Baltimore Ravens: Arian Foster's Deal Sets the Tone for Rice Negotiations

Recently, Texans running back Arian Foster signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract that should keep him in Houston for the length of his productive years.

Foster is a complete running back, capable of breaking big runs, making big catches and even laying a devastating block from time to time. Sound like anyone you know?

Ray Rice and Arian Foster are very similar players in everything but stature. Despite their height difference, their productivity is surprisingly similar. Take a look at the numbers over the past two years:

Arian Foster

605 carries, 2,840 yards, 4.7 ypc, 119 rec, 1,221 yards, 10.2 avg, 30 total touchdowns

Ray Rice

598 carries, 2,584 yards, 4.3 ypc, 139 rec, 1,260 yards, 9.1 avg, 21 total touchdowns

Foster actually outproduces Rice significantly on a per touch basis, though one could argue that Rice is operating behind a less effective offensive line. Regardless, the two are similar in production.

The two are also similar in that they will be playing under new contracts in 2012. Foster already has his, but Rice and the Ravens are just beginning negotiations.

Luckily for both Rice and the Ravens, they now have a template to use for Rice's contract. Since Rice and Foster are such similar players in terms of ability, Rice will be expected to sign a contract similar to Foster's deal.

The Foster contract gives Rice no leg to stand on should he ask for Adrian Peterson type money. Peterson, who signed a seven-year, $96 million contract extension, is the best back in the league when healthy. Simply put, if Foster is not getting Peterson money, then Rice shouldn't either.

The Ravens are in a good place right now. If Rice is willing to play under the tag, that would be the best case scenario, but there remains the possibility that he holds out. In that case, the Ravens won't be paying much of a premium to lock him up to a multi-year deal.

Foster will count $8 million against the cap in 2012, and Rice, playing under the tag, will count $7.778 million against the cap. The small bump in the cap hit is surely worth knowing that one of the team's best players is under contract for the near future.

In sum, Ravens fans should be thrilled with Foster's contract, because it sets an affordable and realistic template for the team's negotiations with Ray Rice.