CBS Sports Ranks Top 10 Offseason Moves That Could Make a Difference

CBS Sports recently posted a breakdown of the top ten offseason transactions that could make a difference this season. In explaining the article, CBS Sports writes, "We're talking about coaches leaving for other jobs, coaches returning to old ones, legendary players leaving for new pastures (this doesn't include Tim Tebow, by the way) and good old-fashioned trades." Of the ten noted moves, the Miami Dolphins landed two of them.

The Dolphins find themselves holding the tenth and the ninth ranked moves - and being a portion of the third move -starting with the addition of quarterback David Garrard. CBS explains:

"We all know Garrard isn't long for the starting quarterback job. Really, he might not even be there by Week 1. But with the news last week that first-round pick Ryan Tannehill hadn't yet put himself in a position to compete for the starting job, that leaves Garrard and incumbent starter Matt Moore. Sure, Moore was better than expected last season, and, yes, Garrard hasn't played in a year because of back problems. But if Garrard does take over the team, this acquisition could be fruitful for Miami. Garrard has been solid in his career, and he's a good guy from whom Tannehill can learn. Besides, he's only making $1 million guaranteed, a cheap veteran who should make the offense better."

Then, the Dolphins turn around and grabbed Chad Ochocinco, landing them the ninth spot as well.

"Okay, this is already the second Dolphins pick in this post, but I promise that I'll deliver no more for the rest of the list (I won't even mention the hiring of coach Joe Philbin). But, like Garrard, Ochocinco is a cheap investment -- his one-year contract is worth $925,000 with other incentives -- so even if he flames out and proves that he's no longer an NFL receiver, this won't cost the team much. But if Ochocinco shows that his last couple of unfruitful years in the league were anomalies, he could again be a No. 1 receiver. Especially with this group, which lost Brandon Marshall to the Bears and features the underwhelming trio of Davone Bess, Legedu Naanee and Brian Hartline. At the very least, Ochocinco will bring some much-needed attention to his hometown team."

The hiring of Philbin probably should have made the list, but that would give Miami 30% of the list, and none of the rest of the top ten are really arguably behind Philbin's hiring.

The rest of the list is:

8 - Mike Tice, Offensive Coordinator, Chicago Bears

7 - Regie McKenzie, General Manager, Oakland Raiders

6 - Brandon Carr, Cornerback, Dallas Cowboys

5 - Josh McDaniels, Offensive Coordinator, New England Patriots

4 - Jeff Fisher, Head Coach, St. Louis Rams

3 - Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears

"Like anything associated with Marshall, the Bears trade for him is a risk. Not a huge one -- the Dolphins received two third-rounders -- but not a tiny either. And though he's had his off-the-field issues, Marshall is a top-flight receiver. As a full-time starter, he's never caught fewer than 81 passes in a season, and he's never gained fewer than 1,014 receiving yards. Only once has he caught fewer than six touchdown passes in a year. Plus, he's reuniting with former Broncos teammate Jay Cutler, so there will be familiarity. Even if, as we mentioned above, the Bears move toward more of a run-based offense, there should be opportunities for Marshall to be a big contributor in what should be another tough NFC North division."

2 - Mario Williams, Defensive End, Buffalo Bills

1 - Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Denver Broncos