Free Agency Predictions

by Matty I on Feb 28, 2008 12:03 AM EST in News Comment 23 comments

With less than 24 hours to go now until the free agency period officially kicks off, I thought it might be fun to put our names on the line and make some predictions.

Prediction #1: List 5 players you think the Dolphins will sign. These players can be restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, and Miami's own free agents.

Prediction #2: Tell us what team you think the following free agents will end up with: Michael Turner, Bernard Berrian, Alan Faneca, Justin Smith, Lance Briggs, and Asante Samuel.

Here are my predictions:

The Dolphins will sign...

Flozell Adams - Yes, he's old. But Tony Sparano loves him and he's a guy that can come in here and provide some stability along the line, letting our QB (whoever it will be) actually have a chance to make plays down field rather than being forced to run for his life and throw short, quick passes under pressure.

Justin Smiley - He's a guy who, at only 26, is just entering the prime of his career and who is a solid blocker. He is coming off of a torn labrum, though, but is reportedly going to be fine by the time camp rolls around.

Eugene Wilson - The Dolphins need some help at safety. Wilson can come in here and, if he can stay healthy, is an instant upgrade as free safety.

Jacques Reeves - Reeves is only 25 and played relatively well as a starter in Dallas last year while filling in for the injured Terence Newman and Anthony Henry. He's a player who could provide solid depth, but I'd be worried if he is counted on to start opposite Will Allen. With his obvious ties to Todd Bowles, I think I'd be more surprised if he didn't end up in Miami.

Bryant Johnson - The Dolphins clearly need to bring in at least one receiver. It won't be Bernard Berrian, that's for sure. Will it be Johnson? I have no idea, as I haven't really even heard anything about him on the market. So, really, this is more wishful thinking than based on any known facts or rumors. He's a big, physical receiver that would be a good fit starting opposite of Ted Ginn.

Now for the predictions of those other 6 players I mentioned above...

Michael Turner: I think it's going to be between the Bucs and the Texans. The Bucs have more cap room but Turner will probably get more carries in Houston. Considering he probably doesn't want to take the chance of possibly losing carries after sitting for years behind LaDainian Tomlinson, I think he'll end up in Houston.

Bernard Berrian: The Vikings seem to have a good receiver in Sidney Rice, but they need another. Berrian would make an ideal match to pair up with Rice and give Minnesota a legitimate deep threat to coincide with their great 1-2 punch at running back.

Alan Faneca: A lot of teams are going to want this guy, including the Dolphins. But I think it will be the Jets who offer up the most cash to reel him in. After all, the Jets saw last year after trading Pete Kendall how important a great, veteran guard is to help out both Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson.

Justin Smith: I think it's going to come down to 2 teams, the 49ers and the Rams. He's from St. Louis, but I don't think he will give the Rams a hometown discount. Look for the Niners to throw more cash his way and for him to land in San Fran.

Lance Briggs: This one will be interesting, as I don't really have any good idea on where he'll end up. So I'll say he lands in Tampa Bay. After all, he'll be a perfect fit in that defense and the Bucs do have a boatload of cap room to spend.

Asante Samuel: I know I'm not going out on a limb here, but I think he will eventually end up in New Orleans. They really need a top corner to bolster that defense and they, too, have a ton of cap room (just under $40 million according to NFL.com).

Again, just to reiterate...

Prediction #1: 5 Dolphins
Flozell Adams
Justin Smiley
Eugene Wilson
Jacques Reeves
Bryant Johnson

Prediction #2: The other 6 players we're going to try and predict
Michael Turner - Texans
Bernard Berrian - Vikings
Alan Faneca - Jets
Justin Smith - 49ers
Lance Briggs - Bucs
Asante Samuel - Saints

So what are your predictions? Post them below. Again, it's 5 Dolphin signings and then predict the destination of those 6 top free agents above.

I plan on keeping track and, once all is said and done, seeing who gets the most correct. You won't win anything, but it'll give you some bragging rights I suppose.

Go post your predictions prior to the start of free agency at 12:01 am on Friday.

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Interesting tidbit

From the PBP:
"In 2001, coach Bill Belichick's second year, New England signed 22 free agents who became the foundation of the '02 Super Bowl champions."

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2008/02/28/a1c_fins_0228.html

by LeftCoastFinFan on Feb 28, 2008 2:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Predictions

For the 5 players the Dolphins will sign:

Alan Faneca- I think the Dolphins will chase hard after him. He's relatively young and will come cheaper than Flozell in my opinion. He'll be an anchor for this line for at least 5-7 years.

Eugene Wilson- A young safety with a lot of potential who should come cheap. He'll sign as soon as we offer cuz he'll start on day one.

Bryant Johnson- We need a big and physical receiver that can run through the middle and let Ginn take off down field. He's extremely underrated, playing behind Fitzgerald and Boldin.

Justin Smiley- Our line is dissolving and he'll be cheap cuz of his injury and it would be silly not to just sign him and see how he does.

David Carr- My most bold prediction but hear me out. He's extremely underrated. Let me say again; extremely underrated. He's still quite young and has the veteran experience Parcells and Co. are looking for at the QB position. He has solid character and will be a great help to Beck. And should Beck struggle, he could easily step in and lead this team. He's had unfair criticism while playing in Houston (who never had a line) and Carolina (who never lives up to the expectations)

Now for the other 6:

Micheal Turner- Seahawks. They need a new back, he needs the spotlight; match made in heaven.

Bernard Berrian- 49ers, Raiders. This one is hard. the '9ers and Raiders are said to want him and both have the cash to make it happen. I think the '9ers will focus on Briggs and I think the Raiders who want to make a splash will pick him up. Besides, they need a legit deep threat for Russel.

Alan Faneca- Dolphins. Like I said before, he'll get our biggest contract offer, and he'll sign.

Justin Smith- Rams. Big boy will go home. A team that is much better than it's record, they play in his hometown, and will drop the big dollar on him.

Lance Briggs- 49ers. They tried to get him before the trade deadline last year but it fell through. They have the cap room to give him the deal he wants and the '9ers would love nothing more than to help San Fran fans forget the catastrophe that was Nate Clements.

Asante Samuel- Bucs. $44 million under the cap. Wow. I mean wow. The Bucs will give him whatever he wants and have more upside than the Jets or Saints.

So to recap:

Dolphins will sign:
Alan Faneca
Eugen Wilson
Bryant Johnson
Justin Smiley
David Carr

The rest:
Micheal Turner- Seahawks
Bernard Berrian- Raiders
Alan Faneca- Dolphins
Justin Smith- Rams
Lance Briggs- 49ers
Asante Samuel- Bucs

by Enhalo on Feb 28, 2008 3:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Carr?

At first I was going to ask if you were smoking Crack with the Carr being "extremely underrated" comment, but then I thought about it and realized that he's viewed as one of the worst players in the league. So, he can't really be any worse than people rate him...he can ONLY be underrated!

That said, I lost all confidence in him this year. He showed potential in Houston, but looked terrible running the Carolina O. Even as short as Carolina falls, they generaly have a good O, especially with Smith....Carr couldn't even get him the ball! Vinny Bag o donuts did a better job, and he grew up with Carr's grandfather!

by Gliddog on Feb 28, 2008 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah but

Smith didn't nearly play at his level this year. And Carolina, who not only didn't play as good as they were, also had a ton of injuries. And keep in mind that in the 6 games he played in, he was sacked 13 times. So the reason I say he's underrated is that he's never played in a system where he's not gun shy and can actually think for a sec before he has to get rid of the ball.

by Enhalo on Feb 28, 2008 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

it has more to do with carr than the system in terms of sacks. He's had this issue EVERY year in the league. And Vinnie didn't have half the problems Carr had with the exact roster.

by Gliddog on Feb 28, 2008 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Predictions

Flozell Adams
Justin Smiley
Eugene Wilson
Jacques Reeves
Bryant Johnson

Well that would be a big disappointment, with all the money we have to spend most of those signings are other teams cast offs. I understand you're trying to be reasonable, but if that's the best we can do I'll consider the signing period a failure. I would rather not sign anyone then players like Smiley, Reeves and Johnson.

Of those three, we had the same level of talent in the players we still have or just released. So to me it makes no sense to sign the same type of players.

by feelthepain on Feb 28, 2008 7:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

This Class of Free Agents...

...is disappointing overall. However, there are quite a few players, and much better ones I'm sure, that will hit the streets in the coming weeks. I'd bide my time and only go after Faneca hard, maybe Flo Adams, then sign some relatively cheap mid-level FA's. Then keep a lot of money and wait for the shoe to drop on the next group. Teams will hold onto players they plan on releasing until a couple weeks after the start of the FA period in hopes of giving themselves a better chance to re-sign their own.

by dab415217 on Feb 28, 2008 8:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'd replace Faneca with Starks

How does the transition tag work anyway?
Matty's list is more realistic of anything.

by Patssuck456 on Feb 28, 2008 8:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I mean

If anything

by Patssuck456 on Feb 28, 2008 8:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

transition tag just gives 'em a chance to match

but they don't get any picks if he leaves.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Feb 28, 2008 1:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My Predictions

Dolphins sign:
Flozell Adams-a no brainer since he played for this regime before
They will make a push for Faneca but fall short as he will sign with the Jets.
Bryant Johnson will not be a Dolphin. He will sign with a team like the Raiders or 9ers.
Asante Samuel will sign with the Saints as a deal is pretty much in place.
Eugene Wilson will sign with the dolphins as will Reeves.
Berrian will decide between the 9ers and Vikings.Eventually going to the Vikings.
Dolphins sign Leftwich for Vet Qb help.
Dolphins trade for Shawn Rogers.
Dolphins draft Chris Long
Dolphins draft safety with 1st pick of 2nd round and draft Henne or Flacco with other pick.
For the Others;
Turner: Texans, or Broncos...imagine him the broncos system
Smith: goes back home to St louis
Smiley will be a Dolphin
Briggs will be a redskin...they wanted him last year and now they make another push for him

by detdolfan on Feb 28, 2008 10:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

My Predictions

Dolphins 5:
Flozell Adams
Marques Douglas
Jacob Bell
Gibril Wilson
Gus Frerotte

Other 6:
Michael Turner - Texans
Bernard Berrian - Vikings
Alan Faneca - Jets
Justin Smith - Rams
Lance Briggs - 49ers
Asante Samuel - Saints

Other FA's I think the Dolphins could sign or will consider are Jacob Bell, Madieu Williams, Keith Davis, Brian Kelly, Ty Law, Kendrell Bell, and Bryant Johnson.

by JMFlyer1454 on Feb 28, 2008 10:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Oops

I meant consider Justin Smiley, not Jacob Bell again.

by JMFlyer1454 on Feb 28, 2008 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

Dolphins get

Flo Adams
Jacques Reeves

Psh ya know what, after that I have no idea what Parcells and Ireland have up their sleeve.

Alan Faneca - Jets
Asante Samuel - Saints
DeShaun Foster - 49ers
Bernard Berrian - Vikings
Michael Turner - Houston

"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 Feb 28, 2008 10:49 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

2008 FA's

Dolphins will sign:

Julius Jones
Max Starks
Paul Spicer
Terrance Copper
Yeremiah Bell
Gus Ferrotte (I didn't know he was available, he was good and cheap for us in '05)

Phatfinfan

by phatfinfan on Feb 28, 2008 11:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Finguy23's predictions:

Flozell Adams-- I was against this at first, but if we draft a "project" LT, we can use him as a tutor while we prepare his successor.
Justin Smiley-- Reports are that we will go after him pretty hard, and I like the sound of him and Vernon Carey manning the right side of our Offensive Line.
Calvin Pace-- We obviously need a LB, and he has already said we are one of his options... not to mention the question marks surrounding JT since he has decided to Dance. I think he would be a great pickn up for us.
Bryant Johnson-- We obviously need a WR, and no matter how much I like DJ Hackett, he is injured more often than not. So, I am gonna go with Bryant. Being behind stars like Boldin and Fitzgerald, anyone could get left out, and I think that is what happened to Bryant Johnson. He is a big, physical receiver with good speed, but he can go over the middle and catch the vall very, very well. In conclusion... the type of player Parcells and company want.
Todd Collins-- From what I hear, Todd really wants to come to Miami. His agent has already said he will contact us. We need a vetern QB, and he fits the mold perfectly.

Other 6 Free agents:
Turner-- This is tough... Tampa, Seattle, Houston? How about Chicago? The Bears need a RB to complimentBenson, and who is better than Turner? He could even replace Benson, if Benson fails to show anything like he has done so well.

Berrian-- Here I am going to go with Cleveland. The browns need another playmaker receiver opposite Braylon Edwards, and Berrian would be a good fit with his blistering speed.

Faneca-- Jets. They are gonna wayyyy overpay for him becaust they have money to throw around, and they really, really want him.

Justin Smith-- 49ers... they seem to really want this guy yo replace Marques Douglas.

Lance Briggs-- Washington really wanted him last year... so I will say Washington, though San Fran may throw big bucks his way...

Asante Samuel -- The Saints will offer him the contract he wants. New Orleans.

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Feb 28, 2008 11:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

My 5

Flozell Adams - No other choice here. Hopefully the Cowboys will not re-sign him.
Justin Smiley - Faneca is too much. Too much money and too many years. This is a better signing.
Bryant Johnson - This is the one I'll have my eye on. Hopefully he'll turn into a great possession guy for us. WR is a must in the off-season.
Rosie Colvin - I'll go with the Pats vet over Pace.
Veteran QB/Eugene Wilson - I wish I had a name here. Hopefully Volek, but I see an older guy coming./ I think we can get Eugene for a small price. He's had some injuries but his first 2 years in the league really made me like this guy. Very versatile.

The 6

Michael Turner - Jets - They can now go Defense with their 1st pick.
Bernard Berrian - Bears - A must re-sign for a team trying to get back.
Alan Faneca - Cards or Jets. Hopefully not us.
Justin Smith - Denver. Trying to fix that line for 4 years and counting.
Lance Briggs - 49ers. Although I don't understand why they would want a 4-3 outside LB for a 3-4 system. Maybe they're moving him inside.
Asante Samuel - Watch out for a team like the Titans or Browns here but I'll say the Redskins or Saints.

Matt

by Matt27 on Feb 28, 2008 1:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ernest Wilford to Miami?

I just read some info from a Jacksonville Jaguars Fan, who said he has "inside information" that the Dolphins will sign Ernest Wilford tomorrow. I know, I know... no link/proof, but I thought I would share the information. Here's wxactly what he had to say:

"Indications here in Jax looks like you guys will sign Ernest Wilford (WR) tomorrow when FA opens, know this first hand info. I will be the first to say I am dissapointed in the Jags for letting him go, as he is a great value and one hell of a good guy in the community. I think you guys will get an excellent 2nd or 3rd reciever at a great price and will be suprised how well he fits inwith your team. He doesnt have a lot of speed but will work the middle of the field, catch almost anything thrown his way, and always came through for the Jags in clutch situations (several game winning catches), and is just an overall blue collar player. Hate to see him leave Jax, but thats the business side of the NFL. Congrats"

What do you guys think about this? I mean if we did sign him... Good, Bad???

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Feb 28, 2008 1:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Not Bad

Anything at this point.

Matt

by Matt27 on Feb 28, 2008 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Phins 5

Phins will sign:
OG Jacob Bell
CB Drayton Florence
LB Landon Johnson
S Gibril Wilson
WR Bryant Johnson/Ernest Wilford

These players will end up in:
Michael Turner - Bucs
Bernard Berrian - Vikings
Alan Faneca - Cards
Justin Smith - Rams
Lance Briggs - 49ers.
Asante Samuel - Saints

by Green Phin on Feb 28, 2008 2:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

My Wish List

Free Agency:
T - Flozell Adams
T - Max Starks
G - Justin Smiley
G - Jacob Bell
G - Rex Hadnot
WR - Bryant Johnson, Drew Carter or Ernest Wilford
S - Yeremiah Bell
S - Eugene Wilson
CB - Jacques Reeves
CB - Drayton Florence or Ty Law
LB - Calvin Pace or Kawika Mitchell
QB - Todd Collins, Gus Ferrotte or Byron Leftwich
DT - Randy Starks

Draft:
Trade the #1 to Atlanta for there #3 and (CB)D. Hall.
R1 pick - DE - Chris Long
R2a pick - TE - Dustin Keller
R2b pick - QB - Joe Flacco or QB - Chad Henne
R3 pick - DT - Trevor Laws
R4 pick - RB - Mike Hart
R6 pick - S - Tom Zbikowski
R7 pick - G - Shannon Tevaga or QB - Matt Flynn

by JohnDolphin73 on Feb 28, 2008 4:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

And the Future says:

Posting this late in the predictions game is a little bit of a cheat, since there's news already on some these players --- either being signed or otherwise unavailable.

But, I'm gonna play anyway. So here's my scratch on the lotto ticket...

Prediction #1, the Dolphins will sign: WR Ernest Wilford (yeah, that's a cheat), and OT Maurice Williams, OLB Calvin Pace, S Eugene Wilson, RB Julius Jones.

Prediction #2, the following go to: RB Michael Turner to the 49ers. DE Justin Smith to the Rams. OLB Lance Briggs to the 49ers. WR Bernard Berrian to the Vikings. OG Alan Faneca AND CB Asante Samuel go to the Jets.

GO DOLPHINS!!

by Alpha6 on Feb 28, 2008 10:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs