Arian Foster a potential holdout?

[Joshua]

Haven't really seen this addressed anywhere but based on my admittedly limited understanding, I think there is a real possibility that Foster holds out next year.

Currently, he is an exclusive rights free agent. I suspect he is going to want a long term deal that pays him in the top 5 of RBs. As RBs generally have fairly short shelf lives and are constantly at risk for injury, I certainly couldn't blame him for seeking a long term deal after leading the league in rushing and clearly being the best player on the team (for around $300,000). Plus, even though the Texans still have his exclusive rights, he (or, at least, his agent) are surely well aware of the fan's backlash for the season and Kubiak's retention and that the Texans have little goodwill left. If they don't get his contract done and try to lowball Foster, I think it would be a PR nightmare. I think there is a very good chance he will recognize all of this and attempt to capitalize on it.

[WMH]

Ain't much he can do about it really. I don't expect them to back up the Brinks truck....remember, its a "system"

I do expect a tender at a higher than minimum level, whatever that means when all this madness shakes out, but as far as a hold out, I don't see it, as he really doesn't have many bargaining chips.

Sucks for him, as he had a PHENOMENAL year, and probably deserves to be paid as such, but I don't see it happening this go around.

Found this thru a google search at http://football.calsci.com/FreeAgency.html

Exclusive-Rights Free Agents (ERFA)

An Exclusive-Rights Free Agent is an NFL player who is not under contract, but has only two years of NFL experience. If his former club makes him an offer at the three year veteran minimum salary, then that's it, he has to take it or leave the NFL. These guys have no right to negotiate with other teams. They are "free" only in the sense that they're free to quit.

[Fonz the Boss]

I think the Texans will do the right thing here. They will reward him even if its through incentives. I cant imagine a player of his calibre playing another year at the league minimum with no roster bonus or incentives. That would be the cheapest nut punch in NFL history.

[Joshua]

I did a quick search of recent contracts given out to RBs. Steven Jackson signed a 5-year, $50 million deal, with $21 million guaranteed three years ago. I would be very surprised if Foster's agent doesn't ask for something along these lines, as this is three years old now. I also think the Texans will have a hard time paying anywhere near this. I hope I'm wrong but I see a showdown on the horizon. If history is any indication, the Texans have not done a great job handling these showdowns lately (Demeco, Dunta, OD). I think it will be interesting to say the least.

And while I disagree that the Texans have all the leverage (I think the fans will overwhelmingly side with Foster), even if they do, this could lead to a Dunta situation where one of our best is forced to play for less than he thinks he's worth. Not a great outcome either.

[Nconroe]

yeah, hard to know who to believe in those negotiations, OD atleast likely wishes he would have accepted their offer instead of holding out.

I guess they will make a fair offer to Foster, hopefully he will take it without trying to break the bank or hold out for absolute no. 1 money. Hopefully Texans and players have learned something on all of this.

[HPF Bob]

I won't worry about this until there's a next season.

After the Domanick Davis, Ahman Green and Steve Slaton experiences, I wouldn't expect McNair to go overboard on a contract for Foster.