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| The Texans and Arian Foster reached an agreement on a mutually beneficial deal. |
Over the years we've watched some of the NFL's finest running backs disappear as fast they appeared on the scene. Backs such as Shaun Alexander, Travis Henry and Cadillac to name a few, all flamed out soon after their explosion into NFL stardom. The consistent beating a NFL running back takes every game, some 25-30 carries, forces their career into a volatile tightrope between superstardom and oft-injured. Most recently the Houston Texans had a decision to make whether to franchise tag their newfound star running back, Arian Foster, or to sign him to a long term deal. The Texans chose the latter and did so properly.
Foster's worth, especially to a pass-first Texans' offense, is ten fold. His ability to punish defenses opens up an explosive play action game for Matt Schaub to connect with his superstar wide receiver Andre Johnson and up-and-comer Jacoby Jones. Foster was drafted out of Tennessee three years ago to backup the emerging Steve Slaton, but injuries derailed Slaton's career. 2010, out of nowhere, became Arian Foster's year. He exploded for a 1,600+ yard season along with 16 TDs instantly making Slaton an afterthought. His repeat performance last year was just as impressive, as he chalked up 1,200+ and 10 TDs in only 13 games. But Foster saved his most splendid renditions for the 2011 playoffs. In two playoff games Houston's budding star rushed for 285 yards and 3 TDs at a stunning 5.6 yards per carry average against two of the league's best defensives. The Texans' season ended in the AFC Divisional Playoffs and the offseason brought about questions of what to do with the free agent, Foster. They had to sign him, that was obvious, but were they going to settle weakly for a franchise tag or were they be aggressive and sign him to a contract both parties could truly agree on?
Houston reportedly signed Foster yesterday to a 5 year/43.5 million dollar contract with 20.75 million guaranteed. But the most important aspect of the deal was its front-loaded nature. The first three years, which are going to be are the safest years in terms of Foster's health, are worth 30 million dollars. So look at this contract more or less as a 3 year/30 million dollar deal with a two year team option. Both parties seemingly win out in this deal. Foster is guaranteed 20+ mil no matter what, and if he can prove his longevity then he'll cash in even more. TheTexans, on the other hand, have safeguarded themselves against any long term disaster, by throwing a majority of the contract in the running back's most prime years. Arian Foster will most likely perform at his highest level in these three years, barring any serious injury. He will be 29 by time the money-per-year drops from 10 mil to about 6.75 mil, saving the Texans 3.25 million even if Foster is still fulfilling his star running back duties. But if the wheels begin to fall off his truck, they have extra money to bring in another back to either take the load off Foster, or to take over the position completely. Ladainian Tomlinson's final 1000+ yard season came at the age of 29, and it looks like the Texans are banking on that as well.
I give Houston a ton of credit for balancing the necessity of a star running back and protecting their own finances. Many teams are too quick to open up their wallets to try and keep their running backs, who usually become ticking time bombs. The Texans rewarded Foster for his service and at the same time they gave him a quality opportunity to continue his success in the next 3 years. But Houston did it safely and for that they should be praised. Other NFL teams should take note; running backs are about the immediate future. Front loaded contracts and running backs should go hand in hand.
Like they say "prepare for the worst and hope for the best." And for these wise Texans, I hope for the best.
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