The Houston Texans backfield tandem of Arian Foster and Ben Tate has become one for the ages in 2011. Both backs rank in the top 10 in rushing yards with Foster posting six touchdowns and Tate three. While this duo looks to finish the year strong and quite possibly breaking the single season record Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart set back in 2009 when they rushed for 1,117 and 1,133 yards, respectively, questions will arise at the end of the season regarding 2012.
Foster is on a 1-year contract he was given over the summer and set to become a highly coveted free agent at the end of year. Tate is still on his rookie contract and is set to earn a base salary of 490,000 in 2012 and 575,000 in 2013. As great a back as Foster may be, it would make complete business sense for the Texans to let him walk in free agency to land a huge contract elsewhere since Tate will be on the payroll making a considerably less amount next year. This option makes the most financial sense. Other scenarios exist that could very well unfold.
If the Texans decide to sign Foster to a multi-year deal, a contender will be looking for Tate’s services. He’s explosive, has great vision and is improving on his pass blocking to become the ideal all-around back. A great fit could be Green Bay or Cincinnati, teams with mediocre backs with room for improvement. A Foster extension would also prompt the Texans to shop Tate for either a high draft pick or an assortment of picks. From what he’s shown, he looks like he would be a first round pick if the 2010 draft would reoccur today. A late first would certainly compensate the Texans for their loss.
The only other option would be to keep both and remain the most dominant backfield combo in the league. Both backs look like they could take on the full load. When you have a ton of value in one area, that’s great, but there are always needs to fill. Extra picks could improve the Texans at a number of positions.
Houston’s front office will have some very interesting personnel decisions to make this offseason.