2nd Best Isn't Bad At All

The Texans were allegedly in hot pursuit of Nnamdi Asomugha. I've already stated my position on Asomugha and it made no sense on so many levels for him to play for the Texans. Yet it was reported that the Texans, along with the Jets and 49ers, were in the top three in pursuit for Asomugha's services.

Instead the Texans went for a more reasonable decision in agreeing to terms with former Cincinnati Bungles Johnathan Joseph. According to an ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted and the Houston Chronicle's John McClain also reported that Joseph agreed to a five year deal valued at $48.75 million that includes $23.5 guaranteed with a $12.5 million signing bonus.

Joseph brings more talent to the table than the Texans have on the roster. At age 27, barring injuries, he has upside and potential than trying to bring in another rookie or young corner. Joseph's best year was 2009 season. He had 20 passes defended, 6 INTs with one returned for a TD and also forced one fumble.

2010 he had some injury issues and only started 12 games. Given the Texans horrible defense last year even 12 games out of Joseph would have had an effect.

The bottom line is the Texans added a significant upgrade to the defense at a reasonable cost. They did pay a high price but not in the stratosphere where Asomugha's salary will reside. It also leaves money to pursue more defensive help. According to the McClain's article, the Texans are now involved in the hunt for safety Danieal Manning.

In other Texans news, defensive tackle Amobi Okoye and wide receiver David Anderson were informed they were free to seek trades to other teams. If they cannot find a trade, I expect they will be cut to clear up cap room for another signing or two such as make a serious run at keeping fullback Vonta Leech.

Nnamdi Asomugha Is Not Going To Be A Texan

There is the delusional and then the realistic. Then there are the flipping idiots. Jerome Solomon was slowly crawling out of my list of hacks. I still don't like most of what Solomon writes but I can get it. Then he writes this sensationalistic piece of garbage that "Texans Need To Go After Asomugha." Really? Come on, Jerome. That was just National Enquirer material.

On the previous post, I promised an article on why Asomugha won't be a Texans. Solomon forced my hand while I was still thinking about the article.

First, the salary cap under the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) makes it cost prohibitive. Asomugha is going to command mad money and the Texans don't have the cap space for it. In order to fit him under the cap two things need to happen. First management needs to gut the team of players. The team has enough depth problems without cutting the players necessary to sign Asomugha. Next the team will ask some of the remaining players to take pay cuts. Andre Johnson signed a new contract last year. You really think he will agree to a pay cut? Matt Schaub and DeMeco Ryans also going to take one for the team? Not going to happen.

Even if the Texans successfully sign Asomugha they handicap future signings. Mario Williams contract is up after this season. With a devastating Asomugha contract, Williams walks. Other key players due raises? If Arian Foster puts up another big season he'll be due. What about Brian Cushing? He eventually will either out play or finish his rookie contract. You think the Texans aren't players on free agent market now. Wait until they tie up cap money on Asomugha.

Finally, why would Asomugha sign with the Texans? He played his entire career with Emperor Palpatine and the Oakland Raiders. In his time, they never reached the playoffs. Whoever signs Asomugha will back up the Brinks truck. He will get paid no matter where he lands. So the second factor he will consider is can he win a ring. Scratch the Texans off that list for the immediate future. Time is a factor for Asomugha. He turned 30 this summer. A drop off in skill will happen sooner than later.