**BREAKING NEWS: Dolphins begin contract negotiations with Jake Long**

BREAKING NEWS: Dolphins begin contract negotiations with Jake Long

by Matty I on Apr 9, 2008 4:26 PM EDT in News Comment 32 comments

Update [2008-4-9 21:17:4 by Matty I]: Besides Jake Long, ESPN's John Clayton is reporting that the Dolphins will also talk contract with Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey. Clayton writes that no deal with any of these players will likely be struck until a day or two before April 26's draft. Clayton, along with Adam Schefter report that the Dolphins will not enter contract talks with Matt Ryan, all but ending the speculation that Ryan could go number one overall.

I hate to say "I told you so," but I did tell you so!!

Anyways, it's interesting that Dorsey is in the mix. I do think, though, that he is in the mix more so as leverage for the Dolphins while they talk to the two Longs. But Clayton seems to think Jake Long is the preferred pick if they can just get his agent, Tom Condon (who is an ass) to come to terms on a deal. Interesting times ahead, guys and gals! [end update]

The Miami Herald is reporting that the Dolphins have begun contract negotiations with the agent for Michigan OT Jake Long. Tom Condon, who is also Matt Ryan's agent, has been in Davie already on behalf of Long at the Dolphins' request. Of course, the idea here is to reach a deal prior to the draft so that nobody has to worry about a long holdout that prevents the #1 pick from getting into training camp on time. We all remember how ugly Jason Allen's holdout got and we know that owner Wayne Huizenga vows to never again go through a situation like that. Last year, the Dolphins did get all of their picks, including first round pick Ted Ginn, under contract and into camp on time.

The article adds that the Dolphins still like Chris Long, though no talks have started between the Dolphins and his agent:

Miami is still intrigued by Virginia defensive end Chris Long, but no in-person talks between Chris Long's agent and Miami are believed to have taken place to date. However, the Dolphins are believed to be happy with quarterback John Beck, and they are not considering Ryan as an option with the first pick.

The latest meeting between Condon and the team doesn't necessarily mean the Dolphins have made their final decision to select Jake Long over Chris Long, but it is certainly a major step in that direction.

I'm actually a bit surprised at this just because I think it's kind of early. However, this is just the beginning. I'd be stunned if the Dolphins did not also start contract talks with Chris Long in the coming days as well.

It's interesting that Jeff Darlington writes the Dolphins are happy with John Beck. No, it's not surprising to me because I do think he's going to be a good quarterback. But I just didn't think the Dolphins would let on to their feelings on John prior to the draft.

Regardless, the games have begun, Dolphin fans!!

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Breaking news...

or is it?

Several of us have discussed the distinct possibility that the dolphins would begin negotiations with the top candidate(s) for the #1 pick.

Parcells is big on players being in camp and I don't think he'd risk picking a player who might holdout because of a contract. Especially if the top candidates are pretty even as far as ranking which Jake and Chris Long, certainly seem to be.

by Natalya on Apr 9, 2008 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No doubt Nat.

I am pretty sure he is not the only candidate that they will negotiate with prior to the draft.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 9, 2008 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I think they like all 3 guys and wouldn't be suprised at all to see them take the one who agrees with the 1st (possibly -lowest-) contract offer.

The only thing that is kinda breaking is Glenn Dorsey. His pro-day workout must have really put behind some health concerns.

You Savvy?

by Neo on Apr 9, 2008 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

More Breaking News

Parcells knows what he is doing! News at 11!

headline should read:

**Expected News**

Parcells does the smart thing that even the most novice of fans knew should happen.

by dab415217 on Apr 10, 2008 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Precisely...

I mean here we are on an internet blog and we know what's going on.

As if the collective brain trust of GM's, agents, and owners somehow didn't have access to the same info...

by Natalya on Apr 10, 2008 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

EXACTLY! I am getting a littled annoyed

with this stuff like the front page of Yahoo!
"Surprise No. 1 NFL pick?
The Miami Dolphins are working on a deal that could lead to a surprising top selection in the draft. » Who?"

WhoHoo!!! BIGGGGG SURPRISE!

When I saw that I got worried that maybe they were going to pick Colt Brennen or something... THAT would be a surprise... not Jake Long!

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 10, 2008 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Woah...

However, keep in mind negotiations are usually worked out with many of the players they may look at. It helps them choose who is a better fit by not looking to hold out. Interesting though. As much as I love Chris Long, this definitely fills out greatest need in the best way.

Let this season BE GINN!

by JPenedo on Apr 9, 2008 4:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It is breaking news...

For once, we get some insight into what the Dolphins are doing regarding the draft. We have some concrete evidence as to their strategy. They are going to be doing these possible contracts with all of the players they have rated in the top five. Hopefully the tactic they are using, could scare a team into trading up to get the player they want. Then Miami could get some extra picks, and get out of that contractual mess that is the first overall pick. I think the part about Condon being Long's and Ryan's agent is interesting!!!

When it is all said and done, and April 26th has come and gone...At least we fin fans can say this has been a fun offseason with all of the hoopla created by the Big Three. Enjoy the magic carpet ride folks!!!

And with the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...The Miami Dolphins select...Glenn Dorsey-LSU

by FinzD54 on Apr 9, 2008 5:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

WEW-FUCKING-HOO!

by davehowardcustom on Apr 9, 2008 5:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

you sound really excited.
;)

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 9, 2008 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm gonna channel my inner Jim Mandich

Bring on that big mamma jamma from Meeeeeeeeeeeechigan!!

http://canemutiny.blogspot.com A fans view of Miami Hurricanes Football and Basketball

by Little Nicky 21 on Apr 9, 2008 6:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Intresting

For a FO that is very tight lipped. Im surprised that this info is out so early. They want this info out there for a reason. If Jake was the pick we wouldnt be reading about this 2 and hlf weeks before the draft. I think they have something there trying to do with this news like get the guy they want to take less money? scare the rams into trading for the pick? Maybe they already traded the pick on the condition they sign Jake to a certain gur. amount. WOW who knows but I love it and I think we all will be surprised what these guys pull off on draft day. The best thing about it is whoever we pick he will be needed. Talk about a Win Win situation.

by jvw on Apr 9, 2008 6:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's

what I'm talking about. Never has Parcells and team been like this. And they won't start with the Dolphins like this.

It's a trade baby! It's a trade!

by Alpha6 on Apr 9, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glory Positions

Lets face it...taking Jake Long at #1 is what we need and can use....it is just not a glory position like Matt Ryan or even Chris Long (semi-glory)! But if Bill P is happy with Beck....I am happy with Beck & Jake Long will only make Beck Better.....go for it!! I was first thinking glory as well....but battles start in the trenches....trenches just don't get the glory....although the defensive trenches of the Giants may have changed that in the Superbowl!
Also look at what the Browns did with their first pick last year & look at how they improved!!

by MassFinFan65 on Apr 9, 2008 7:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Smoke and mirrors folks...

smoke and mirrors.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 9, 2008 7:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just for the record....

Clayton says, "Parcells apparently doesn't want to take Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan with the first pick."

I haven't seen the Schefter quote, but it's hard to believe he knows anything more that anyone else. It is all speculation at this point.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 9, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You know what would be funny?

With all the wild theories about bluffs and trades and such... what if they just pick Jake Long, sign him and keep him? Imagine! It sounds like many of you would find that shocking for its mere simplicity. LOL

Matty, why is Condon an ass? I know nothing about him other than seeing his name all the time. Must be a pretty successful ass.

by New York Fins Fan on Apr 9, 2008 11:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A very successful ass

He's great for his clients, but that's bad news for the team trying to sign on of his players. He's tough to negotiate with and will hold out for as much money as possible.

by Matty I on Apr 9, 2008 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't Condon

Brady Quinn's agent? I bet Quinns thanks him everyday of his NFL career:

Via PFT:

The fact that the Dolphins are talking to Long highlights the potential conflict of interest for his agent, Tom Condon.

Condon also represents Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan. If/when the Fins negotiate with Condon about Ryan, they'll be talking to the same person about whether a deal will be done with either of his two clients.

It's actually a multi-layered conflict of interest for Condon. If the Fins are willing to make Ryan the No. 1 overall pick with a deal equal to or less than the contract paid a year ago to Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, Ryan needs to ask himself whether, in the end, he'll make as much or more if he's not the No. 1 overall pick.

At best, Ryan would otherwise be No. 3. If the Falcons don't select him with the third overall pick, he could fall to No. 5 (Chiefs), No. 6 (Jets), or No. 8 (Ravens). If he gets past No. 8, he likely will make it into the teens.

So with the money dropping astronomically once a player falls beyond the top three or four picks, Ryan would be wise to get the best deal done at No. 1.

But, for Condon, doing a "bad" deal at No. 1 would open him up to relentless criticism from other agents, who'd use the contract aggressively in recruiting future players whom Condon has targeted.

Last year, there were rumors that the Raiders had made an offer at No. 1 to quarterback Brady Quinn, also a Condon client. In hindsight, Quinn surely would have preferred to take whatever he could have gotten in Oakland -- he eventually was picked at No. 22, and he's now stuck on the bench in Cleveland with a contract that won't pay him big money unless he plays.

The man has to be asking himself "Why me?".

I personally don't think that Condon has very much leverage at all while talking with the Fins.

You Savvy?

by Neo on Apr 10, 2008 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

PS

Not saying they wiil go after Ryan, just saying he really doesn't want to see ANOTHER potential client not go #1 because of him does he?

You Savvy?

by Neo on Apr 10, 2008 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

MAYBE NOT!

He has said he always dreamed of playing for the Browns. He grew up in Columbus.

Although I'm SURE he wanted (and egotistically thought he DESERVED #1 pick money), he's probably happier being in Cleveland than playing for Al Davis at the black hole of lost careers.

by davehowardcustom on Apr 13, 2008 2:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I hope that's exactly what happens.

No smoke and mirrors, just sign the guy.

Some people try to find things in this game that don't exist but football is only two things - blocking and tackling. ~Vince Lombardi

by ratenxs on Apr 10, 2008 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

most likely

this means dorsey or C long will be the top pick and here's why. Jake has the least reason to give a first pick discount since he most likely would be the 2nd pick in the draft, very worst case 5th pick. So he is at most risking a couple of mil by playing hardball and holding out for top pick money.

Now, dorsey is interesting, since no one knows for sure where he will go. he is maybe one of two players(mcfadden the other) with top pick talent in this draft but due to various question marks (position/injuries) he could fall a long way, but is still most likely a top 5 pick. So depending on his willingness to gamble he may also not be risking much holding out for top pick money.

C long has the most to lose, and the as a result most to gain by reaching a deal to go #1. any other year its not likely that he's a #1 pick(heck some would argue he's not even the best linebacker in the draft), nor is linebacker a place where teams expend the top pick (usually too short of a career). And if the dolphins don't take him #1 he easily could fall to the bottom part of the top 10, so he's gambling ?10 mil? guaranteed money and giving the dolphins a top pick discount vs last years money might be worth it to him....

Now all this being said, hearing dolphins talking to J Long makes me very happy. there aren't too many shots at getting stud left tackles, and you have to get them when you can. Plus he give the phins some power to let carey walk if his contract demands get out of wack....

by W NY Fins Fan on Apr 9, 2008 11:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think, therefore I am...

...still convinced that Parcells and Co. will trade out of the number one pick.

by misterx on Apr 9, 2008 11:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No way bro...

He has just as much to lose as the other two. Dorsey would either go to Atlanta or Oakland. Long would either go to St. Louis, New yOrk Jets, or even the Patriots. What does it matter, if you get a guaranteed 30 million, or 25 million? They will still be a lock to be a top 7 pick, and make more than any of us in our lifetime, without ever playing one down, in the NFL!!!!!

And with the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...The Miami Dolphins select...Glenn Dorsey-LSU

by FinzD54 on Apr 10, 2008 7:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope we pick either Long

This is my 56785 post stating this I think.

by Patssuck456 on Apr 10, 2008 9:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Im surprised

That BP and Co. arent even negotiating a contract with Matt Ryan as a "smokescreen" in the hopes of getting Atlanta to bite.

by Finskikass on Apr 10, 2008 11:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, you told those 7% so...

...that voted on your own poll that who they thought the Dolphins would pick at #1.

Good job gloating on what 93% of the people who voted, thought was obvious.

By the way, the draft hasn't happened yet. I would not want to be you should the Dolphins shock everyone and pick Ryan.

by dab415217 on Apr 10, 2008 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

you're funny.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 10, 2008 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But the point is...

...some people around here (I won't mention any names, but you know who you are) were coming on here and insisting that Matt Ryan was definitely the pick. And I kept saying it wont happen.

Now all those pro-Ryan guys should realize that he will not be coming to Miami.

by Matty I on Apr 10, 2008 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs