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The Miami Dolphins have, traditionally, not be active in season traders. They made a move last week to try to fix the offensive line, acquiring tackle Bryant McKinnie from the Baltimore Ravens, but even that move, one that was badly needed, was not really expected, given general manager Jeff Ireland's desire to add draft picks, not send them away. But, now, the Dolphins have an even bigger hole that has to be filled.
During yesterday's 27-17 loss to the New England Patriots, wide receiver Brandon Gibson injured his knee and is expected to be out for the remainder of the year. The Dolphins have only been carrying four wide receiver this year, Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Gibson, and Rishard Matthews. They also have two receivers on the practice squad, Nathan Palmer and Ryan Spadola. However, with Gibson likely gone for the year, the Dolphins will likely look outside the team for a replacement.
This Tuesday marks the trade deadline for the NFL, meaning Miami has a chance to try to get something completed to bolster the roster. The top name on the market appears to be New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks, though it does not appear the Giants are that eager to move him. The team is expected to ask for at least a third round pick, and probably more, to agree to a deal. Nicks is entering the final year of his contract, so an extension may need to be part of any trade.
Larry Fitzgerald could be another receiver available this year, though reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter yesterday said the Arizona Cardinals will likely wait until after the season to agree to trade their receiver. That's not saying they will not make a deal, but they are not expecting any offer to meet their demands this year. And, a trade of Fitzgerald would have to include a re-working of his contract. Fitzgerald's salary cap number for next season is $18 million, increasing to $21.25 million in 2015.
The Cleveland Browns have reportedly been shopping receiver Josh Gordon, though they don't seem to be in a rush to make a deal. It is expected to take at least a second round draft pick to bring in the second year player, making him one of the more expensive players, compensation wise, on the market. The Browns used a second round pick in 2012 to select Gordon.
On the other end of the spectrum, Tennessee Titans wide out Kenny Britt could be a cheap option, but it's because he has simply become a problem for the Titans. They really want to get rid of Britt, but that is making teams not want to go get him. Britt's production has completely disappeared, and he has lost his starting job, so he might be cheap, but he might not bring anything of use to Miami if they made that trade. A change of location could make a difference, but it might not either.
The Dolphins are not the only team who could be looking to add a wide receiver over the next 36 hours or so. The Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, and Detroit Lions all have been rumored to be in the market, meaning a bidding war could elevate the price of any of these guys. Will the Dolphins pay for someone, or will they try to play the rest of the season with the guys they have? We'll know by 4pm ET on Tuesday.
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