Perhaps the team is projecting guys like Everette Brown and Brian Orakpo won't be available at #15. Maybe Michael Johnson is too likely to be a bust to take that highly and Maybin is too small to play DE on every down. Signing FAs to address needs is what allows a GM to draft the BPA - which is very important in the 1st round.

OR maybe signing a 2 down DE like Antonio opens the door for us to draft a smaller speedy pass rush specialist like Maybin.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by mussop

OR maybe signing a 2 down DE like Antonio opens the door for us to draft a smaller speedy pass rush specialist like Maybin.

When I said, "Maybin is too small to play DE on every down" that was given as a reason to sign Antonio. So, I guess you are agreeing with me.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by Roy P

When I said, "Maybin is too small to play DE on every down" that was given as a reason to sign Antonio. So, I guess you are agreeing with me.

Ok after rereading youre post I see what you are saying. Sorry and yes I agree with you.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Roy P

When I said, "Maybin is too small to play DE on every down" that was given as a reason to sign Antonio. So, I guess you are agreeing with me.

In one mock that I did, I drafted Sidbury to be my rush specialist and then drafted Derek Walker to be my 2 down DE later in the draft.

[Keith]

hmmm... among the teams interested in Smith - the Bucs and Eagles, both of which have more cap room than the Texans.

Anyone want to keep the Peppers fantasy alive, think of this... the Texans only went whole hog in a trade for Matt Schaub after other QB options seemed to fall through (Jake Plummer, etc.). That trade happened like around March 22, 2007.

With Anthony Weaver gone, the team needs a LDE (again, assuming they don't want to play Mario at the position). I'd be interesting in hearing Plan B if Smith isn't signed.

Oh, and anyone thinking Smith will come at some bargain will be sadly mistaken I think.

[Keith]

Cardinals defensive end Antonio Smith should be one of the hottest players in free agency. I've heard that numerous teams are interested, including the Texans, Giants and Seahawks. The Cardinals are hoping that Smith gives them a chance to match an offer, but we all know how those things go.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/47207

PFT.com's site is blown, but he apparently listed interested teams as well:

Per a league source, the Buccaneers, Giants, Eagles, Texans, and Falcons have invited defensive end Antonio Smith for a visit.

Smith is in the process of coming up with a priority list of the teams, and then will finalizing arrangements for visits.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/...ting-interest/

[Keith]

Yessssssss! FOX-TV's Mark Berman had the classic baggage claim interview today. There ought to be some kind of drinking game based on his baggage claim interviews.

Smith: "I think this style of defense suits me. I've always liked the Texans. It's close to home. I'm just excited to see about the team, the defense, some of the players, and talk to the coaches, just to see if it's the perfect fit.

"Once I heard the Houston Texans were interested, I kinda smiled at that opportunity (to play opposite Mario Williams). I watched him develop. I watched him grow. so it would be great to play beside someone like that, have somebody out there who could get to the quarterback just as good as you can."

Berman said this was Smith's first visit, has no real timeline, and has not ruled out a return to the Cardinals.

[superbowlbound]

Originally Posted by Keith

"Once I heard the Houston Texans were interested, I kinda smiled at that opportunity (to play opposite Mario Williams). I watched him develop. I watched him grow. so it would be great to play beside someone like that, have somebody out there who could get to the quarterback just as good as you can."

Berman said this was Smith's first visit, has no real timeline, and has not ruled out a return to the Cardinals.

"Just as good as you can"?!? the guy's got 14.5 CAREER sacks. I'm pretty sure mario has more than twice that in a little more than half the time. I guess unneccesary swagger is a good thing, right?

[popanot]

They just reported on 610 that Smith was on his way to Houston to visit the Texans.

[dadmg]

Originally Posted by popanot

They just reported on 610 that Smith was on his way to Houston to visit the Texans.

Also reported by Schefter.

I'm of mixed emotion on Smith. He is somewhat similar to a free agent I advocated for a few years back - Anthony Weaver. If our main concern is increasing pressure on the QB, I'm not sure if this (potential) signing accomplishes our goal. I guess I'll reserve judgment until I see if we get him and for how much. Personally, I thought it was much more important for the Cardinals to retain him (he fits nicely in the hybrid schemes they employed last year, although Pendergast is now gone) than for us to pick him up.

[Keith]

chron:

Smith, 27, will meet with the Texans on Saturday at Reliant Stadium. He's being pursued by the New York Giants and Tampa Bay, among other teams.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/...t/6284444.html

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by popanot

They just reported on 610 that Smith was on his way to Houston to visit the Texans.

He is not gonna be cheap after the announcement of Hayesworths contract with the 'Skins. Everybodys market value but especially DLineman was elevated by that blockbuster deal.