I'm still looking at this deal with a measure of trepidation. Is that because I'm an old Eagle fan who's accustomed to falling off the cliff almost every time I'm enjoying the view? Or is it that it just seems to be too good to be true?
Check this out:
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Ryans' six-year, $48 million contract signed in 2010 was based on his being the team leader for years to come. A torn Achilles tendon in 2010, the defensive switch to the 3-4 last season and the resulting move of Brian Cushing inside lowered Ryan's long-term value. We understand that. With the trade, the Texans don't have to pay Ryan's $6.9 million salary, but the franchise still takes a hit. Cap-wise, the trade will cost the Texans at least $2 million more than if they just paid Ryans to play. Dead money, it is called. In other words, cap-wise they're being hit for some $2 million more than if they just paid Ryans to play.
Dead money doesn't tackle. Dead money doesn't lead team meetings. Dead money doesn't win football games.
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The Texans took a $2 million salary cap hit because the remainder of Ryans' prorated signing bonus comes out of this year's cap, but they cleared $9 million for next year when they'll be trying to re-sign players like quarterback Matt Schaub, left tackle Duane Brown and outside linebacker Connor Barwin.
Source ...
So, it doesn't seem the Texans traded Cap to ease their cap. If the man played better this year, the second year following his surgery, wouldn't his trade value increase and yield better than a #4+? Could it be Ed Wade's influence crossed over to football even if Ed is back in Philly?
Here's a bit more reasonable explantion although the final analysis will only come when we see him play in the W9:
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DeMeco Ryans is one of a number of NFL players whose reputation precedes his level of play. Synonymous with an underachieving defense, it should be noted that the unit got better the less time he spent on the field. He is a solid player, not a dominant one and to insinuate the Texans got robbed is simply wrong. The way they would have been fleeced is by paying Ryans $5.9m for playing less than 60% of their defensive snaps. They may well lose a little by putting Daryl Sharpton in his place, and it's true that you can't quantify how hard it will be losing the leader of their defense. However, given the push they are able to get up front, the improvement of the secondary and the improved play from the linebackers that will be returning, this loss is something that they can overcome.
The extra cap flexibility it gives them now and in the long run is as significant as the draft pick they received for Ryans. It was a move that was somewhat inevitable in hindsight, and an essential one given that football is a business about winning and not sentimentality. That the Eagles happened to get their much needed linebacker, and that DeMeco Ryans will get the three down role his all round game deserves, just makes this deal all the sweeter.
Despite embracing a level of emotional caution, the fun part about this is the ride. Seeing the team acquire a legitimate player in a significant position of need is good especially on the heels of fueling team morale by retaining some of their own. This feels 180 degrees from the Dream Team hype. My anticipation for the draft is increasing and as usual, I can't wait until TC.