Normally I hate giving running backs large amounts of money, but Arian Foster is worth every penny of the 43.5 million over 5 years (20.75 million guaranteed). He’s my #2 rated free agent with 4067 total yards in the last 2 seasons, despite missing 3 games with a hamstring problem. He’s only 26 this offseason and his career usage (659 carries) is still very low. He’s also never had a major injury. He’s comparable (at worst) to Chris Johnson, who got 6 years, 55.3 million, and 30 million guaranteed last offseason at a similar age. The Texans got a much better deal than the Titans did.

When you compare Foster to what Adrian Peterson got last offseason (7 years, 96 million, 36 million guaranteed), the Texans got a great value. In fact, the Texans got Foster for basically what the Panthers got DeAngelo Williams for last offseason (5 years 43 million with 21 million guaranteed). Williams had previous injury problems and was 3 years older. Meanwhile, Foster barely got more than Marshawn Lynch did this offseason. Anyway you look at it, the Texans got a good deal. They will continue to be one of the premier teams in the AFC for years.

Grade: A