***Official*** Miami Dolphins 2014 Off/In Season (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Good stuff Chuck so let's focus on these injuries. Guys like Beadles and Monroe don't seem to miss a lot of time. In fact Monroe and Beadles have not missed a start in 2 years. Monroe shows 15 games last year but I think that is due to the change of teams. I would be spending the money on those guys and then go after injury plagued guys as the "fallback" and just venting about Verner, he doesn't miss time either.

Maybe we can't fix it all but I want guys who see the field. Spend the money on players with heart and ability to stay healthy. The more I am looking into some of these guys the more I am worried.

Give Monroe the $10M for 4-5 years although I think that's outlandish for a guy who is not a Pro Bowl caliber player. You do that and then grab Beadles for $5m-$6M a year and you might have the left side of that OL. Then let the market settle some and be ready to scoop up guys who don't get that big offer initially. Clabo didn't work out too well but they found him after the FA period was well under way last year IIRC. I would like to be able to find some guys who are solid but won't break the bank. Plus we can draft a couple guys. I guess Dallas Thomas is a total bust.

I want Miami to be smart and any big money should go on guys in their prime...25-27 years of age or thereabouts.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

I would personally prefer Monroe, but looks like it will be Albert...

Report: Fins expected to land Branden Albert

Profootballtalk.com reports "all signs" are pointing toward free agent LT Branden Albert signing with the Dolphins when the market opens Tuesday.
A Saturday story in the Miami Herald indicated Albert had risen atop the Fins' left tackle wish list, bypassing Eugene Monroe and Jared Veldheer. If Albert does sign with Miami, the similarly blindside-needy Cardinals would have to turn their attention elsewhere. Albert is entering his age-30 season and with durability woes in each of the last two years. He's still expected to command north of $10 million per year. The Dolphins are sitting on nearly $34 million in cap space.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I would personally prefer Monroe, but looks like it will be Albert...

Report: Fins expected to land Branden Albert

Profootballtalk.com reports "all signs" are pointing toward free agent LT Branden Albert signing with the Dolphins when the market opens Tuesday.
A Saturday story in the Miami Herald indicated Albert had risen atop the Fins' left tackle wish list, bypassing Eugene Monroe and Jared Veldheer. If Albert does sign with Miami, the similarly blindside-needy Cardinals would have to turn their attention elsewhere. Albert is entering his age-30 season and with durability woes in each of the last two years. He's still expected to command north of $10 million per year. The Dolphins are sitting on nearly $34 million in cap space.

Great, so he is gonna rape the Phins for $10M-$12M a season and we get to watch him pull up with injuries by week 5. To me this is the worst possible move they could make. Blow as much of the money as you can on the highest risk guy with age factored in...why am I surprised by any of this? They need to build an entire OL, might as well shoot the whole wad on one guy.

Over/under Miami is picking top 10 in 2015? Over/Under on 10 loss season? Just as easy it is to say they could have been 10-6 last year, I can make the case they slide down lot this year with no OL that will have any games working together when the season rolls around other than the OTAs and preseason...this is an entire new OL and even vets need time to work things out.

Some of those 58 sacks last year can be attributed to Mr T.

 

[Slapdash]

I would personally prefer Monroe, but looks like it will be Albert...

Report: Fins expected to land Branden Albert

Profootballtalk.com reports "all signs" are pointing toward free agent LT Branden Albert signing with the Dolphins when the market opens Tuesday.

A Saturday story in the Miami Herald indicated Albert had risen atop the Fins' left tackle wish list, bypassing Eugene Monroe and Jared Veldheer. If Albert does sign with Miami, the similarly blindside-needy Cardinals would have to turn their attention elsewhere. Albert is entering his age-30 season and with durability woes in each of the last two years. He's still expected to command north of $10 million per year. The Dolphins are sitting on nearly $34 million in cap space.

Great, so he is gonna rape the Phins for $10M-$12M a season and we get to watch him pull up with injuries by week 5. To me this is the worst possible move they could make. Blow as much of the money as you can on the highest risk guy with age factored in...why am I surprised by any of this? They need to build an entire OL, might as well shoot the whole wad on one guy.

Over/under Miami is picking top 10 in 2015? Over/Under on 10 loss season? Just as easy it is to say they could have been 10-6 last year, I can make the case they slide down lot this year with no OL that will have any games working together when the season rolls around other than the OTAs and preseason...this is an entire new OL and even vets need time to work things out.

Some of those 58 sacks last year can be attributed to Mr T.

Typical here

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Typical here

They look like fools for taking Dion Jordan at #3 and then trying to trade him after only 1 year. Chiefs and Eagles went OT and in the 1st 4 picks, both teams made the playoffs. Jags went OT as well but they have a huge hole at QB. Philly and KC both made moves to take care of that...well Philly had the guys on their roster but still it would seem like Chuck was saying QB/OT is the way to get it turned around.

Again though, Miami doing the absolute worst possible thing every chance they get to right the ship. Remember when they were 0-7 and in the running for Luck? Just couldn't help themselves to go on a winning streak at that point and lose an almost sure thing to turn the franchise around.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Looks like Saffold to get $8 mil. per year in OAK.

Top tier (if Saffold is even that) free agent salaries are escalating.

 

[Slapdash]

Looks like Saffold to get $8 mil. per year in OAK.

Top tier (if Saffold is even that) free agent salaries are escalating.

Wow, that's a lot for him.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Looks like Saffold to get $8 mil. per year in OAK.

Top tier (if Saffold is even that) free agent salaries are escalating.

Wow, that's a lot for him.

Agreed, but there were already a lot of teams flush with cap space, and with the increase in the overall cap itself (could go to $150 mil in a few years?), it is a rising tide that will lift all boats. Monroe and Albert will almost certainly get more ($10-$11 mil+?).

I predicted $6 mil+ above, figured he might get about $7 mil. While $8 is a bit of a surprise (no contract yet, this is somewhat speculative - but if accurate), the first few days are about overpaying when multiple teams are bidding for the top tier free agents.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Looks like Saffold to get $8 mil. per year in OAK.

Top tier (if Saffold is even that) free agent salaries are escalating.

Wow, that's a lot for him.

Agreed, but there were already a lot of teams flush with cap space, and with the increase in the overall cap itself (could go to $150 mil in a few years?), it is a rising tide that will lift all boats. Monroe and Albert will almost certainly get more ($10-$11 mil+?).

I predicted $6 mil+ above, figured he might get about $7 mil. While $8 is a bit of a surprise (no contract yet, this is somewhat speculative - but if accurate), the first few days are about overpaying when multiple teams are bidding for the top tier free agents.

Good info Bob, would like to see Miami now go for either Monroe or Veldheer.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Albert linked to MIA, MOP, but you already knew that.

I'd rather have Monroe, too, but looks like BAL might re-sign him.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

From Rotoworld...

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Dolphins are "expressing real interest" in free agent FS Jairus Byrd.
Byrd would upgrade on outgoing FS Chris Clemons, although safety play wasn't a weakness in Miami last year. RapSheet reports the Fins are "gearing up for another big year in free agency." Miami committed a four-year, $32 million deal to LCB Brent Grimes, and is expected to fork over $9.5 million annually to LT Branden Albert on Tuesday. Byrd will command $10 million per year.

...Would be a big signing. This guy is a ball hawk. Paired with Reshad Jones, might be the best safety tandem in the NFL. Add in Grimes, and easily one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

Mixed emotions on all of this "building through free agency". Its a lot of fun this time of year, and always looks great on paper, but never really seems to work.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Was just looking up Byrd as STL reportedly called (I prefer Verner at CB).

He is a big play machine, with 33 combined INTs/FFs in around 72 games through his first five seasons, which has to be near the top among DBs, he is only about 27. NFL bloodlines, of course.

The only thing that might give me some pause, he had plantar fascitis that lingered from 2012 into 2013, but I'm sure they'll vet that before forking over $10 mil. per year.

 

[Slapdash]

Byrd would be an exciting move, he is a legit playmaker on the backend and weakens a rival. However, glaring holes at DT and MLB need to be addressed.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Good article about Byrd in today's Sun Sentinal:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/sfl-bills-safety-jairus-byrd-appears-to-be-on-dolphins-radar-20140310,0,2870419.story

By Omar Kelly Sun Sentinel 8:21 a.m. EDT, March 10, 2014
Jairus Byrd has been a nightmare for most teams, including the Miami Dolphins, during his five seasons in the AFC East.

The Buffalo Bills free safety has tallied two interceptions, forced one fumble and produced one sack in the nine games he's played against the Dolphins since 2009.

Seeing this 27-year-old leave the division would be beneficial for Miami, but adding him to the Dolphins' roster could make Miami's secondary elite.

Byrd is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and he's reportedly seeking a $50 million deal that would make him one of the highest paid safeties in the NFL.

The NFL Network claims the Dolphins are one of the teams expected to bid high for Byrd, and that makes a ton of sense considering Miami is actively shopping for a starting free safety to replace Chris Clemons.

The Dolpins realize they need a coverage specialist at safety to make Kevin Coyle's defense work because of shortcomings to the linebacker unit, and Byrd fits the mold.

The Dolphins already brought in former Lions safety Louis Delmas for a visit, and have begun discussing the framework of a contract with the South Florida native. But that deal has been put on ice until Wednesday at 4 p.m., when formal offers can be made and accepted by free agents.

Top 25 players in Miami Heat history
That's when the Dolphins should know if Byrd's interest in Miami is mutual, or if the Dolphins are just being used.

There is one consistent trend about the Dolphins during the Steve Ross era of owning South Florida's NFL franchise. Ross likes to bid high on his coaches and free agents, and their agents consistently use his reputation to drive up the market, and set price points.

That could be the situation with Byrd, who isn't expected to re-sign with Buffalo. However, if the Dolphins do land Byrd, and are able to pair him with Reshad Jones and Miami's cornerbacks, the Dolphins could possess one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

However, the Dolphins already have $29 million committed to Jones because of the extension the front office signed him to last season. And $15 million of that deal - the next two years of Jones' base salary ($9,370,000) - is guaranteed to the strong safety.

That means if Miami lands Byrd a huge chunk of the team's $133 million in cap space would be allocated to the secondary considering Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes just re-signed for five-year, $32 million.

What would it take to land Byrd?

The Dolphins could sweeten their chances by offering Byrd the most guaranteed money over the next three seasons. If Jones got $15 million, and Grimes got $16 million it is logical that Byrd could command at least $20 million in guaranteed money.

Considering the Dolphins have $35 million in cap space to work with that's doable, especially for a safety who has pulled down 22 interceptions and forced 11 fumbles.

However, competition usually drives up the bidding, and I firmly expect the Oakland Raiders, which has $64 million in cap space, and Philadelphia Eagles, which are coached by Byrd's former college coach, to make pursuit of Byrd competitive.

The Raiders, Titans, Steelers, Texans, Eagles, Cowboys, Redskins, Browns, Bears, Saints and Rams are the other teams shopping for safety help, but only Oakland and Cleveland have more cap space than the Dolphins, which will use a large portion of the $35 million to rebuild the team's offensive line.

 

[Slapdash]

Man, it would have been really nice if Miami just stayed in place last year and drafted Star or Vaccaro. They're going to end up paying several million each to fill these positions.

 

[Slapdash]

I'd really love to see Miami bring in Pierre Thomas if he is out there. He is an underrated RB that does a bit of everything well, including catch the ball.

 

[Pump N Go]

Byrd would be an exciting move, he is a legit playmaker on the backend and weakens a rival. However, glaring holes at DT and MLB need to be addressed.

Would have been nice to keep Dansby and even Burnett rather than blowing the bank on Wheeler and Ellerbe... can't wait to cut bait on those two.

Building through free agency always never works but it's been an utter disaster when the Dolphins try. I'm indifferent on Albert, he fills a position of need and will probably be overpaid but Byrd would look great in the secondary.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Man, it would have been really nice if Miami just stayed in place last year and drafted Star or Vaccaro. They're going to end up paying several million each to fill these positions.

Or taken Lane Johnson at 3.

 

[SwampDawg]

MOP, I agree we might be overpaying for Albert at his age, I'd probably take a shot at Veldheer from what I have read (I'm no expect at breaking down LT's) but weren't you in the camp of resigning Long last year to a long term deal ? In the end Albert probably gets in that ballpark is almost the same age and has the same injury concerns, actually likely less than Long.

 

[Faust]

Miami Dolphins 2014 offseason preview

 

[Slapdash]

MOP, I agree we might be overpaying for Albert at his age, I'd probably take a shot at Veldheer from what I have read (I'm no expect at breaking down LT's) but weren't you in the camp of resigning Long last year to a long term deal ? In the end Albert probably gets in that ballpark is almost the same age and has the same injury concerns, actually likely less than Long.

Except that Long is both cheaper and younger.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

From the Herald...

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/03/10/3985990/miami-dolphins-likely-will-go.html

Miami Dolphins appear poised for another free agent shopping spreeBY ADAM H. BEASLEY The Miami Herald


Branden Albert is expected to sign with Miami on Tuesday. But a source said the team will make significant plays for additional offensive linemen and a top defensive tackle.


BY ADAM H. BEASLEY abeasley@miamiherald.comRemember that frenzied first day of free agency, 2013?

Get ready for the sequel, Miami Dolphins fans.

The Dolphins are poised to once again break the bank – perhaps as soon as the clock strikes 4 p.m. Tuesday.

By all indications, left tackle Branden Albert will be a Miami Dolphin by the close of business. But that’s just the beginning of first-year general manager Dennis Hickey's plans.

A source close to the situation said the team will make significant plays for additional offensive linemen and a top defensive tackle in the days to come.

However, at safety, they plan to be a bit more frugal.

Reports surfaced Sunday and Monday that the Dolphins would be a major player for standout Bills safety Jairus Byrd. However, he’s said to be expecting in the neighborhood of $9 million annually.

The Dolphins are already paying big money to Reshad Jones. The math isn’t there for another mega contract for a position not of need.

Instead, they will likely continue their pursuit of former Lion Louis Delmas. Chris Clemons could also return to the team at the right price.

The Dolphins have roughly $34 million in available salary cap space – among the most in the league.

And they plan to use it, particularly on an offensive line that was arguably the worst in football a year ago. The Dolphins allowed a franchise-record 58 sacks and lost at least two starters (Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin) to the workplace misconduct scandal.

Incognito and fellow bully John Jerry are two of the team’s 12 unrestricted free agents. Martin remains under contract, but will likely be either released or traded.

The Dolphins can officially put owner Stephen Ross’ money to use at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Barring an unforeseen reversal, Albert will put pen to paper sometime shortly thereafter. He’s expected to sign a multi-year contract paying him, on average, between $8 million and $10 million.

Albert, 29, lives in South Florida in the offseason and could be at the team’s headquarters whenever the Dolphins ask. The Chiefs left tackle is considered one of the best pass-protectors in the game.

But the Dolphins will need to fill up to three other vacancies on the offensive line. Versatile Rams lineman Rodger Saffold was high on Hickey’s wish list, but he’ll probably cost too much. The Raiders are said to want Saffold to play tackle; the Dolphins prefer him as a guard.

Instead, the Dolphins will likely focus on Jets tackle Austin Howard, and possibly Saints lineman Zach Strief, should both shake free, as expected.

Strief was the highest-graded right tackle in football in 2013, according to the scouting service Pro Football Focus. He allowed just three sacks in 1,062 snaps.

Howard, meanwhile, allowed two sacks in just 1,071 plays.

But that’s just the beginning of the Dolphins’ plans. They’ll need a defensive tackle to replace Paul Soliai and Randy Starks, neither of whom are expected to return.

Top options include Henry Melton (Bears), Jason Hatcher (Cowboys), Earl Mitchell (Texans) and Linval Joseph (Giants).

Melton is six months removed from a torn ACL. Hatcher will be 32 when the season begins. But Mitchell and Joseph are young, healthy and productive.

Mitchell played nose tackle in Houston, taking on many of the double teams that allowed J.J. Watt to make plays. All four are expected to command healthy contracts.


Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/03/10/3985990/miami-dolphins-likely-will-go.html#storylink=cpy

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Omar Kelly ‏@OmarKelly 3m

If the #Dolphins address LT in free agency, and don't add an ILBer like Jon Beason or Daryl Smith....write CJ Mosley's name down in pen.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

MOP, I agree we might be overpaying for Albert at his age, I'd probably take a shot at Veldheer from what I have read (I'm no expect at breaking down LT's) but weren't you in the camp of resigning Long last year to a long term deal ? In the end Albert probably gets in that ballpark is almost the same age and has the same injury concerns, actually likely less than Long.

If Saffold is getting $8M a season, Albert will likely take Miami for well over $10M a season, maybe $12M. Jake Long singed a 5 yr/$57M deal when he entered the NFL and set the bar for a lot of future contracts. He delivered with 4 straight trip to the Pro Bowl and 2 All Pro seasons in 2009 and 2010. Yes injuries started to take a toll but he started 15 games for St Louis last year, Albert only 12. Albert has made the Pro Bowl 1 time and that was last year despite only 12 starts, largely his selection was due to Charles exploding and also Alex Smith staying on his feet and managing games well=wins for the Chiefs.

I think we are not being honest if we don't see a difference in the two players. Long signed for 4yr/$34M with St Louis, took a little less money to leave town which should tell you all something to start with. Is Long better than Albert right now? If both are truly healthy I think Long is a better Tackle and has the track record to prove it.

The best OL IMO if he is on the market would be Beadles. If Miami can somehow swing both of them all the better. Beadles never misses a game, he fills a need. Chad Rinehart re-signed with San Diego, there are some other OG out there I am interested in for Miami.

Anthony Collins(OT) is never mentioned but he was more than good for Cincinnati last year. I just think Albert is a selfish player and the fact he loves South Beach doesn't make me think he will stay out of trouble here either. Right now Nate garner is being looked at as a possible starter at LG, he is due $1.8M this year so I guess Miami will roll him out there.

LT-Albert(assume it at this point), LG-Nate Garner(Oh boy), C-Mike Pouncey(suspension looming?), RG-???, RT-Draft?

Doesn't seem like Miami is that worried about their OL, that's sad. I thought they would be smart(who am I kidding?) and try to grab guys they could at OG, perhaps a RT like Zach Streif(N.O.) or Breno Giacomini(Sea) might be available. I like a lot of the potential rookie RT options Miami would have with the 18th pick.

It's not a strong free agent market and with salary caps rising this year and next, teams are getting the incentives they need to overspend in order to keep players. If players have any real value to a team they don't usually hit the market. What value is Albert to KC after they drafted OT #1 overall last year? And yet Miami is going to break the bank for him. I don't even hear any other teams interested or talking to him.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Omar Kelly ‏@OmarKelly 3m

If the #Dolphins address LT in free agency, and don't add an ILBer like Jon Beason or Daryl Smith....write CJ Mosley's name down in pen.

Omar is another problem with Miami in South Florida. Most media types would be fired for some of the stuff he says on his twitter. Guy has little awareness and loves to play the race card. Salguero not much better, terrible 1-2 punch for Dolphins insiders.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iijrFM7yOqM

Perkins(left) and Omar Kelly(right) break down the fee agent needs and also answer questions. You all might enjoy this and give you a flavor for Omar Kelly who you may only know thru Twitter or print.

 

[Slapdash]

Patterson has been released as expected

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Patterson has been released as expected

About $40M to play with in free agency. Lets see what creative ways we find to waste a ton of money this year. Next few days will be fun at least!

Definitely need another CB.

 

[Trey]

Louis Delmas come on down. 1 year 3.5 million. Aka let's see if you can stay healthy.

I also don't mind the pending Albert signing. Had to get a LT to start building his oline. I think all 3 available had positives and negatives so let's see it play out. Go sign a guard now as well.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'm gonna put my GM cap on for a while this morning and go thru this blow by blow. Miami right now is $35M under the cap, I had to research that but those are the numbers right now. Here is what I would do to get set for free agency.

1. Cut Dimitri Patterson and save $5M+ this season. Grimes cuts the field in half so the opposite corner doesn't have to be ALL World. We drafted Jamar Taylor 54th overall last year and he was injured quite a bit. If he can bounce back perhaps he can compete for a starting spot opposite. You must build thru the draft.

+5M to the kitty and we now have $40M to spend.

Glad they opted to do this even if we don't have an immediate guy but it would seem they are now in the market for one of the better CBs. I am no Talib fan as TB is my 2nd team and I saw a lot of Talib. His off field antics also add to him not being a good fit here.

Pull the trigger on Verner!!! Go all IN on that secondary and make teams have to run the ball on you. Interceptions and turnovers equal short fields and more scoring for an offense that always needed another TD.

Miami also must find a RB like Thomas or Blount that can help close games out late.

I also think Miami will pay Soliai and keep him to go with Odrick at DT. Soliai also can play 3-4 technique, he's worth more to us than Starks who you may remember shot the coaching staff the BIRD at one point this season, that was pretty telling.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Louis Delmas come on down. 1 year 3.5 million. Aka let's see if you can stay healthy.

I also don't mind the pending Albert signing. Had to get a LT to start building his oline. I think all 3 available had positives and negatives so let's see it play out. Go sign a guard now as well.

I like it, we've done well with 1 year prove it type deals. We are not committing long term and we still have Wilson plus Michael Thomas, the dude who slid over from SF last year and is under contract thru the end of the season and we can decide what we want to do with him. Thomas could also play some Nickel and Dime.

 

[Slapdash]

I think this means Clemmons is going to have a career year now.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I think this means Clemmons is going to have a career year now.

He was terrible last year IMHO, couldn't cover and never made impact plays, time to move on.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

CHECK THIS OUT!!!

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24476923/report-dolphins-owner-ross-to-fund-400m-in-stadium-renovations

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is about to prove that you can renovate an NFL stadium without using public money. The league's third-richest owner is set to announcethat he'll be funding up to $400 million in renovations to Sun Life Stadium, according to theAssociated Press.

The original renovation plan in Miami called for the public to pay for the stadium renovations, but the state legislature ended its session in May without approving the proposal. The proposed deal would have raised up to $289 million for renovations by raising the Miami-Dade hotel tax from 6 to 7 percent. The Dolphins would have also had a shot at up to $90 million in state sales tax rebates, which could have meant a total of $379 million in public funds.

In return for paying for the renovations, Ross would like to get $4 million in annual tax relief, according to the Miami Herald.

Ross is eager to get the renovations going because applications to host Super Bowl LIII are due in August. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it clear that Sun Life Stadium needs to be upgraded if the Dolphins want to host any future Super Bowls.

Miami was a finalist to host Super Bowl L and LI, but the team's chance of hosting pretty much died last May when the renovation plans weren't approved. San Francisco was awarded Super Bowl L and Houston was awarded Super Bowl LI.

Super Bowl LII hasn't been awarded yet, but the finalists to host the game are New Orleans, Indianapolis and Minneapolis. Miami hasn't hosted the NFL's biggest game since February 2010 when the Saints beat the Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV.

Ross' hope is that renovations at Sun Life Stadium can begin after the 2014 season.

Last year he tried to get the taxpayers to pick up the cost and threatened the team moving from Miami, we all said that was a bad hand to play Mr Ross, he seemed to agree finally.

 

[Slapdash]

I think this means Clemmons is going to have a career year now.

He was terrible last year IMHO, couldn't cover and never made impact plays, time to move on.

Yeah. Kidding aside, the Delmas contract is a great one. Very happy this was the move instead of locking up that much money on Byrd.

Tomorrow is time to grab the LT and hopefully some other OL pieces.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I think this means Clemmons is going to have a career year now.

He was terrible last year IMHO, couldn't cover and never made impact plays, time to move on.

Yeah. Kidding aside, the Delmas contract is a great one. Very happy this was the move instead of locking up that much money on Byrd.

Tomorrow is time to grab the LT and hopefully some other OL pieces.

If they sign Beadles or get him somehow I would be fine with Garner at RG and then taking an OT in the 1st or 2nd to play RT. Miami is going to have to draft about 3 OL however you slice it...1st, 3rd, 5th or 2nd, 3rd, 6th but somehow they need about 6-7 new bodies in here, you can't do it all through free agency.

I'm most concerned about OL/LB/DT/RCB...look for Miami to resign Soliai which would take care of that. If we could go into the draft looking for OL and develop a couple LBs to get rid of Wheeler and Ellerbee next season all the better.

 

[Todem]

So far….so good. I think they will let both Soilia and Starks walk.

 

[Slapdash]

I think this means Clemmons is going to have a career year now.

He was terrible last year IMHO, couldn't cover and never made impact plays, time to move on.

Yeah. Kidding aside, the Delmas contract is a great one. Very happy this was the move instead of locking up that much money on Byrd.

Tomorrow is time to grab the LT and hopefully some other OL pieces.

If they sign Beadles or get him somehow I would be fine with Garner at RG and then taking an OT in the 1st or 2nd to play RT. Miami is going to have to draft about 3 OL however you slice it...1st, 3rd, 5th or 2nd, 3rd, 6th but somehow they need about 6-7 new bodies in here, you can't do it all through free agency. I'm most concerned about OL/LB/DT/RCB...look for Miami to resign Soliai which would take care of that. If we could go into the draft looking for OL and develop a couple LBs to get rid of Wheeler and Ellerbee next season all the better.

Sadly, I think they'll let Starks and Soliai walk. Well, not sad about Starks.

I'd like to sign a CB, but on the cheaper side.

Would rather not see Miami lock up anyone long term on a $10mm yearly deal unless it is at LT.

 

[Slapdash]

I think this means Clemmons is going to have a career year now.

He was terrible last year IMHO, couldn't cover and never made impact plays, time to move on.

Yeah. Kidding aside, the Delmas contract is a great one. Very happy this was the move instead of locking up that much money on Byrd.

Tomorrow is time to grab the LT and hopefully some other OL pieces.

If they sign Beadles or get him somehow I would be fine with Garner at RG and then taking an OT in the 1st or 2nd to play RT. Miami is going to have to draft about 3 OL however you slice it...1st, 3rd, 5th or 2nd, 3rd, 6th but somehow they need about 6-7 new bodies in here, you can't do it all through free agency. I'm most concerned about OL/LB/DT/RCB...look for Miami to resign Soliai which would take care of that. If we could go into the draft looking for OL and develop a couple LBs to get rid of Wheeler and Ellerbee next season all the better.

Sadly, I think they'll let Starks and Soliai walk. Well, not sad about Starks.

I'd like to sign a CB, but on the cheaper side.

Would rather not see Miami lock up anyone long term on a $10mm yearly deal unless it is at LT.

That said...if we can grab Revis for a year or two, I'm down.

 

[Todem]

Revis and Grimes would be downright nasty.

I think the Dolphins will go hard after Joseph from the Giants. So Joseph, and Albert will be two very big signings.....if they grab Revis huge win in free agency.

Draft will be so critical this year. And Dion Jordan must....must be an every down player in 2014. Othewise that was a wasted #3 overall and the ultimate slap in the face on the way out by Ireland. I really would love to know the conversations that were taking place during last years draft between Coyle, Philbin and Ireland when they moved up to grab Jordan. I mean seriously......what was the thinking. I really hope he was just too dinged up last year to play more often. I also understand he is a rookie....and sometimes it does take a couple of years for DE to develop. No question a lot of great ones blossomed in year 2 or 3...plenty of examples.

Anyway I still think Jordan can be a beast of a player. He is ridiculous off the line, a physical marvel. Question is does he have the most improtant thing a DE needs? A high motor. If you can take Jason Taylors motor (another way of saying heart) and insert it in Jordan......he would be a legendary pass rusher. taylor has spoken about how Jordan physically is even better than he ever was.

So it really comes down to his motor and IQ.

Time will tell and year two will be a huge indication if we wasted another high draft pick.

2004 - Ronnie Brown

2008 - Jake Long

God I hope he pans out.

 

[Slapdash]

LT Branden Albert signs a five year deal for $46mm. $25mm guaranteed.

DT Earl Mitchell signs a four year deal for $16mm. $9mm guaranteed.

So long Soliai.

 

[Slapdash]

Assuming those are straight line contracts, Miami has about $23mm left.

Soliai signed for Atlanta on over $6mm per, including $11mm this year.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Love the Mitchell signing. He is 26. We just got younger, and more affordable and from what I read, we did it without sacrificing much talent at the nose. Seems like a very solid signing, and decision to let Starks/Soliai walk. I am sure it will somehow blow up in our faces.

Would have really preferred the younger Monroe over the older Albert for so much less money, but maybe the Fins knew Monroe was not leaving Baltimore and didnt want to be used as leverage once again.

So far, Delmas, Albert, Mitchell...good signings at need positions. Need to find some guards and a RT now.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Not to rain on the parade here but when has any team been able to construct a quality playoff team via FA? Last year's draft looks horrific at this particular point, that could change but it would have to improve at an astonishing rate. Miami had many picks in the first 3 rounds, burned 1 of them to move up to #3, then Taylor, Davis, Dallas Thomas, all of them were no impact. 4 rookies in the top 3 rounds and not 1 of them made any real impact.

That lingers with teams for years. I could review 2012/2011/2010 but most are terrible. Soliai had the longest tenure I think of anyone we drafted in the last 8-10 years. Not gonna win much with that kind of drafting.

 

[Slapdash]

Not to rain on the parade here but when has any team been able to construct a quality playoff team via FA? Last year's draft looks horrific at this particular point, that could change but it would have to improve at an astonishing rate. Miami had many picks in the first 3 rounds, burned 1 of them to move up to #3, then Taylor, Davis, Dallas Thomas, all of them were no impact. 4 rookies in the top 3 rounds and not 1 of them made any real impact.

That lingers with teams for years. I could review 2012/2011/2010 but most are terrible. Soliai had the longest tenure I think of anyone we drafted in the last 8-10 years. Not gonna win much with that kind of drafting.

Nor do you win by having an organization so dysfunctional that your draft successes like Soliai and Jake Long do not want to continue with the club.

But, putting aside our complaints, it seems like these are good moves given the option set.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Love the Mitchell signing. He is 26. We just got younger, and more affordable and from what I read, we did it without sacrificing much talent at the nose. Seems like a very solid signing, and decision to let Starks/Soliai walk. I am sure it will somehow blow up in our faces.

Would have really preferred the younger Monroe over the older Albert for so much less money, but maybe the Fins knew Monroe was not leaving Baltimore and didnt want to be used as leverage once again.

So far, Delmas, Albert, Mitchell...good signings at need positions. Need to find some guards and a RT now.

But, putting aside our complaints, it seems like these are good moves given the option set.

I really don't want to be the Debbie Downer here but Soliai to Mitchell is a major downgrade IMO. And the ratings would prove it as well. Mitchell is very avg at best. There is a reason Houston is picking 1st and Miami despite internal turmoil managed to go 8-8. There's a reason Atlanta scooped him up for 5 years and paid him $11M this year, I'm happy for Paul, not so happy for Miami.

We have to sign Albert, I understand that, needed a Safety and didn't have to pay much to get him but let's not kid ourselves here...Miami is a gigantic hole up the middle right now. That's why I feel they should try to make a bookend tandem at Corner since they suxor right now down the middle(be good at something). They want to send Ellerbee to the OLB position so Misi, Wheeler, and Ellerbee will all be OLB and they are talking this kid from Alabama at 1.18, another huge mistake IMO when they could grab a terrific RT in the 18 range where they are picking.

Miami lost games in the 4th Q last year yes/no? If you agree with me on that then you know we need to be able to run the football and gain 1st downs on short 3rd yardage situations where we stunk last year. We lost to Buffalo, Baltimore, Carolina...those 3 games were the difference between 8-8 and 11-5, all 3 of them have the same ending and theme. Just tell me I'm wrong and I was watching different games than you all did, I can accept that I'm getting old

What have we done to address that? not much but where we had some strength on defense we are letting that walk out the door. I would have been more excited about Linval Joseph but he went to Minnesota. He received 5 yr/$31.5M from the Vikes...we paid Soliai $6M a year when he was here, now we are paying $4m a season to a subpar player that likely won't make much impact here. We'll see if I am wrong.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Miami has reached out to Gerhart, Tate, and Donald Brown...also trying to grab James Jones who I thought was under contract but maybe not.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Starks did not get a big money deal and the 1st waive of free agents are in the books. He won't get anything close to what Soliai received. I still think there is almost zero chance he returns here but I'm surprised he didn't get a big deal right away. His asking price must be out of whack or nobody wants him long term.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Davin Joseph for better or worse is going to be a Miami Dolphin...can feel this one coming. I hope they don't pay him a lot and can undo it all after a year as need be.

LT-Albert, LG-Garner/Sam Brennar, C-Pouncey, RG-Joseph, RT-Dallas Thomas(oh yes)

That's what we are looking at pre-draft. Miami will try and maneuver a few more guys but look for them to start extending contracts to Charles Clay who is looking at $600k, he would love ($3m-$4m per year for 3 yrs), that guy is ripe for locking up right now, don't wait for FA next year, overpay that way.

Miami will need to draft about 3 OL to challenge for 1-2 possible starting spots and for depth.

 

[Slapdash]

MOP, I do not get the impression that Soliai really wanted to come back. Particularly when reading his farewell note to fans and the "previous organization". Now, maybe that is because of the offer the Dolphins put his way...maybe he doesn't like Philbin/Ross