The Miami Dolphins placed a nonexclusive franchise tag on defensive tackle Randy Starks yesterday. The Dolphins will pay the two time Pro Bowler $8.45 million this year, fully guaranteed, assuming no other team out there decides to sign Starks, and send the Dolphins two first round draft picks.
But, was the move the right one?
Starks has spent five years with the Dolphins, splitting time between being a 3-4 defensive end and a 4-3 defensive tackle, after four years with the Tennessee Titans. Over those five years in South Florida, Starks has started 67 games, playing in all 80 games over that span. He has 22 sacks with the Dolphins, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and 175 tackles. He made the 2010 Pro Bowl, then backed it up with another trip to Hawaii this past season.
Over his nine year career, Starks has 103 starts, with 37 additional games played, 32.5 sacks, four interceptions, once forced fumble, seven fumble recoveries, and 307 tackles.
Keeping Starks in Miami keeps the Dolphins' defensive line together, and the tandem of Starks and 2011 Pro Bowler Paul Soliai coming up the middle.
Did the Dolphins make the right move with placing the franchise tag on Starks? Let us know by voting in the poll below, and discuss in the comments.