Reports: Dolphins/Jake Long not as close as originally thought

by Matty I on Apr 21, 2008 9:33 PM EDT in News Comment 6 comments

One of the most reliable NFL reporters is the NFL Network's Adam Schefter. In my opinion, he's the best and most accurate of all the analyst and reporters. And on Total Access today, Schefter had this to say, per rotoworld:

As to reports the Dolphins are nearing an agreement with Jake Long, NFL Network's Adam Schefter says the sides are "closer," but wouldn't characterize them as "close."

Meanwhile, the other reporter I most respect after Schefter is ESPN's John Clayton. And here's what Clayton writes in his blog on ESPN.com about the situation:

People rushed to judgment on Monday thinking the Dolphins are close to a deal with Michigan tackle Jake Long. Tuesday and Wednesday will be critical in the negotiations because Miami has to determine if it can get a deal done. The Dolphins are naturally trying to get Long signed to a contract for less than the six-year, $61 million deal signed by JaMarcus Russell last season. Sources close to Long say it's premature to say a deal is in place or close. Miami has not started talking to anyone else in the top group of players. The reason the next two days are important is that the complicated language of a contract like this sometimes takes a couple of days to complete.

Clearly, those earlier reports are not very accurate. And like Clayton writes, these next two days are going to be very crucial in regards to what Miami does on Saturday.

And time continues to wind down.

Tick, tick, tick...

Update [2008-4-21 23:59:33 by Matty I]: Adam Schefter also offers up this piece of into in his latest mock draft:

Even if there is no agreement, Parcells has made it clear for two weeks that Long is his guy; it is not a ruse nor a smokescreen. The Dolphins, to steal part of an expression from Miami general manager Jeff Ireland, have found "a pillar" for their offense.

So it seems Schefter, who like I said is the guy I most trust and respect when it comes to NFL news and rumors, does believe Jake Long is Miami's guy. That's good news, in my view, and I just hope they can get this deal ironed out sooner rather than later. [end update]

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I can't take it!!

Please just sign the contract I can't take anymore smoke and mirrors! I feel like a little kid lost in the carnival funhouse and everywhere I look I see a funky version of myself through a dark haze...

http://canemutiny.blogspot.com A fans view of Miami Hurricanes Football and Basketball

by Little Nicky 21 on Apr 21, 2008 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

haha

now there's a great analogy!

by Matty I on Apr 21, 2008 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

not sure this is true

~~Clearly, those earlier reports are not very accurate. And like Clayton writes, these next two days are going to be very crucial in regards to what Miami does on Saturday.~~

Hard to use the word 'Clearly', when BP and Condon are involved... I suspect its just as likely that both the reports of a deal is close and these that say its not done could both be accurate....

when you read clayton "sources close to long say it's premature to say a deal is in place or close." that pretty much tells you there is something going on... 'premature' means we're in the ball park but it could fall apart if the language and structure isn't right....

So reading the tea leaves... i'm going to say they've agreed on general numbers say 6 years 52-54 mil with 33 mil guranteed... and now they have to work out when the money is given out and what bonuses are used.

by W NY Fins Fan on Apr 21, 2008 11:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

one or two other points

It was the palmbeach post who broke the original story that the phins would open negotiations with JLo, so I have to believe they have a pretty good source on the matter....

And in reading their story, they say a deal could be finished in a day or two... so all of these stories sound like they are taking different angles with the same info.

by W NY Fins Fan on Apr 22, 2008 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For all this talk...

... I still think they'll take Chris Long. This is just the typical last minute smokescreen.

I mean, don't get me wrong, if Jake Long agrees to sign for less money than JaMarcus, I think it's a done deal, but otherwise, it's going to be Chris.

by icerob on Apr 22, 2008 11:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

matty

~~Clearly, those earlier reports are not very accurate. And like Clayton writes, these next two days are going to be very crucial in regards to what Miami does on Saturday.~~

what will you be serving anything besides crow pie at your draft party?

by W NY Fins Fan on Apr 23, 2008 2:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs