Dunta Robinson Feels 'Betrayed' After Texans Franchise Him

Fourteen teams used the franchise tag in the last two weeks; for a few the designation was expected, while some were probably caught off guard by the news. And others -- like Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson -- were pretty bummed out about the whole thing.

In fact, Robinson, Houston's 2004 first-round pick who, despite shredding his knee in 2007, has quietly become one of the best young cornerbacks in the league, feels "betrayed" by the move.

"Tagging was out of the question, according to [general manager] Rick [Smith]," Robinson told The Associated Press. "I was told that. I just feel betrayed. I'm disappointed that they lied to me."

Unlike most people who feel betrayed, Robinson will have $9.96 million -- the going rate for franchised cornerbacks next season -- to help him cope. There's also the chance, although remote, that another team will offer him a long-term contract; the Texans can choose to match the offer or let Robinson walk and receive two first-round picks as compensation.

Less remote: Houston and Robinson continue to work on new deal and come to an agreement before the start of the season. The five-year veteran admits that while he's not happy about getting tagged, "I love playing for the city of Houston. Something somebody does or something somebody says is not going to affect my game in a negative way."

Certainly, players have very good reasons for wanting to avoid the franchise designation, but sometimes these things have a way of working out.