PaCkFan_n_MD
03-05-2007, 01:57 PM
MONDAY, March 5, 2007, 11:58 a.m.
By Tom Silverstein
The agent for running back Ahman Green said this morning that the Green Bay Packers made a late run at retaining Green, but the combination of a solid financial offer and the influence of former Packers coach Mike Sherman led him to sign with the Houston Texans.
Agent Joby Branion said that Sherman, the Texans' offensive coordinator, convinced Green that the Texans were headed in the right direction and were poised for a quick turnaround. Green spent a considerable amount of time with Sherman during his two-day visit and was sold on the organization.
"The opportunity to reunite with Coach Sherman was significant," Branion said. "Coach Sherman did a heck of a job laying things out for him. I think he's happy with what he ended up with. He feels like they're a team that can win. And that's what he's about.
"He saw what New Orleans did last year, so he knows they can turn it around. He hasn't played in a Super Bowl and that's what's important to him."
Branion said a total of seven teams plus the Packers showed interest in Green, but it ultimately came down to the Packers, Texans and Denver Broncos. After visiting the Texans Saturday and Sunday, negotiations with the club heated up Sunday afternoon. The Packers were in constant dialogue with Green's negotiating team, but they weren't willing to match the four-year, $23 million deal the Texans put on the table.
According to Branion, Green will receive $8 million the first year, including $6.5 million in bonus money. Over two years, he will receive $12.5 million and over three years he will receive $18 million. The deal does not include any option bonuses or artificially elevated base salaries, Branion said.
"We had discussions with Green Bay all along," Branion said. "Green Bay was in it until the end. Ahman just made a decision that was best for him."
Branion said Green had mixed feelings about leaving Green Bay and talked about keeping his home in De Pere.
"He's happy, but at the same time there are mixed feelings," Branion said. "He has a strong feeling for the guys he spent all that time with. That part of it is difficult."
By Tom Silverstein
The agent for running back Ahman Green said this morning that the Green Bay Packers made a late run at retaining Green, but the combination of a solid financial offer and the influence of former Packers coach Mike Sherman led him to sign with the Houston Texans.
Agent Joby Branion said that Sherman, the Texans' offensive coordinator, convinced Green that the Texans were headed in the right direction and were poised for a quick turnaround. Green spent a considerable amount of time with Sherman during his two-day visit and was sold on the organization.
"The opportunity to reunite with Coach Sherman was significant," Branion said. "Coach Sherman did a heck of a job laying things out for him. I think he's happy with what he ended up with. He feels like they're a team that can win. And that's what he's about.
"He saw what New Orleans did last year, so he knows they can turn it around. He hasn't played in a Super Bowl and that's what's important to him."
Branion said a total of seven teams plus the Packers showed interest in Green, but it ultimately came down to the Packers, Texans and Denver Broncos. After visiting the Texans Saturday and Sunday, negotiations with the club heated up Sunday afternoon. The Packers were in constant dialogue with Green's negotiating team, but they weren't willing to match the four-year, $23 million deal the Texans put on the table.
According to Branion, Green will receive $8 million the first year, including $6.5 million in bonus money. Over two years, he will receive $12.5 million and over three years he will receive $18 million. The deal does not include any option bonuses or artificially elevated base salaries, Branion said.
"We had discussions with Green Bay all along," Branion said. "Green Bay was in it until the end. Ahman just made a decision that was best for him."
Branion said Green had mixed feelings about leaving Green Bay and talked about keeping his home in De Pere.
"He's happy, but at the same time there are mixed feelings," Branion said. "He has a strong feeling for the guys he spent all that time with. That part of it is difficult."