Dolphins begin contract negotiations with Vernon Gholston

by Matty I on Apr 10, 2008 11:40 AM EDT in News Comment 15 comments

Yesterday, it was announced that the Dolphins had begun contract talks with Michigan OT Jake Long. Now today, as pointed out by bassman, it is being reported by the Sun-Sentinel that talks are also underway between the Dolphins and Ohio State DE/OLB Vernon Gholston.

Nit surprisingly, the Dolphins are going to enter contract talks with basically all of the players that they might pick as a way to pit one agent against another, allowing the Fins to get the best deal possible. Yesterday, you'll remember, John Clayton reported that the Dolphins will also likely enter contract talks with Virginia DE/OLB Chris Long and LSU DT Glenn Dorsey. Both Clayton and and Adam Schefter believe that they will not talk with Matt Ryan, though I wonder why they wouldn't. After all, the more people the Dolphins to contract with, the better.

But as of right now, we know that the Dolphins are talking to two players, Jake Long and Vernon Gholston, about becoming the #1 overall pick. But regardless of all these reports, just keep in mind it would be surprising for a player to sign with Miami until a day or two prior to the draft.

So the long wait continues...

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Matty I'm with you

Both Clayton and and Adam Schefter believe that they will not talk with Matt Ryan, though I wonder why they wouldn't.

Why would they not at least put up a smokescreen and talk with him? We can't just sit back and say Atlanta, KC, or even Baltimore will just take a QB in the 2nd rd and give up on not trying to see their cards. Especially Atlanta. Who they got Joey Harrington and Chris Redman?? Surely they are going after a QB.

It does make me feel good that they have entered ionto talks with J. Long. Personally I said it before and I'll say it again. I think they got about 3 guys who they like. There is no clear-cut absolute #1. I think they talk with 3 guys and take the one who agrees first (for the least).

We have so many needs and anyone of these players could help our team. God knows we probably couldn't get any worse. The financial commitment is gonna be so high anyways, we don't want to drive it up more by some hot shot, smart-@ss agent trying to play hard ball.

You Savvy?

by Neo on Apr 10, 2008 11:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Diary

Hey, I started a diary about my theory of how this will play out.

That aside, there is another thing to think about. The Dolphins may be making it look like they want to pay less for their selection and deepen the perception that they want to trade and possibly on the cheap.

St. Louis on the other hand may really want either Chris or Jake Long and will be more expensive than the Dolphins as a trading partner.

Someone like Baltimore may move up to grab Matt Ryan.

It's just a thought. Check out the diary. I think it is a realistic scenario.

by The Phinisher on Apr 10, 2008 1:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This Seems

to be playing out like Peter King's theory, as pointed out by "YatilGinnJr" in the diaries. I made a similar point on how it was done by Houston (4 yrs ago?) with their #1 pick.

It makes very good business practice and sense if they keep the pick AND very good business savy if they're trying to trade it away.

Mark this as the first WIN for the Dolphins. Who says football isn't played year round?

by Alpha6 on Apr 10, 2008 2:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Since Jake Long and Ryan have the same agent...

...aren't they essentially negotiating with Ryan as well? One would assume that the price tag will be the same. And Condon wouldn't pit one player against another anyway. This could be a dance orchestrated by Condon. How can he in good faith pit one client against the other?

Until I hear some from the Dolphins say they have faith in Beck, or that they have no interest Ryan, or the draft happens, i will not belive any of it. Parcells is a master of using the media as a means to acheive his desired outcome.

by dab415217 on Apr 10, 2008 2:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just wanted to put a rumor to rest...

Despite numerous national reports, I am NOT in contract negotiations with the Miami Dolphins to be the No. 1 overall pick.

However, my wife is.

I think if they go with either Long they can't go wrong. I love Dorsey, but there are some injury issues there. I don't think it makes any sense to get a QB when you have no weapons, no line, and no system in place. Build a foundation. Find a veteran to steer the ship. Find a QB to groom later.

by Docs Sports Predictions Guy on Apr 10, 2008 2:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i think

Beck should be the "groomed." :), i still think its a mistake to get Jake in the first. I agree we need lineman, but why pay that kinda price for one lineman when you can develope 2 lineman from later rounds for the cost of one jake long?

....and as always, jets suck!

by kinghall59105 on Apr 10, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i believe

its called talent?

you can't get the kind of raw LT DNA talent too frequently with 2 late round picks, unless there is some sort of hole in the rules that will allow the dolphins to play 2 players at LT instead of 1.

by W NY Fins Fan on Apr 10, 2008 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point...

We know we are drafting from the 'worst is first' scenario the first time in Dolphins history (inaugural excluded). To me, it is clearly evident that we are looking for 'helmet to helmet' gamers to seed the rebuilding of the Miami Dolphins. IMO...'skill player' acquisitions in this year's draft will be valued as 'steals'...by the front office.

by OntheGo on Apr 11, 2008 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

talent?

So....does that mean that jeff saturday has no talent because he went undrafted? THere is always solid lineman in late rounds, they just had either crappy college pro days or whatever the case may be.

....and as always, jets suck!

by kinghall59105 on Apr 12, 2008 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

not saying guys don't slip under the radar

on occasion... but the guys on the top usually are the best players....

How many great LT starting in the NFL right now are 1st round picks and how many are 2nd round and later....

I think you'll find that some teams get by with later round picks at LT but the majority of the good ones are taken early.

by W NY Fins Fan on Apr 12, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thing is...

that it may seem clever to rub your hands together and think, oh the dolphins are so far ahead of the game. The reality is everybody else knows the tricks, the tactics, and the ploys.

This is not the NFL of the early 90's where JJ could pull the wool over many a team's collective eyes.

Nor is this a case of a player being unwilling to play for us (ala Manning with SD a few years ago).

The #1 pick, with the present financial structure, is a big liability, most especially with this year's draft group where there is no superstar like in some other drafts. Nobody wants that pick because all teams know the risks involved.

by Natalya on Apr 10, 2008 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Big 10 showdown!

Much as I prefer the Buckeyes, I'm still hoping for the Wolverine on this one.

by New York Fins Fan on Apr 10, 2008 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hear ya!

I grew up in Ohio & am a lifelong Buckeyes fan (and Michigan hater), but I'm putting that aside for my beloved Dolphins.

I think either one would be good, and Chris long, too. Dorsey is the one I have doubts about. I just smell bust with him.

by davehowardcustom on Apr 10, 2008 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

More Filling, Less Value

I think trading can still occur. Teams do not want to be tied to big contracts or have to mortgage their drafts to get the player they want.

That doesn't necessarily mean they won't trade though. Look at some of last year's trades. They came very cheap for those who moved up.

The Dolphins may move down for a 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th. It sounds like a bad deal but that may be where the value is at these days.

I trust Parcells to find two starters with a mid-round 1st and 2nd pick. I even give him a healthy shot at finding one in the 4th.

by The Phinisher on Apr 10, 2008 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Different Angle

Anyone think there is a possiblity that a team has approached Miami with the idea that they will trade with Miami if they can get a certain player signed. Therefore that team would have the #1 picked signed prior announcing the trade.

Any team that is interested in trading with Miami, would not be able to negotiate a deal with a player prior to the draft, unless that trade were to happen prior to the draft.

by NCPhinFan on Apr 10, 2008 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs