Dolphins sign Calvin Pace...or not

by Matty I on Feb 29, 2008 7:53 PM EST in News Comment 41 comments

Update [2008-3-1 1:10:9 by Matty I]: ESPN's Len Pasquarelli is also reporting Pace will indeed visit the Jets on Saturday:

Miami is also trying to sign Arizona Cardinals' free agent Calvin Pace, who visited earlier in the day, and would be the centerpiece of the club's reconfigured linebacker corps. But ESPN.com confirmed that Pace, one of the most highly sought free agents and likely to generate a $6 million-a-year contract with more than $15 million in guarantees, will visit with New York Jets officials on Saturday.

So maybe we'll have official word on his decision come Saturday night. [end update]

Update [2008-2-29 20:38:55 by Matty I]: Now the Miami Herald is reporting that Pace did not sign with the Dolphins...yet:

Calvin Pace, an edge rusher who can play defensive end or outside linebacker, said Friday that he would still take his scheduled trip to visit the New York Jets. But it certainly sounded as if he was leaning toward Miami.

''I love it,'' Pace told The Miami Herald. ``I'm feeling it. You know [Bill] Parcells, he's going to win wherever he goes. We'll see man. I might be lining up on the other side of [Miami defensive end] Jason Taylor.''

Pace, who had a breakout season with the Cardinals last season, also said he is not at all worried about joining a team that went 1-15 last year. Instead, the idea of playing for a rebuilding team is apparently alluring to many of the eight other players who have signed with the Dolphins on Friday. Pace is no exception.

''I came from Arizona,'' Pace said. ``You've got to think that's in the past. Moving forward, this is going to be a good team.''

So why the trip to New York?

''I'm happy here,'' Pace said. ``But I just feel like I should still take that trip. I've got one more trip to take, and we'll see what happens.''

And the plot thickens...[end update]

SI.com's Bucky Brooks is reporting that the Dolphins have indeed come to terms with linebacker Calvin Pace:

According to a league source, the Dolphins have agreed to terms with free agent defensive end Calvin Pace.

The fifth-year pro is coming off his best season after recording 98 tackles, including 6 1/2 sacks. The financial terms haven't been disclosed but is believed to include over $20 million in guaranteed money.

Pace's signing leaves Joey Porter's status with the team in limbo after being the team's marquee signing a season ago.

At 6'4, 272, Pace is a big, strong outside linebacker who will provide a solid pass rush. He's also very good in run support and is coming off of a breakout season. And at just 27 years of age, Pace is just now entering his prime. Sure, $20 million in guarantees is a lot, but everyone wanted a big splash and this is indeed a big splash.

Now you just have to wonder what this means for Joey Porter and/or Jason Taylor. If I had to guess, I'd say this ups the chance that Taylor gets traded. Rumors are swirling that the Packers would offer up 2nd and 4th round picks for him. Porter, though, I don't think is going anywhere because of the fact that he's still owed roughly $16 million in guarantees that would kill Miami's salary cap if he was traded or released. So look for Taylor trade rumors to heat up now once Miami officially announces the Pace signing.

Thoughts?

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Tons of LB's

So Pace, Torbor, Anderson, and http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/transactions claims the Dolphins have also signed Ian Gold. Any news on Ian Gold, is it true, and what are the speculations with Porter, Crowder and Taylor?

The Patriots Suck

by k2oconnor on Feb 29, 2008 8:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

saw the Ian Gold thing....

...but haven't heard it anywhere, so I really don't know.

by Matty I on Feb 29, 2008 8:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Any dought as to..

What defense we are useing next season? lol pretty clear now. oh, trade porter please..

by Spacefish on Feb 29, 2008 8:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Nevermind

I forgot about Poters guaranteed income, thanks Cam.

by Spacefish on Feb 29, 2008 8:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

pile up on LBs

I do like Pace, his size is great. The contract is big, but doesn't kill us.

Anybody heard anything about Bryant Johnson? I was surprised we went for Wilford so fast with Johhnson getting minimal action.

by Gliddog on Feb 29, 2008 8:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

And

more importantly what's the story with Justin Smith being in town? I was really suprised to see his name, but I haven't heard anything. I thought he was going out west for visits.

I just got done watching Total Access; how friggin cool would it be to have Adam Schefter's job? Do you think he wants an over-qualified assistant?

by Gliddog on Feb 29, 2008 8:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I love it!

Splash away!

Don't forget, these aren't just LBs, they are DEs and ST players. BP loves big LBs!

by LeftCoastFinFan on Feb 29, 2008 8:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Ian Gold

I have found nothing at all on Ian Gold and on another blog site someone was reporting that SI made a TYPO. Any thoughts.

The Patriots Suck

by k2oconnor on Feb 29, 2008 8:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Not SI... ESPN

SI didn't report the TYPO, ESPN did it.

The Patriots Suck

by k2oconnor on Feb 29, 2008 8:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't it great to read about the Fins winning?

I love reading these things!

Pace news gives Dolphins whopper of opening day in free agency

The Dolphins clearly aren't screwing around. The next phase of the rebuilding process got off to a forceful start today with precincts still reporting.

Although they still have considerable work to do, the Dolphins solidified their defense based on the information we've ascertained.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/miamidolphins/entries/2008/02/29/d olphins_having_huge_opening_d.html

by LeftCoastFinFan on Feb 29, 2008 8:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sure hope this is true...

We went about 3 hours without signing anyone...

I was REALLY starting to panic there for a bit.

Wow..

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

by azphinner on Feb 29, 2008 8:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sorry for the Bad News

This was just reported on another Blog... I don't like the sound of it... http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/439582.html
Any confirmation

The Patriots Suck

by k2oconnor on Feb 29, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

God

Just when I thought it would be impossible to hate the Jets any more than I already do. If we lose out on Pace can Justin Smith play OLB in a 3-4? Or it could make Bill lean towards Chris Long? So much action!

by Gliddog on Feb 29, 2008 8:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Jets can't pay him

He's playing us against them and they can't put out that much in guaranteed money because of there cheap owner. I think they maxed out on guarantees lol. ( I hope )

by jvw on Feb 29, 2008 8:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Parcells loves

to rotate his LBers. So I can still see him keeping Jason Taylor and drafting Long. Can you imagine 3rd and long and we put all these guys on the field at the same time. WOW what a pass rush

by jvw on Feb 29, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

OK wait...

Now we have Jason, Porter and Pace. Doesn't look like we have any room for Long now.

by cappy on Feb 29, 2008 9:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

BIG GREEN

will loose out on Pace too (they're loosing Faneca). Pace wouldn't say the positives he said and then sign somewhere else. Maybe it's just the jitters and mking sure on a big decision.

Two wins, baby, via the Jets.........

by Alpha6 on Feb 29, 2008 9:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Jevon Walker in Davie in the AM!

Hearing rumors of this....if we add Walker to our receiving corp ..... man Bill P is wasting no time....getting very pumped!

by MassFinFan65 on Feb 29, 2008 11:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Anyone know how much salary cap

we got left after all these signings?

"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 29, 2008 11:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I hope james is right again

I want pace i think he would be a great addition to the defense and give us options on draft day. We could go the safe route and get the LT we need. WoW what a day!!!!!

by jvw on Feb 29, 2008 11:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

John Clayton Praises Dolphins

John on ESPN stated that the Miami Dolphins had the best first day of Free Agency.....revamped team with many quality players on day one....when was the last time we did that?

by MassFinFan65 on Feb 29, 2008 11:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

~when was the last time we did that?~

We did that before?

"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 29, 2008 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Source Shenanigans?

but a "source" I have in the Dolphins organization, the same "source" that told me the Wilford info

I thought his source on Wilford was in the Jags organization. No?

by urbino on Feb 29, 2008 11:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

he never specified where the source was from...

...in his first e-mail about Wilford, but did say he was a Jags fan. Who knows? I just hope this guy is right...or else his inbox WILL be flooded with some hatred!

by Matty I on Feb 29, 2008 11:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

From your ed note on your Wilford...

post:

But I didn't have any idea because "James," the person who e-mailed me the Wilford info, claims he has a minor connection to the Jags organization that told him about it.

by urbino on Feb 29, 2008 11:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i stand corrected....hmm

he got caught in his own lie. That's enough. His e-mail is coming down.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

by Matty I on Mar 1, 2008 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ILB?

It seems like we've got a crapload of OLBs (plus JT, who'll play that spot in a 3-4), but the only known quantity we have on the inside, after cutting Zach, is Channing Crowder. Who's gonna play the middle?

by urbino on Feb 29, 2008 11:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Palm Beach Post

citing Sports Illustrated is saying, "According to a league source, the Dolphins have agreed to terms with free agent defensive end Calvin Pace.ated, is saying: "

Any other confirmations out there......??

by Alpha6 on Mar 1, 2008 12:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Summary of signings in video

Go to NFL.com for a video about the Dolphins on the front page.

by Beck4Mercy on Mar 1, 2008 12:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

I wonder, though, about their take on C. Long and our D-line. Why does Wilcots think C. Long is a perfect fit for the Dolphins, after all the guys who play outside we've just signed? It doesn't make any sense.

Also, they seem to just take it as a given that we're going to play a 4-3 (Long, Ferguson, Starks, Taylor). Why would we do that, now that we have Ferguson and Starks, each of whom can play NT in a 3-4? And if we were going to play a 4-3, why would we sign all these OLBs?

The whole thing just makes no sense.

by urbino on Mar 1, 2008 1:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

friends...

when the smoke clears we will be looking at a totally different team... seems like many moves are yet to be made, all draft predictions are up in the air now right?

by phranchise on Mar 1, 2008 12:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Draft Day

The Mock drafts will change now!

by MassFinFan65 on Mar 1, 2008 5:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

cool...

thanx for the NFL.com tip, a good perspective... where are we going with the DBs? seems like a big hole now.

by phranchise on Mar 1, 2008 1:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Not sure who we are going to draft

I must admit, I am now puzzled as to who to draft #1. But I am thinking it will be one of the Longs. I am not sure about trading Taylor, because you see how good DE's are with the Giant's success. So it would make sense to keep him and let him go opposite of Pace or Chris Long if we draft him. Also these guys we are bringing in can stop the run, which is what we had problems doing last year.

We need to get a few more Offensive Linemen (Jake Long anybody) and then use the draft to get the corners and safeties that we need. I would not be surprised if Travis Daniels moved back to safety as he was not a great CB. Him and that Jason Allen guy could work for us back there you think?

Overall, it was a good first day and anyone who says that we did bad must be upset that we did not open the bank for guys like Asante Samuels and Faneca. Why open the vault for 2 or 3 guys when you can bring in a lot more guys like we have for around the same money.

Also people are saying what about Porter, where would he play if we get Pace. As far as I recall it is a long game (60 minutes), and if he does not start he will find the field on special teams and other plays. If he does not perform up to the money he is making he will then find the bench. I have no time for overpaid underachieving guys anymore after last year.

Now this is what you call a plan. The only thing that would have made the day complete was having Lemon sign in Baltimore to be with his man Cam :)

by resman on Mar 1, 2008 6:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs