Calvin Pace signs with Jets

by Matty I on Mar 3, 2008 3:18 PM EST in 2012 Miami Dolphins News

ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports that the Jets have signed Calvin Pace to a 6 year, $42 million deal. The deal reportedly includes a ridiculous $22 million in guaranteed money.

For that much money, I'm very thankful the Dolphins did not sign this guy. Sure, he's had 1 very solid season in his only season as a 3-4 OLB. But that's truly ridiculous money. I'm shocked he got that much.

So where do the Dolphins go from here? For one thing, I think this just about seals Jason Taylor's fate. Barring any shocking move by Miami or an insane trade offer from another team, you have to assume Taylor returns to Miami in 2008.

I would also expect the Dolphins to sign Darryl Blackstock to a deal soon to provide depth at the OLB position.

This also has to mean that Chris Long is back in contention as a possibility with the #1 pick overall.

Personally, I'm just glad this is all over. Now Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland can move on and look to invest the money they were going to invest in Pace elsewhere. This team has many holes to fill and I'm glad the Dolphins didn't make the mistake of committing $22+ million in guarantees to him.

One last thing. Did this division get much better in free agency or what? The Dolphins, Jets, and Bills have all improved their teams significantly. Meanwhile, the Pats have lost Asante Samuel, Randall Gay, and Donte Stallworth while Jabar Gaffney remains a free agent. This should make for a more interesting divisional race, if nothing else.

Thoughts on all this?

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Awesome

I am glad they got him... I hope he takes their money and stinks it up!!

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 3, 2008 3:20 PM EST reply actions

Whew!!!

For that kind of money they can have him.

Lets see the JESTS with no Vilma or
The Phins with Taylor!!!!!!!!

No Brainer

by dolphcanes on Mar 3, 2008 3:23 PM EST reply actions

Most everybody here wanted this kid...

so let's not just start saying he sucks. It is just business, pure and simple. The Dolphins had no problem releasing Zach because they felt he was making too much money. Pace was trying to get the best deal for himself period. Again, it is all business.

The fact is, the jets are handing out TONS of money to FA's. A lot of it guaranteed which means no matter how well these guys pan out - their salary cap situation is going to be tough.

Not to mention they still don't have a QB. So as long as that's the case, they can give Pace or Faneca all the millions they want.

by Natalya on Mar 3, 2008 3:23 PM EST reply actions

Think about this one...

$21M guaranteed to Faneca and about $21M guaranteed to Pace.

That's $42M guaranteed on a LB and an OG.

A ton of money to be committing to two positions that are generally not among the most important.

by Natalya on Mar 3, 2008 3:26 PM EST up reply actions

Don't forget

... the $9.5 million they gave Jenkins

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 3, 2008 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

Well...

They can have him for that money... This kid wasn't as proven as Porter, but he got 2 million more than he did... that, my friend seems to be overpaying, but I guess we'll see in a few years... I just hope he sucks because he chose the Jets!

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 3, 2008 3:29 PM EST up reply actions

In another post -

you commented about him deciding if he wants to live in NY vs Miami. BS. IT WAS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY! NOTHING MORE. NO LIVESTYLE CHANGES. WHAT THE HELL IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN $20M IN GUARANTEES AND $22M. He wants the money and he wasn't worth our time. Get someone else.

by Cutie on Mar 3, 2008 3:37 PM EST up reply actions

the difference

between 20mil and 22mil guarnteed is roughly 2MILLION dollars in my opinion. i saw you cant fault the guys for doing what he did. hes not a dolphin fan nor is he loyal to any nfl team. dont bash the guy cause he got a better deal!!

that said im glad he signed with the jets cause that is a load of money and we have alot of holes to fill.

by jwillis9 on Mar 3, 2008 3:43 PM EST up reply actions

I'm just glad

he didn't rape and pillage our Front Office, but he did it to the Jets. Thank God we have sensible people FINALLY running this team!! A bidding war over Calvin Pace would have been ridiculous!!

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 3, 2008 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

Exactly.

And I didn't mean to know the difference "literally." I do know how to count. But for someone with that kind of money, $2M will not change one's life. He wanted $ and wasn't impressed with anyone like he claimed. Glad he's not here. Sign a few hard-nosed players for that money, not one big-mouth. We already have that in Porter. Don't need to tie up all our money in our LB's.

by Cutie on Mar 3, 2008 4:00 PM EST up reply actions

Tell you what...

$2M is....probably more than you or most people (me included) will make over our entire lives of working.

Not quite the trivial sum it seems :)

by Natalya on Mar 3, 2008 3:47 PM EST up reply actions

Hey if this guy

goes out and blows out his Knee in training camp (I hope not)that 2 mil gur is big. He gets his money as long as he doesnt retire. Can't blame the guy.

by jvw on Mar 3, 2008 4:40 PM EST up reply actions

Yeap yeap yeap...

don't bash a guy for trying to get a better deal. Maybe he cares about location or maybe just the cash.

It is his right either way. In 10 years he'll probably be what, totally out of football with little or no skills in anything else? Not a shot at Pace but that's the reality for most of these players.

You have to take care of yourself and your family first.

by Natalya on Mar 3, 2008 4:49 PM EST up reply actions

Alright

that's fine. We still have JT and Porter on the outside. And we can always go after Antwan Odom or Travis LaBoy if Parcells and Co. really believes we need another OLB. We could also wait until the draft and go after Gholston or C. Long, although I think he could play DE in our 3-4. It is what he has been playing in at Virginia the last 4 years!

by JMFlyer1454 on Mar 3, 2008 3:23 PM EST reply actions

Maybe.....

Yeah, maybe this means a better chance of taking Chris Long. Hes going to be an absolute BEAST!!!

by dolphcanes on Mar 3, 2008 3:26 PM EST up reply actions

I'm Glad thats over with

Know we can move on with our game plan. This guy got what he wanted a ton of money and I cant blame him.

by jvw on Mar 3, 2008 3:25 PM EST reply actions

Amen to that Matty

JT will almost defintely be around, and Joey Porter will be back to. The Jets really overspent on this one- but apparently somebody had to nab this guy.. thanks but no thanks.. glad the fins aren't the ones who did.

The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants.

by NumberSeven on Mar 3, 2008 3:27 PM EST reply actions

And here they go again

Jets and guarateed money.. Im going to try to find out how much guaranteed money they have spent since FA..

by Spacefish on Mar 3, 2008 3:31 PM EST reply actions

D*** thats alot of money

I for one wanted C.Pace, but not at the expense of the bank. 20+ Mil. that is ridiculous. My sediments exactly, we do need anyone for that price that doesn't have the years and stats to prove it. Well lets move on to our next target.

I would say WR B.Johnson but will Wilford I don't see that happening. Any ideas....

by 305finforlife on Mar 3, 2008 3:31 PM EST reply actions

Up next???

I agree, time to start on the other available FA.

WR - Bryant Johnson
LT - Max Starks
LG - Jacob Bell
G - Jake Scott
LB - Antwan Odom
LB - Landon Johnson
CB - Eugene Wilson

by JohnDolphin73 on Mar 3, 2008 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

Antwan Odom?

I saw we go after him... We know he can play end, but maybe we can make him a hybrid... he won't get as much as Pace demanded, so it would be a better deal.

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 3, 2008 3:35 PM EST reply actions

Great news for Dolphin Fans!

Jake Long with the 1st Pick!
Quentin Groves with the 1st pick in the Second!

Too young to remember 72...not old enough to forget about ever other year since!

by JGray on Mar 3, 2008 3:41 PM EST reply actions

Odom, LaBoy, Blackstock

all are options if we really need another OLB for our 3-4. I'd rather see the team go after Eugene Wilson, Maurice Williams, and Jacob Bell. We have Porter and JT as starters now plus Torbor and Anderson could fill in if either of those 2 are injured. We are more in need of a qaulity ILB to go with Crowder (Kendrell Bell or Dan Morgan??).

by JMFlyer1454 on Mar 3, 2008 3:43 PM EST reply actions

morgan's

head is gonna explode if he gets it hit anymore... you think t.green had concussion problems d.morg has severe issues in the health department. but he would also be a cheap plug and when he is healthy he is a hell of a player. just the concussion issues really worry me if we can get him on an incentive ran contract id be all for it.

by jwillis9 on Mar 3, 2008 3:46 PM EST reply actions

Exactly

he is a cheap plug and could fill our need this year, even if he only plays 8-10 games. If we draft a young inside guy he could take over for him when Morgan inevitably goes down. He will be cheap so I wouldn't mind adding him for a year or two.

by JMFlyer1454 on Mar 3, 2008 3:51 PM EST up reply actions

At A Slow Pace...

I think the Dolphins did the right thing here. I think the Jets may regret this purchase. Is there any doubt now that Chris Long is the No. 1 overall selection? Long had an outstanding combine, was even frustrated with some of his exceptionally good numbers because he thought he could do them even better. Long is a perfect fit for Miami's defense (potentially KILLER defense), and seems like a Parcells guy.

Let's not forget, that there are still players to be released, either in the next few days because of salary cap or later during camp when teams jettison players for roster cuts.

DAMN, how many days till the draft??

by Alpha6 on Mar 3, 2008 3:53 PM EST reply actions

53

days until the draft...

by JMFlyer1454 on Mar 3, 2008 3:59 PM EST up reply actions

Quite a Bit of Doubt

I don't get the idea that just because we didn't sign Pace, suddenly C. Long is the odds on favorite to be our #1 pick. We still have 2 All-Pro guys to play OLB (unless JT retires), and it seems like 2 out of every 3 players we're signing in FA are also OLBs.

With or without Pace, OLB is still not among the most pressing needs on this team.

by urbino on Mar 3, 2008 5:35 PM EST up reply actions

Jets also signed Damien Woody

$11 million in gauranteed money!!

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 3, 2008 4:00 PM EST reply actions

HAHA

Matty, can we get a total of how much the Jets have spent this offseason?

Matt

by Matt27 on Mar 3, 2008 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

I've got $74 Million in Guaranteed money at least.

Matt

by Matt27 on Mar 3, 2008 4:18 PM EST up reply actions

55

days til the draft i do believe of something in that neighborhood. i had trying to count using the calendar on the wall (confusing) :) but anyway there is alot more action coming with roster bonuses due and things of that nature.

im with you alpha i cant wait until april 26th and we really get this ship rolling. im gonna have to say im leaning toward c.long, however parcells did contact boston college to get tape on every pass he threw in his college career! so who knows what the tuna is doing. that is one of the reasons i love this regime is we dont have a clue what they are doing and neither does and other team. insert NEO's quote cause i cant remember it right now.

by jwillis9 on Mar 3, 2008 4:01 PM EST reply actions

Just curious

Are you guys laughing at the Jets going to be disturbed if Miami gives Chris Long even more money? At least Pace is a somewhat proven commodity.

by New York Fins Fan on Mar 3, 2008 4:10 PM EST reply actions

Rookies are a little different...

This guy has had the chance to prove himself, and in one year (contact year, may I add) he had decent (not even great) numbers. I think Rookies get paid too much, but I have been expecting it since we have the #1. I think the NFL should set the contracts for each draft pick personally, but since it isn't like that I have just come to expect that we will be giving the #1 guy a ton of money...

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 3, 2008 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

Naww

Were just checking out the guaranteed money and record setting OL contract for 31 year old OL on a non playoff team.
Alan Faneca on a five-year, $40 million contract that includes $21 million in guaranteed money.
Calvin pace 6 year, $42 million deal. $22 million in guaranteed money.
Damien Woody $11 million in gauranteed money!!
total; 54 million guaranteed

by Spacefish on Mar 3, 2008 4:18 PM EST up reply actions

Kris Jenkins

$20 Million Guaranteed.

Matt

by Matt27 on Mar 3, 2008 4:20 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks

Matt. 74 million total guaranteed.

by Spacefish on Mar 3, 2008 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

Actually

he only got like $5 million in gauranteed... I saw the update on the mistake somewhere today!

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 3, 2008 4:25 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks

Matt

by Matt27 on Mar 3, 2008 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

ok

So 59 million just in those players.

by Spacefish on Mar 3, 2008 4:28 PM EST up reply actions

I was wrong though

I read on Yahoo Sports today that it was $9.5 million guaranteed to Kris Jenkins... my bad, I was guessing. So that would make it roughly $63.5 million dollars guaranteed to what? 4 guys? The Jets aren't doing themselves favors at all!!

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 4, 2008 12:15 PM EST up reply actions

Also on Rotoworld:

"The Jets have signed up to pay $138 million, including over $63 million in guarantees, in the last four days. GM Mike Tannenbaum says he's not trying for a "quick fix" and that the signings were made with the future in mind."

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Mar 4, 2008 12:23 PM EST up reply actions

Tannenbaum added, ...

"Just not the future of the Jets."

by urbino on Mar 4, 2008 3:45 PM EST up reply actions

It sure looks like the jets are now taking...

a page from the Dan Synder book. IOW, trying to buy a championship. Which if you look at washington, is not something you can really do.

Maybe in baseball you can, but I don't think so in football.

The jets will just be the latest team to prove that you can't buy success in the NFL.

by Natalya on Mar 3, 2008 4:30 PM EST reply actions

As for the rest of the division

everybody looks to be improving save for the pats. Their defense looks to have lots of holes.

Granted the pats with BB & Pioli have managed to find no-name guys and have them pan out well. Still, losing your two best corners and having a bunch of 35+ year old LB's, is not insignificant.

I think the pats will be good next season but they'll come back to earth a bit within the division for sure.

by Natalya on Mar 3, 2008 4:33 PM EST reply actions

Key

You nailed it right on, great post

Key to defeating the Patriots; Pressure Brady, Cover Welker and Moss and run run run the ball. (Giants game plan)

by Spacefish on Mar 3, 2008 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

Phins did what they needed to..

This team is more than 1-2 players away, so I'd rather have a bunch of "good" players on the field than a "star" at one or two positions.

I'd be more worried if we didn't have JT or Porter and still didn't get Pace.

Definition of Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results...

by azphinner on Mar 3, 2008 4:36 PM EST reply actions

I hope the Jets choke on their cap number

over the next few years! They have just taken a huge risk with this FA period.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Mar 3, 2008 4:42 PM EST reply actions

I give the Jets

Credit they are trying to be players in the division next year. Mangini wants to beat Belicheat so bad he willing to mortage the future. Cant blame him, if he has another year like last year he will be looking for a job along with Tannabam who I hear is one of the best capoligist in the NFL (according to Parcells)

by jvw on Mar 3, 2008 4:44 PM EST reply actions

Agree...

they are putting all their chips on this one.

It isn't surprising Mangini wants this, but you'd think the jets management/owners would know better. Then again, they are the jets and that explains a lot.

by Natalya on Mar 3, 2008 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

WR

Anyone have any news if the dolphins are attempting to bolster a depleted WR core? Wilford will be a big helpful slot machine but were lacking the expierienced WR's we had in booker and chambers; and any news on Keyshawn Johnson?

Give Beck a Chance

by KCarr on Mar 3, 2008 4:55 PM EST reply actions

BREAKING NEWS!

The New York Jets aquired Saudi Arabia and Microsoft for lots of money 3/4 guaranteed.

by Spacefish on Mar 3, 2008 5:00 PM EST reply actions

Need a Safety

Need one bad

by inisfree on Mar 3, 2008 5:50 PM EST reply actions

Safety

We just resigned Bell and we have Allen, so the safety spot is somewhat ok, but we could us some more help.

by JohnDolphin73 on Mar 3, 2008 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

Jason Allen starting at FS?!

I don't think I want to put any stock in Jason Allen. I would say we need a new starter at FS and need depth at safety in general. Draft doesn't have much.

by inisfree on Mar 3, 2008 6:42 PM EST up reply actions

huh?

Jason Allen played better than the avg dolphin last year and kenny phillips (UM) is a beast at safety, we might be able to get him in the draft with our first 2nd round pick

by NeverSellout on Mar 3, 2008 6:48 PM EST up reply actions

EEeeeee...

Kenny Phillips I agree on. Not sure what was so great about J Allen, other than pretty good special teams play. Maybe the light will come on and people will stop shredding the middle of the field on us. But you want to put faith in that??

by inisfree on Mar 3, 2008 7:04 PM EST up reply actions

jason allen

jason allen had 62 tackles, 1FF, and 3 int with 9 starts. and if you watched the games he would always punish the receiver.

by NeverSellout on Mar 3, 2008 7:18 PM EST up reply actions

I watched the games

And they depressed me. We went 1-15. We lost through the air and on the ground.

by inisfree on Mar 4, 2008 12:28 AM EST up reply actions

Don't get me wrong

I hope I'm dead wrong and Jason Allen absolutely blows up this year. I just don't see it.

by inisfree on Mar 4, 2008 12:30 AM EST up reply actions

NEEDS

need widerecievers and defensive backs mainly. 46 mill we can now use to fill better spots. btw on espn nfl transactions page it says we picked up ian gold on first day of FA, is that true?

by NeverSellout on Mar 3, 2008 6:03 PM EST reply actions

Ian Gold

That was a typo. It would be nice if he did sign with us.

by JohnDolphin73 on Mar 3, 2008 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

o thx

by NeverSellout on Mar 3, 2008 6:16 PM EST up reply actions

The Jets...

Didn't they hire a coach named Rich Kotex?

by Alpha6 on Mar 3, 2008 6:25 PM EST reply actions

Well 2 of our options are gone now....

The Bengals have reportedly agreed to terms with DE Antwan Odom

http://blogs.twincities.com/Vikings/2008/03/vikings_lose_another_de.html

The Cardinals are expected to announce the signing of free agent Travis LaBoy later today.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/

Now what are our options? i guess the Draft???

by pingusthegreat on Mar 3, 2008 6:46 PM EST reply actions

dang

sucks for us, pace screwed us by not makin his decision faster

by NeverSellout on Mar 3, 2008 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

Blackstock is an option...

...as a backup OLB. And don't forget about Quentin Moses. At 6'5, 257, he has the size and the speed needed to play OLB in a 3-4. And Parcells is reportedly high on him.

What's really interesting is what Miami has planned for ILB next to Channing Crowder. Will it be Reggie Torbor?

by Matty I on Mar 3, 2008 8:25 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not so sure

we need another OLB. We have a lot. Besides JT and Porter, we have recently signed Torbor and Anderson, as well as holdovers from last year (Matt Roth, Abraham Wright, Kelvin Smith, Rob Ninkovich, Quentin Moses, Junior Glymph, Mark Washington, Marcello Church, and Edmond Miles). Roth, Ninkovich, and Moses are DEs but only in a 4-3. They are too small to play DE in a 3-4 and will likely be moved to OLB or released. Now some of those guys can (hopefully) play inside. I think Miles spent time there last year. But if we sign any more LBs hopefully they are for the inside.

by JMFlyer1454 on Mar 3, 2008 8:35 PM EST up reply actions

Eh

For that kind of money the Jets can have him. For 1 good year 22 mill? Psh please. Good job Bill/Jeff running up the price on the Jets. I'm sure Bill/Jeff can find a LB and some secondary help alot cheaper than that in the draft. Just ask the Cowboys.

"It all starts with the Dolphins," an executive with another team said Sunday, "and not a single person here has any idea what they're going to do."

by Neo on Mar 3, 2008 7:07 PM EST reply actions

I am kind of dissapointed we didnt land him

But for 22 mil guranteed? Thats a little excessive.

by Patssuck456 on Mar 3, 2008 10:16 PM EST reply actions

Is it possible that JT wants out

and BP doesn't want to let him go???

the part that BP says he'll either play for the miami or be retired was kind of odd??? it wasn't JT will be a dolphin period...

So my assumed idea, and all its conitations, is that JT wants to be traded to the left coast and BP knows he can't get value from say SD, so he told JT that he'll have to retire first.

JT is living in LA now, getting ready for the dance off, and miami just dumped his brother in law....

on top of that JT's age really can't matter to BP since they just traded for ferguson who is 2 months younger???

by W NY Fins Fan on Mar 4, 2008 10:23 PM EST reply actions