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Dolphins sign Calvin Pace...or not

By Matt Infante

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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