Second in series: Grade Ireland, Parcells trades

[This is the second in a series of posts about the Dolphins personnel department. Today we look at the trades Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells made in 2008. Next: Ireland and Parcells in free agency.]

Let's get this out of the way right away: Jeff Ireland and Bill Parcells did a fantastic job last offseason whenever they got on the phone with other NFL personnel men and agreed to exchange players or draft picks or both.

So, to dispense with the formalities, both get a rousing ovation from the peanut gallery for their trade acumen in 2008. Both deserves an A for their jobs. Both should put in for their raises immediately ... oh, Parcells is about to do that already. Never mind.

But for the sake of the exercise, it must be noted these two men go into this Dolphins offseason with still much to do. So let us recount the trades they made this season and the reasons you should love them to try more trades in the coming months.

The TRADES: There were plenty of them and it began with the raiding of the Dallas Cowboys. Jason Ferguson was acquired for a 2009 sixth-round draft pick and the exchange of the teams' sixth rounders last year. Ferguson rewarded the Dolphins with 13 starts in 15 games and was a good anchor at nose tackle. Yes, he's a stopgap at the position. But the Dolphins didn't have anyone else. They need to address that spot this offseason. A little-known factoid about this trade is the Dolphins used the sixth-round pick from Dallas on Donald Thomas, who earned a starting right guard spot in the season opener before getting injured. The Cowboys used the sixth they got from Miami on linebacker Erick Walden, who they eventually waived. After the Chiefs claimed and then waived Walden, the Dolphins claimed him from the Chiefs. In other words, the Dolphins traded their sixth-round pick this year for Ferguson, Donald Thomas and Erik Walden, who showed promise on Miami's special teams and I think will be a good player down the road.

On April 26, the Dolphins traded a fourth-round pick to Dallas for Anthony Fasano and Akin Ayodele. On that same day, the team got a fourth-round pick from Philadelphia for Lorenzo Booker. The Dolphins essentially traded Booker, a player they had determined would not play a role in the offense, for the team's new starting tight end and a starting inside linebacker. Oh yeah, thumbs up!

On April 27, the Dolphins traded away another fourth-round pick (115 overall) and a seventh-round pick (208 overall) to Chicago in exchange for Chicago's fourth round pick (110 overall). The move put the Dolphins in position to draft guard Shawn Murphy of Utah State. Murphy did not play in any games in 2008, which is a disappointment considering the team eventually resorted to Andy Alleman and Ikechucku Ndukwe as its starters. Unless Murphy gets his act together, this trade will have resulted in no benefit to Miami.

On July 20, with much uncertainty about Jason Taylor's future hovering about, the Dolphins said good-bye to their most decorated player. It was a bittersweet moment for everyone but Bill Parcells who didn't want any unhappy players in the locker room at the start of training camp. Taylor, eager to play for a contender and doubting the Dolphins would contend, wanted out. He got a ticket punched for Washington and was thrilled about that. The Dolphins got a second-round draft pick in the coming draft and a sixth-rounder in 2010.

Taylor started eight games for the Redskins and contributed 3.5 sacks. Before the season was over, he admitted he wasn't worth the $8 million Washington was paying him in salary and he expects to be cut this offseason. Because the Redskins failed to meet Taylor's (or their own) expectations, and finished with an 8-8 record, they will draft 13th in the first round. The Dolphins now own Washington's pick in the second round, which is higher than their own pick in the round. We don't know what that second-round pick will bring, but the trade looks to be tipping in Miami's favor at the moment.

On Aug. 20, the Dolphins pulled the trigger on sending cornerback Travis Daniels to Cleveland for a seventh-round selection. The Dolphins were planning to waive Daniels within 10 days. So they got something for him, albeit only a final round pick this coming draft. Daniels, meanwhile, didn't exactly light things up in Cleveland. He played in seven games and started in one. He had five tackles without an interception or a pass defensed.

Ireland and Parcells made a free agent signing mistake on Josh McCown -- we'll get to that tomorrow. They tried to get out from under that error by trading McCown to the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 27. Miami got a seventh-round pick in exchange for McCown. McCown got in two games but did not throw a pass for the Panthers in 2008. This trade was a save-face move. At least the signing doesn't go down as a total loss.

The ROUNDUP: Can you find one trade that screams major mistake? I cannot. The move to get Murphy made sense at the time. It has not worked out, but is it a major error? Not really. Can you find one trade that suggests the Dolphins lost on the exchange? Again, no. Can you find reasons to think picking up four starters, a 2009 second-round pick, a special teams player, two 2009 seventh-round picks, and a 2010 sixth-round pick for one starter, one backup cornerback, a failed free agent quarterback, and an unproven third-down back is good business?

I can.

The FINAL WORD: The next trade Ireland and Parcells make for the Dolphins that goes awry will be the first trade they make on behalf of the Dolphins that goes awry. And if I'm Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells or Jeff Ireland are calling, I do not pick up the phone.

Comments

[Manuel]

The only bad trade was to move up for Murray (draft is tomorrow, but a trade is a trade), all the rest look good

[Mike]

Jerry Jones is an idiot. Thank god for that.

[go phins]

It's nice to have a competent management team.

[Manuel]

Soory Murphy (so bad I don't remember his name)

[K-MAN]

Yea that is true good work mando

[go phins]

murray?You mean murphy

[greg]

Totally agree about the moves that Parcells and Ireland made. The other thing you need to mention is the game preparation that went on for this team. I can honestly say this was the best prepared Miami team I have seen in a long time and that included Shula coached teams. I think there was plenty of times Miami has had superior talent during the Wannstedt and J. Johnson regimes and fell short on game preparation and ability to make adjustments during the game. Kudos to the coaching staff for coaching up the talent on the team.

[Rico Tubbs]

In other words, Parcells and Ireland undid the damage of previous management, including Speilman, Mueller, and the idiot coach who drafted Ted Ginn Jr's family.

[mrmikejohnson]

Wow! When you put it like that....they did an outstanding job. The L. Booker trade was the only one that really concerned me. I was thinking that they essentially traded Booker for Shawn Murphy. Apparently, that's not the case.

Their only other mistakes were McCown and Earnest Wilford. I think they signed McCown because they didn't have any experience at the QB position. I think they signed Wilford purely because of his size and they wanted a big receiver. With so many holes to fill, they knew they couldn't get a premier big WR.

I didn't realize how big of a steal Donald Thomas and Ferguson was......wow!

[Finheavenblows!]

I think we all agreed Parcells and Ireland had done excellent work in remaking the Dolphins. But, Armando, when you break it down like this, move for move, it shows exactly how great a job they've really done.

Nobody is perfect. Last year, they were nearly perfect on trades. Can't wait for the free agency breakdown. Is is tomorrow?

[Omar Kooky and Harvey Fiawhatever]

Mando, people are talking about you on our blog. Some idiot from the UK even quoted your blog on our blog to give us a heads up and so you don't continue to kick our butts. Stop embarrassing us.

[FLPD]

"if I'm Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells or Jeff Ireland are calling, I do not pick up the phone.'' -- Mando.

That is classic stuff. Made me actually laugh out loud.

Thank you that we are now the sharks in the trade waters instead of the swimmers waiting to get eaten.

[maryel Doyon]

The reciever from Jacksovillee Wilford was a flop. He could not beat any of the rockies.

[Willi Chirino]

Armando, I have a very serious questions for you and that is, based on the reporting of the last couple of days, is it true that reporters are talking to Dolphins sources (within the organization) and getting information like who they might draft or who they are interested in free agency?

I'm not asking you to reveal your source. But are there sources in the Miami organization talking to the press?

I want to know of Mr. Jackson and Mr. Cote and Mr. Kelly and Mr. Thompson are talking to the Tuna or Ireland?

[McLovin]

Parcells' trade moves were great and one thing that wasnt mentioned is that none of the players that were acquired do not hit our salary cap for this coming up year.

I think some of the free agent moves Parcells and Ireland made wish they can have back, but at the same time they picked up Chad Pennington, which makes up for poo poo Ernest Wilford. Not to mentioned we got Justin Smiley too.

No doubt, there were free agent moves that outweighed the bad ones.

I cant wait to see who Miami can trade out for more picks and see what free agents we can bring in this year. Lets Go Phins!

[brad ny]

this seasons deal should be our 25th and 3rd rnd for Boldin

[Marcus]

Omar is better...

[Master]

I bet they could get a huge return for Henne, they took him what #35 or 36, they can probably get the #20 from Detroit this year.
I like Chad Henne, he deserves to play, Detroit will turn over the keys to him, we all make out.
And lets face it every year there are Penningtons, Greens, Warners etc to play qb. Soon there will be Mannings & Romos etc.

I thought you had no time to read other blogs and articles.

[mark]

bard in ny, i am glad you aren't our gm. if you look at the production from our receivers/tight ends, we were dam good. after all, our qb threw for 3,600 yards with a noodle arm. we need a lot more talent on defense. we need to be able to rush the passer with consistency and need a NT that will disrupt things at the line of scrimage. therefore, trading two players that would help miami do that would be a bad trade. maybe you can work for dallas since they made a similar trade this year and see how well it worked out.

noticed one mock draft that i saw today had us landing NT BJ Raji (BC) and OLB Michael Johnson (GT) with our first two picks. that's similar to the way i see it too. NT, OLB in the first two picks.

and signing wilford wasn't a bad move. he had 60 catches with jax last year, was their leading receiver, has great hands and size but just enjoyed his first big NFL payday in miami too much it seems. oh well, the regime recognizes the need for a bigger wide receiver but won't do something stupid like pay out two of our first three picks for one. michael clayton from tampa perhaps?

[get a clue]

how do we make out if penny gets hurt?who plays qb? get a clue and stop posting this stupid trade over and over again.

[go phins]

mark i agree. nt,lb,ol first and foremost.

[metphinn]

Trades have been good for the Phins.
The trio should do more and more....yet be very, very careful with Free Agent$.
They got burned on both McClown and especially Wilford....besides the 3 guys from the Ravens-
B.Scott-LB, Brown- C, and Leohnard - DB, (all had a hand in beating us bad in the playoff game)
I would be very cautious. Keep using the draft to build the dynasty, not short term solutions.
Drafting is the thing Tuna knows, it is not like WannyStache is drafting!!!!!!!

[Tinshaker]

Technically, the Dolphins got a 7th round pick for McCown after getting him as a free agent. It's not a huge gain, but we definitely ended up with more than we started with, so it was not a loss on our part.

[jets stock is not rising]

this just in:b.favre just threw another int.

[Larryfinfan]

First, could the firing of Maser be attributed to not getting Murphy up to par or at least showing signs. ??

Second, one bone of contention is Ayodele. While he filled a role where we had no one better, is he really the answer there. Understanding that most fans would be disappointed with anyone who didn't play as well as that Zach guy (chuckle, chuckle).

I do however have to agree that for the most part, none of the moves made were 'bad' except for the Wilford move....that's a whole other story though...

go phinsö please do not agree with me.that is bad sign.
by marcc

[SillyWilly]

Great article Mando - best I've read in a while. Really makes you appreciate the genius behind this management team.

[Finheavenblows!]

The Dolphins gave up valuable cap space in signing Josh McCown. The Dolphins also lost valuable practice reps for Chad Henne while McCown was in town and competing for the starting job. So to dismiss the fact McCown was a bad UFA signing is wrong and it is not erased by the fact they got a final-round draft pick that didn't even net anything in 2008.

[FLPD]

Omar who?

[Schwiiiiing batta batta batta]

Another home run, Salguero. I never post but I always appreciate your analysis that uses actual facts as the basis for the opinion -- what a concept!

Wish the other media members would learn from your example.

[Fake GM]

Chad Henne isnt getting traded. Though we have no idea how good he is going to be until he actually plays, this regime thinks he is a franchise QB. Everyone in the organization knows he is the next QB of this team. He would have started this year if Pennington (2nd in MVP voting this year) hadnt fallen into our laps. Henne isnt getting traded, that is beyond ridiculous.

[you are retarded]

dabaduba dabaduba dabaduba "marcc" dabaduba

[NeilVA]

How many 2nd rounders do we have 2 or 3?

2

[bob]

Hey Mando......what about lame duck Wilford?!?!? How could you forget him?

because this was part 1 of a 2 part series.today was trades tommorrow is free-agency,can you read?

[Eddie]

Mando,
Good stuff. I agree all the trades worked out well for us. We pulled 3 starters from the Cowboys. Fasano looks like the real deal. Booker had shown promise but it is to soon to call the Murphy pick a bust. The Taylor trade was great. We held out for a 1 for as long as we could but settled on a 2 & "10" 7. Great move there. I think the Free Agent portion of your article will show maybe a C+ to B grade instead of the A that reflected the trades.

[Rick Speilman]

Hello, is Bill Parcels in? Well I hear that Jerry Jones won't pick up the phone so I was just calling to let Bill know that I am here and if he needs somebody to do a trade with tell him I am here,in Minnesota, waiting on his call. If I am not in the office he can find me behind the woodshed.

[Reading Is Fun]

"because this was part 1 of a 2 part series.today was trades tommorrow is free-agency,can you read?"

This is the "Second in series," genius, as the title of the paragraph clearly...reads.

[Reading Is Fun]

"because this was part 1 of a 2 part series.today was trades tommorrow is free-agency,can you read?"

This is the "Second in series," genius, as the title of the paragraph clearly...reads.

[ukfinfan]

Some idiot from the UK .......

Posted by: Omar Kooky and Harvey Fiawhatever | January 14, 2009 at 04:11 PM

In my experience, it is usually better to find out a little about a person before you confer the status of idiot upon them. Try pointing at something ..... now look at your hand and see how many fingers are pointing back at you? If you understand this post, I have made my point. If you don't, I have made it and underlined it. It's called a win-win situation. Not bad for an idiot huh?

[Pat - London]

OL (C&T) - Free Agency
WR - Free Agency

Draft will focus on getting young, athletic and dominant on Defense with a later pick on a big young fast WR. And maybe a Guard in there too

Omar Is An Idiot.Totally
uk

[Michael Alexander]

This article without giving details is nonsense and an exemplification of a lack of knowledge. I would judge a rebuilding year by wins and loses. Breaking down an entire team overhaul in a rebuilding year makes no sense. Armondo when a CEO takes over a corporation he or she is not evaluated on personnel division turnover but on the profitability of the corporation. Did the corporation make money and pay dividends to the share holders!...and so it goes with the Dolphins.

[the fox]

Does anybody know how many picks the fish have in total in the upcoming draft?

[bob i got my feelings hurt]

hey reading is fun this was part 1 of the series between trades and free agency a-hole.what are you doing blogging at 3:3o in the morning smokink crack.

[Rick]

Master is just bating you. He knows the Phins won't trade Henne. Henne is the future for the franchise and they are hard to find. He is just being a master bater.

[go phins.]

mia sign's ass. ol coach mike deguglielmo of giants

[Reading Is Fun]

"hey reading is fun this was part 1 of the series between trades and free agency a-hole.what are you doing blogging at 3:3o in the morning smokink crack."

I'm in Iraq, it was 11:30 a.m. here when I posted. Besides not using spell/grammar check, what are you doing blogging at 11:01 on a work day?

[jon]

"This article without giving details is nonsense and an exemplification of a lack of knowledge. I would judge a rebuilding year by wins and loses. Breaking down an entire team overhaul in a rebuilding year makes no sense. Armondo when a CEO takes over a corporation he or she is not evaluated on personnel division turnover but on the profitability of the corporation. Did the corporation make money and pay dividends to the share holders!...and so it goes with the Dolphins.

Posted by: Michael Alexander | January 15, 2009 at 08:33 AM"

What is this all about?

"I would judge a rebuilding year by wins and loses."

How's 1-15 to 11-5, tied for the best in NFL history?

"Armondo when a CEO takes over a corporation he or she is not evaluated on personnel division turnover but on the profitability of the corporation."

Personnel seems pretty important for a football team with a salary cap and that is all Parcells and Ireland are responsible for but season ticket sales are way up if that helps.

"Did the corporation make money and pay dividends to the share holders!"

It's a privately held company, so that info is not available and I don't know. Do you? But seems that winning, getting a home games in the playoffs and filling the stands might help just a bit.

Armando, you're on a hot streak. First the blog on the offesnive line's performance in the playoffs and now this series (especially tracking down Walden). Good job.

[Omar Kooky and Harvey Fiawhatever]

UKFinfan: Come back to our blog immediately and suck on us. You are our only true friend. And please post seventeen times on our blog. We don't care what you say. We don't care what you know. All we want is for you to be with us and not post on Armando's blog.

[Finheavenblows!]

Can someone please explain to me what this guy Michael Alexander was talking about? I thought this was an outstanding breakdown of the trades Ireland and Parcells made.

Am I alone on that?

[1dolfan]

Great Job Mando!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Phillip]

We didn't trade for Ernest Wilford, did we?

Great post, BTW, especially reconstructing the Jason Ferguson trade. Thanks!

[Eddy]

Hey we did great, but easy on the "better prepared than Shula" blaspehmas!