Some Free Agent Buzz
by Matty I on Jan 15, 2009 12:15 AM EST
in News
42 comments
On Wednesday, there was an interesting article in the Miami Herald that talked a lot about what the Dolphins could potentially do in free agency this offseason. So what I thought we'd do is go piece by piece and talk about some of the highlights of this article.
Last week, many of us talked about how the Ravens' center Jason Brown would be a good fit in Miami should he not get re-signed by Baltimore. Well it seems like we aren't the only ones who feel this way:
There's speculation Miami might pursue well-regarded Baltimore center Jason Brown, 25, if he hits the market -- at 320, he's 20 to 25 pounds heavier than Samson Satele.
Brown is that physical, mauling center that Bill Parcells generally likes. And that's the kind of center this team needs if they want to become a "physical, pound the rock" kind of team. But it is believed that the Ravens are already talking about a long-term contract which would keep Brown in Baltimore for many years. If he does hit free agency, expect Brown to get a deal similar to - and possibly even richer than - Shaun O'Hara's 5 year, $19 million deal he signed back in 2007.
The biggest question along the offensive line this offseason, though, is what the Dolphins will do at right tackle. Says the Herald:
Since the season ended, the Dolphins conveyed interest in re-signing Carey (haven't talked numbers)...Carolina's Jordan Gross, Cincinnati's Stacy Andrews, Miami's Vernon Carey, Pittsburgh's Max Starks and New Orleans' Jon Stinchcomb are the top tackles potentially available, and if the Dolphins cannot re-sign Carey, they could make a run at Starks (UF); sign a stopgap such as Green Bay starter Mark Tauscher (coming off a knee injury) and then draft a long-term answer; or sign an emerging backup ready to start full time (Seattle's Ray Willis fits that mold).
I firmly believe that the Dolphins' decision on Vernon Carey will be the key offseason move that sets the rest of Miami's wheels in motion. If they re-sign Carey - and it likely won't be cheap to do so - then the Dolphins can turn their focus from right tackle to other areas of need. But if the Dolphins decide to let Carey walk, they must focus on the RT spot in some way.
The article mentions Jordan Gross, the '08 1st team All-Pro. And the Panthers might be forced to let him walk simply because of the fact that they only have roughly $10 million in cap room and also have Julius Peppers as a free agent. Odds are that Carolina won't be able to re-sign both - and will have to use the franchise tag on one and let the other walk. If it's Gross, he'd be on Miami's radar for sure. But at what price? My guess would be a 5 year, $45 to $48 million deal for Gross - and that's a conservative estimate.
The idea of signing Mark Tauscher as a stop-gap until a rookie they take this year is ready seems intriguing. But Tauscher is coming off of his 2nd torn ACL and will be 32 years old by training camp. The injury also didn't occur until December, meaning Tauscher likely wouldn't even be ready for the beginning of training camp. Too risky, if you ask me - even if he seeks a deal just higher than the league minimum.
If you ask me, and though he wasn't spectacular this year, the Dolphins have got to re-sign Carey. We know he has the ability - we've seen the flashes.
Inside linebacker is another critical area this offseason and will include another key decision. Do the Dolphins bring back Channing Crowder? It makes a good debate - and both sides can make valid points. But as it stands now, the Dolphins haven't even contacted Crowder's agent since the season ended. The Herald adds:
The Dolphins and Channing Crowder don't see eye to eye on money, and Miami is expected to consider Ravens inside linebacker Bart Scott, whom Baltimore might not be able to afford because Suggs and Ray Lewis are free agents. If Miami signs neither Scott nor Crowder, options fitting Miami's size preference include Cleveland's Andra Davis and the Jets' Eric Barton, with the NFL Draft offering a longer-term answer.
If the Dolphins don't being back Crowder, Bart Scott has got to be the guy they go after. There are no other guys out there who can perform at the level needed. And entering the draft without a viable inside linebacker option on the roster to replace Crowder seems a bit too risky for me. What if the player or players they are targeting at ILB are all selected by other teams? Would the Fins then have to reach for a player they wouldn't have reached for just to help fill the void at a key position?
One guy the Herald fails to mention is Karlos Dansby, another potential inside linebacker option. He's 6'4, 250 (which meets this regime's size requirements for linebackers), is only 27 years old, and plays in a 3-4 defense. The only catch with Karlos is that he likely wouldn't come cheap - probably hoping for similar money as his former teammate Calvin Pace got from the Jets (6 year, $42 million).
But here's my final thought about the inside linebacker situation. I'd be very disappointed if the Dolphins approach April's draft and none of those 3 (Crowder, Dansby, Scott) are on Miami's roster.
One final nugget from the Herald's article. It does say that the Dolphins are in ongoing talks with Yeremiah Bell's agent and that the Fins do indeed want to re-sign Bell. They also reportedly want to re-sign Andre Goodman.
Thoughts on any of this?
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I think
We should resign Both bell and goodman. They both had a great improvement over this year, and I would like to see them in our secondary next year.
"We are so far under the the M-Fing radar we could do some stealth bombing. " ~Corroncho~
"Somebody's not very happy..." "No one F***s with MY car" ~Death Race~
"Don't cross the road if you can't get out of the kitchen" ~The Boondock saints~
"Please take the chairs away. I don't like them. The big one is staring at me and that short one is being very droll." ~Knocked Up~
"I'm way too baked to drive to the devil's house." ~Grandma's Boy~
by kenroxsox on Jan 15, 2009 12:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wow didn´t expect anything this late... You definetly know how to run a fan site sir
by MauMontaV5 on Jan 15, 2009 12:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
lol 12:15 every morning. count on it =)
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that LCFF is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
by finsxfactor on Jan 15, 2009 1:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
autoblogged
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that LCFF is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
by finsxfactor on Jan 15, 2009 1:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
it's been that way for months now
this shouldn’t be a shock to you
by Matty I on Jan 15, 2009 1:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Enough is enough...we need Natalya back. I believe in John Beck and that LCFF is the man.
Official Leader of the Draft Kenny Britt Bandwagon
Longest Sig In the History of Phinsider belongs to Me. 53 Lines in Total.
by finsxfactor on Jan 15, 2009 2:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would be really surprised if Jason Brown hit the market
especially at 25
by MauMontaV5 on Jan 15, 2009 1:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
hey.
long time no see lol
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 15, 2009 1:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bart Scott
if we get a shot at him, I think we HAVE to get him in here. He brings the speed and intensity we want our entire defense to play with. Dansby is another intriguing option, but for similar money, or even a little more, I’d go with Scott.
As far as the OT position, I think the best option is re-signing Carey, and drafting a big mauler on day 2 for depth and to start learning the position should Carey struggle again.
Regarding Jason Brown, I love him. We all saw how he was able to handle Ferguson, for the most part. At 25, there may not be a more promising young center in the league. I can’t imagine BMore letting him leave, but they have their hands full with their 3 best LB’s hitting the market, as well as needing to find a CB to replace Rolle, who’s on his last legs it seems. Brown may just slip away because they can’t afford him. We’ll see. I think if a Baltimore Raven hits the open market, we should jump on him.
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 15, 2009 1:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Be careful with Bart Scott
I can be totally, and pleasently surprised by Scott, but Scott may be a system LB on the Ravens. A team that has a great defense and struggles to find a weak point does not mean every player is Pro Bowl and great material.
Offenses first have to worry about the Ravens NT Haloti Ngata, double teaming him leaves Ray Lewis capable to roam free, so picking him out as the MIKE is important pre-snap and you want to put a blocker on him. The next threat is the versatile DE/OLB Suggs, you want to know where he is and where he can come from similar to Joey Porter. Giving Suggs extra attention leaves the other two DE’s and 2 LB’s. Trevor Pryce, though old is still quite capable to rush the QB and run stop, his penetration will take some pressure off the LB’s as well.
Now I am not denying Bart Scott’s ability, and he is pretty good in pass coverage, but his ability to stuff the run, and get to the QB, whether sacks or hurrys is creditable to the entire defense. It is why the Ravens have been so good for so long they play well together.
He could be an amazing LB for the Fins and can be ready for the spot light, all I am saying is pulling him away from a system that is excellent could be interesting.
The Patriots Suck
by k2oconnor on Jan 15, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Although his 2006 season was outstanding!
The Patriots Suck
by k2oconnor on Jan 15, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well the good thing is
if he thrives in the Raven system, he’ll thrive in ours, since we both play the same type of 3-4. I think we’ll be able to fill in around him, and he’ll raise the talent of our defense.
I have to think that he’s part of the reason the Ravens defense is so good, instead of just being a tagalong to Ray and the boys. Looking at the free agent class, I would be willing to sign any of the Ravens FA.
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 15, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope you're right about Brown
Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.
by SunDolphin on Jan 15, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No High Priced Free Agents
I don’t want to see this regime pick up any high priced guys. They have a knack for finding guys they can develop into great players either by collecting lower picks in the draft or by finding the overlooked talent in free agency.
This may sound crazy, but I’d rather they trade Joey Porter for a couple of draft picks. He’s had a career year last year and may command a 1st and a 3rd. To make the leap from one and done in the playoffs, to Super Bowl contender, we need a bunch of dudes who will blossom in two years.
by gophish on Jan 15, 2009 1:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I dont disagree with your idea at all but I don´t think we could get those
kind of picks for Joey, most of all because of his age.
by MauMontaV5 on Jan 15, 2009 2:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
JT only fetched a 2nd at a 7th a year removed from DPOY with a good follow-up season afterwards
no way Porter fetches a 1st and a 3rd….but then again, we are talking about the guy who got Fasano and Ayedoyle for a 4th so………
by cbdolphin on Jan 15, 2009 2:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Another Great Read ...
Great Article Matty .. I still think it will be impossible for us to get someone like Brown but hey you never know. I have said that we may keep Johnson if we can’t get him and he might beat out Satele and then he could be moved to guard for depth. I would much rather have Brown but I personally see Johnson of more a probability. About the D .. I was just about to post something and you stole my thunder hahaha .. couldn’t agree more with you on all points
by markus_13 on Jan 15, 2009 3:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
what about satele?
if the dolphins land brown, what happens to satele? does he hit the bench or maybe moved to guard? he may be a bit undersized for a center, but i bet he makes a nice pulling gaurd. what ya think?
by frostyphinfan on Jan 15, 2009 8:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
he could move to guard and compete with Donald Thomas
If nothing else, he’d provide good depth at all 3 interior line positions.
by Matty I on Jan 15, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
O.J. Atogwe would be a great pick up
he’s young and he is a ballhawk.
"How can I blame you
When it's me I can't forgive?"
-From the Unforgiven III off of Death Magnetic
by Patssuck456 on Jan 15, 2009 10:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
If you wanna PTR....
i just dont feel like Carey has that kind of attitude. Maybe its just me…but he reminds me of back in the day when we has dudes that pass blocked like hell..but we never could run. Smiley has that mean streak…you know Long does….replace Satelle with a huge center…and on the other side we need a beast. if we get that at RT then teams wont know which way we are running….more balance. this year you knew we were stronger on the Left.
Crowder…im so on the fence. If Bart Scott is the replacement I can live with that. Scott has a similar attitude…and makes plays
"Worst 2 First"...Your 2008 AFC East Champion Miami Dolphins
by Rzayo24 on Jan 15, 2009 10:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Don't go your "feelings".
Go to footballoutsiders.com. Look at where the Dolphins ranked for the last 3 years when running the ball over RT in 2006, LT in 2007, and then RT again in 2008. Those are the years and positions that Vernon Carey played. Don’t take my word for it, look it up. What you’ll see is that the Dolphins were in the top 10, sometimes the top 5, when running the ball over Vernon Carey’s position. Compare those numbers to our blue-chip 1st round draft choice’s numbers when running over LT this year, and you tell me who the beast is.
Vernon Carey is a must re-sign this year.
by dab415217 on Jan 15, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you can't look at those stats and say that it's all because of Carey
There are a million different things that take place on the football field that could affect a play. Perhaps Carey had TE help next to him on runs to his side. Maybe Satele did a good job pulling. Or Smiley did a good job pulling. The FB could have made key lead blocks.
Unless you go back and watch the film, you can’t use stats to justify it.
What I do know about Carey is he got beat a little too much in pass protection. But with that said, I still think it would be smart to bring him back.
by Matty I on Jan 15, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
3 years and 3 position Switches ay Its a Trend.
In another thread you tried to say it was the Wildcat. Well, the Wildcat has been here 1 year, and this is 3 years of data. You say it could be because Smiley did a good job pulling, but Smiley has been here 1 year. You say it could be because a TE was ligned up next to him, well, all RT’s and LT’s have a TE lined up next to them at some point. As with all teams the FB could have made good blocks.
Do you need to watch film to see that someone is a great RB? No, you can look at their stats. You guys will quote some footballoutsiders.com stats and ignore others.
If you stick to your logic, then Big Jake would have been in the top 5, or at least the top 10 in running over the LT. Hey, its the same team, the same RB’s, some of the same players on the OL. According to your logic, he should’ve ranked up there too….but he didn’t. I’m not saying Jake is bad. I’m just saying that Vernon Carey is very underrated, especially as a run blocker. The stats, whether you choose to acknowledge them or not, have stated that for 3 years and thru 3 positin switches have backed that up.
I don’t understand why you refuse to acknowledge that Carey is a very good run blocker.
by dab415217 on Jan 15, 2009 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying Vernon isn't a good run blocker.
I’m actually more worried about his pass protection than his run blocking.
And yes – you need to watch a player to decide if he’s a great running back. You can’t simply look at their stats. But that’s a discussion for another time.
As far as Carey goes, the only upgrade to Vernon on the market is Jordan Gross – who will be even more expensive than Carey. So the smart thing is probably to re-sign Carey. I just hope he doesn’t over-inflate what he thinks he’s worth, making it tough for Miami to bring him back.
by Matty I on Jan 15, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Once again....i dont claim to be a stats dude...
i feel they dont tell you what you need to know.
Best example…Rex Ryan is gonna be a head coach…i hear ppl spitting out his teams stats…and i ask you….how mant of those teams had RAY LEWIS on them?
"Worst 2 First"...Your 2008 AFC East Champion Miami Dolphins
by Rzayo24 on Jan 15, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
numbers are over rated
Miami Dolphins 2008 AFC East Divison Champions
by HuskerDolphin on Jan 15, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't go by your "feelings".
Go to footballoutsiders.com. Look at where the Dolphins ranked for the last 3 years when running the ball over RT in 2006, LT in 2007, and then RT again in 2008. Those are the years and positions that Vernon Carey played. Don’t take my word for it, look it up. What you’ll see is that the Dolphins were in the top 10, sometimes the top 5, when running the ball over Vernon Carey’s position. Compare those numbers to our blue-chip 1st round draft choice’s numbers when running over LT this year, and you tell me who the beast is.
Vernon Carey is a must re-sign this year.
by dab415217 on Jan 15, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Defense is Solid, but Needs More Playmakers.
Channing Crowder – Solid, but unspectacular. Doesn’t make game changing plays. Probably gone because of the reported demands of a big payday. Let him shop himself around. If he comes back at Miami’s price, then fine.
Yeremiah Bell – Great player in the box, but isn’t a ballhawk down the field. He needs to be paired with another S that is better in coverage and ability to get turnovers. Also, he’s not a young guy. Will be 31 yrs old next year, so if he does get re-signed, it will be only for a couple of years. Drafting a Safety should be a priority.
Vernon Carey – As I have said ad nauseum, he is an absolute must to re-sign. If not, I’d rather not sign someone else’s RT, just draft one with one of the first 3 picks we have in Rounds 1 and 2.
by dab415217 on Jan 15, 2009 12:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Great Year For Drafting A Safety Too
We could get a good one to pair with Bell in the second or third round.
What if William Moore slipped to us in the first? Bell and Moore would have to be as terrifying a tandem as their is in the NFL.
www.thephinisher.com
by The Phinisher on Jan 15, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Ravens Have A Lot To Sign
Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Josh Brown and Bart Scott are all guys that will command money.
They might just end up having to watch Brown walk. There are a couple of decent centers in the draft, so they might go that way.
Maybe Cam Cam would like Satele? For say… A second round pick?
I like Samson, but he definitely was lost out there 75% of the time. Especially in the beginning. He looked much better as the season wound down.
www.thephinisher.com
by The Phinisher on Jan 15, 2009 2:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If we can just get ONE guy
I would take Brown in a heartbeat. Even if we didn’t change another member of the O-line, that would be an instant upgrade to the run game.
Second choice would be an upgrade to Ferguson. I know I will catch flak for saying so, but he is good.. not great. He can usually hold the point of attack, but he doesn’t collapse the pocket or consistently draw double teams. Now people say Hayneworth might not be the man in a 3-4 D, but he constantly draws double teams, and sometimes they even bring a third guy to help against him, so I’m pretty sure he could play the NT spot.
Both these guys would cost a lot, but I can’t think of any single two player that you could plug into the Fins, “as-is” today, that would provide as significant of improvement to both sides of the ball.
-LCFF
by LeftCoastFinFan on Jan 15, 2009 5:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
My offseason
Sign Bell and Goodman
Make a run at Boldin that include ur 1st rd pick and something else….one of the 2nds this yr…or something next yr. Add a player even…Wilford if they are dumb.
If we dont get Boldin draft at #25 a safety….2nd round take a Nose tackle….2nd 2nd rd pick take a O-Line guy…flip flop that on who is available still
Pass on free agent LB that are expensive….keep Roth even though he isnt spectacular….sign a lower tier guy that has potential…a “fit” guy who has the right attitude. Draft LB next yr and go hard at that spot…with Joey even being gone by then
DLine….sign someone to replace Holiiday. I love him but we can do better. Use ur money there.
If JT wants to comeback…CHEAP….do it. Doubtfull but i think he would play real good for not much investment. great story too…Zach is most ppls choice…but he is opposite of what we like at LB
If i run the Phins…i go after Ray Lewis…call me crazy…go ahead…that dude will go down as a top 2 LB of alltime…he LOVES Miami….and he isnt his age really…he will mess up ppl for 5 more years if he wants to. He would mold any young LB better than any coach too. Nice 3 year deal get him…anyone that says “Anyone that touches the football today…gets knocked out!”…is what i want on my side. Dude IS THE RAVENS….when he leaves so does that run on D there.
Pass on Peppers or the Darbys of the world….we need to go way young and hungry if u ask me.
Dont forget we draft sick….our 3-5th rd picks to me are like 2nd round picks.
This Ray Willis dude is a beast…i know him from my FSU days and he is underated….not a pro bowler…but a beast with a mean streak. the kinda dude when u see in person u wanna run. looks even bigger than he is listed….used to get in fights in practice all the time.
You want another DBESS cheap? Draft Preston Parker from FSU….similar to a Bess…ceiling would be real high for a late pick. While i am on Noles dudes…..Antonie Smith is the next Leon Washington…another FSU back that will have a long career and shock u at how good he is. We dont need him….but count on him being anotehr Leon.
If we dont get Boldin…or Baskett….I would like us to go veteran leadership guy at WR…..if Harrison becomes available he wont cost allot…maybe one of our 2nd tops (prob less)…and he would be a nice fit for the offense.
"Worst 2 First"...Your 2008 AFC East Champion Miami Dolphins
by Rzayo24 on Jan 15, 2009 9:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
dude you're all over the place.
You say bring in JT and Ray Lewis, then one sentence later you say you don’t want Peppers or Dansby because “we need to go way young and hungry if u ask me.” Make up your mind lol.
Then you want Marvin Harrison? Wait… you want to TRADE draft picks for Marvin Harrison? Yikes.
What is it? Do we build through the draft and with young guys, or do we trade draft picks and sign old FA’s? We’ve seen what trading picks and getting old guys does. You end up at 4-12 and 1-15.
I’d like Lewis here, but how much longer do you really think he has? He’s like Dawkins. They look like they could play another 10 years today, but it doesn’t work that way. Guys hit that wall when their bodies just give out, and for most NFL guys, it’s mid to late-30’s. I don’t want to go vet heavy at all. Get the Peppers and Dansby’s of the world, because they can grow with this team. Don’t trade draft picks for guys like Harrison, draft a guy who, 5 years down the road, will be a stud, while Harrison will be long retired.
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Jan 15, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
no no no! no harrison, and we don't need another bess
We could definitely use a pass rushing OLB. Suggs or Scott would be good, but both are gonna cost $$$. And if we are gonna spend $$$, spend it on the line. A NT/DT would make our existing LBs better, as well as the secondary.
I would agree about trading the picks for Boldin, only because he is so solid, young, and a known quantity. WRs probably have one of the highest bust rates in the draft, so if you can get Boldin with our low 1st, plus a mid rounder, take it. Otherwise, don’t trade for a WR. Sign a FA, and hope to hit on a Colston or a guy you can develop with a lower pick.
IMO
-LCFF
by LeftCoastFinFan on Jan 15, 2009 11:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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