Free agency begins this evening and we're going to celebrate two ways: I'm going to give you some information while also hang out with you starting at midnight for about an hour.
The information I have for you is that the Dolphins are going to be aggressive during this free agency period. A club source tells me they have a couple of guys they like and they're going to bring those guys in starting Friday. So the Dolphins could have their first wave of free agency signing(s) Friday afternoon sometime.
It will be very, very, very interesting to see if soon-to-be-former Baltimore center Jason Brown is one of those guys. Make no mistake, the Dolphins like this guy a lot and have been inquiring about him and doing their due diligence on him.
But part of that due diligence is understanding what the guy is looking for in free agency. And if he is serious about getting $7-$8 million per year, that just might be too rich for the Dolphins to stomach. They can afford it, make no mistake. But it would adversely affect the club salary structure in which the center would be making as much, or more, than the right tackle. That is hard for a team to justify.
Moreover, Brown rexpects to be chased by the free-spending Washington Redskins or the St. Louis Rams who have had no issues in the past with throwing money around. So my free Miami-Dade Public Schools education tells me the Dolphins address the center-right guard position, but they do it with someone else in free agency, someone not quite so expensive.
... And then get another crack at it the spot in the draft, too. Remember Tony Sparano believes you can never have too many linemen.
This is not to suggest Brown doesn't like the idea of playing for the Dolphins.
"Bill Parcells definitely knows football," Brown said in an interview that will appear in Friday's edition of the Carroll County Times. "He's definitely doing the fundamental things it takes to build a winner and you can see that ... You can see how Parcells has turned that thing around."
Brown also likes the idea of moving his family to South Florida for the next five or six years.
"There's lots of beautiful beaches, retirement communities, and it can be pretty laid back," he said. "Me and my wife would fit in with that."
But in the next instant, Brown talks of liking the idea of staying in the Baltimore-D.C. area, too. It is closer to his native North Carolina, so there is a comfort zone there. And again, the Redskins or Rams are likely to bring money quickly -- as early as 12:01 a.m.
I'm not saying the Dolphins won't make a push, but it just looks like they're not the big favorite in this deal.
Anyway, come back for the midnight live blog. If worse comes to worse and nothing happens, we'll just hang out for a bit. You guys don't have anything else to do, right?
I dont think much will happen 2nite but i believe 1 of tha top 5 free agents will b gon n tha morning
Posted by: dolfan585 | February 27, 2009 at 12:49 AM
We have 61 players under contract.
Posted by: Chris J. Nelson | February 27, 2009 at 12:49 AM
WEAK!
Posted by: dolfan4life | February 27, 2009 at 12:49 AM
WOW MAN THATS THE BEST YOU GOT WOW!!! WEAK DUDE!!!
Posted by: isaac | February 27, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Wasn't Berger on the Phins roster at 1 time?
Posted by: PhinMan | February 27, 2009 at 12:50 AM
Berger is weak...who cares about a career backup who will probably never see meaningful minutes.
Posted by: Calmer than you are | February 27, 2009 at 12:50 AM
WORST BLOG EVER..
Posted by: john | February 27, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Mando, how close do you think we are to signing J. Brown?
Posted by: paPhinsPhan | February 27, 2009 at 12:51 AM
I dont think much will happen 2nite but i believe 1 of tha top 5 free agents will b gon n tha morning. o yea by tha way we r 1 of tha 15 plus teams interested n haynesworth even though i dont think we will get him
Posted by: dolfan585 | February 27, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Its true Cruz...Funny how Rex Ryan said the rest of the AFC needs to worry abou the NY Jets..Exactly WHO is going to be playing under center for them??? Kellon Clemons? Josh Freeman in the draft? Vernon Gholston, the biggest bust in the history of the draft...50 million, no starts, no ints, sacks, free fluid, and 5 lousy tackles. There O-line isnt getting any younger either. After cutting Coles, who is there #1 wr? Is Thomas Jones really a premere back at 31? Or should I say, was he ever to start with?
Posted by: Micah Vargo | February 27, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Miami Dolphins
He was picked up by the Dolphins before the start of the 2005 NFL season, and played in three games. A sprained right foot suffered in training camp kept him inactive during the 2006 season, and he was eventually waived.
Posted by: PhinMan | February 27, 2009 at 12:51 AM
WHAT PHRASE AM I COINING arg???
Posted by: isaac | February 27, 2009 at 12:51 AM
SteFin: The Draft boards are saying Parcells propensity for signing LB, ILB, OLB and DE types having him going # 1 and using this pick on one these types 1st. 80% of the same boards have him taking a WR in this crop on Day 1. My prediction: Robiskie Will play the most downs in this class because of his route running abilities and he also may have as good hands as Macklin. Crabtree has some questionable attributes he's in the 2nd ten on draft boards where he was 3,4,or 5. The offensive pro set at Ohio State and Big Ten is a Tuna Helper feeding ground.
Posted by: | February 27, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Clayton just reported Scott is waiting for call from Miami.
Posted by: Robert | February 27, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Mando
Thanks for the Berger news...keep working hard man and dig us up something to get excited about!
Posted by: Calmer than you are | February 27, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Berger is awesome for Deoth along the line. He filled in nicely this year in Dallas.
Posted by: Robert | February 27, 2009 at 12:53 AM
tj going back to cincy?
Posted by: rob | February 27, 2009 at 12:53 AM
The Dolphins are NOT interested in TJ Houshmandzadeh. Cincy, Tampa and Philly most interested.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | February 27, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Joe Berger??? This is your scoop Armando? We can get better info from the National media outlets like espn and foxsports!!!
C'mon bro! Step up your game!!!
Posted by: littleditka | February 27, 2009 at 12:53 AM
espn special. live. sick lol better than nfl network reruns >.<
Posted by: sicknastyyy | February 27, 2009 at 12:53 AM
keep the news coming mando your doing good man dont listen to these guys who are expecting to get spoon fed info.
Posted by: Tyler | February 27, 2009 at 12:54 AM
IT'D BE FUNNY IF MANDO THREW A TANTRUM LOL
Posted by: isaac | February 27, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Thanks for the TJ update, Armando! Are the Dolphins interested in any WR from FA?
Posted by: Pat | February 27, 2009 at 12:55 AM
If you guys want I can make stuff up and fill your head with crap instead of telling you what's real. You decide. If you want speculation now, go to some other blog. If you want what is happening right now, stay here.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | February 27, 2009 at 12:55 AM
Housh wants too much money. Just draft a WR somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Posted by: Calmer than you are | February 27, 2009 at 12:56 AM
Mando, you better keep hoping The Dolphins are NOT interested in TJ Houshmandzadeh. You don't want to have to type that name everyday now, do you.
Posted by: SWFlafan | February 27, 2009 at 12:56 AM
Berger ? That's the news, a backup at best ? Ha ha ha, what a news scoup !
Posted by: Mel Martinez | February 27, 2009 at 12:56 AM
HOw's that for a tantrum Isaac?
Posted by: Armando Salguero | February 27, 2009 at 12:56 AM
LMAOOOO ALMOST A TANTRUM HAHAHA THANKS DUDE IM OUT NIGHT!!
Posted by: isaac | February 27, 2009 at 12:56 AM
Joe Berger??? Joe effin' Berger??? Wasn't the Dallas reunion over last year???
No armchair quarterbacking from me since I've never heard of the guy, but, first hour of free agency and the trifecta has targeted Joe Bag O Donuts Berger???
Good get though Armando, seriously. Judging from your post a few days ago complaining about the veil of secrecy over in Davie, its got to be hard getting inside info.
Offer this source a complimentary beverage for some insights as to the larger plan for free agency!!!
Posted by: David E | February 27, 2009 at 12:57 AM
y! afueraaaaa!
Posted by: MiamiGooN. | February 27, 2009 at 12:57 AM
Let's hope this is not the big signing of the weekend.
Posted by: Denver Dolan | February 27, 2009 at 12:57 AM
mando dont listen to these guys! ur doing good! keep it coming man!
Posted by: sicknastyyy | February 27, 2009 at 12:57 AM
Berger would be a depth signing only, and far from close to a sure thing to even make the 53 man roster.
Definitely not as exciting as last year when we had Justin Smiley already agreed to terms by this time of night.
Posted by: Dutch Engstrom | February 27, 2009 at 12:57 AM
News Update: Blogger Isaac has signed with the JETS BLOG
Posted by: DolphinNTokyo | February 27, 2009 at 12:57 AM
Then go to ESPN or foxsports littleditka. I'm not holding you down. Bye.
Posted by: Armando Salguero | February 27, 2009 at 12:57 AM
Armando dont let the retards bother you. There is a small percent of us who do care any you say truth so dont worry bro.
Posted by: Robert | February 27, 2009 at 12:57 AM
how do you decipher the bogus info from the real info?
Posted by: finfan | February 27, 2009 at 12:58 AM
TJ Houshmenzadeh says in about 15 minutes his agent will have a team. hes on espn right now on the phone ha
Posted by: sicknastyyy | February 27, 2009 at 12:58 AM
i think am going to a different blog.. mando sucks big time tonight...
Posted by: marioelloco | February 27, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Nice news scoup,,,haha haha. hey herald, find a real news man, this guy sucks.
Posted by: Mitch | February 27, 2009 at 12:58 AM
dolphins need to draft heyward-bey!!!!
Posted by: MiamiGooN. | February 27, 2009 at 12:59 AM
Just razzing you Armando. Appreciate any info you can get.
What do you think about Matt Birk?
Posted by: littleditka | February 27, 2009 at 12:59 AM
HEY HEY HEY I JUST LIKE TO EAT DODOO NEVER IN MY LIFE WILL I BE ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE SORRY EXCUSE FOR A FOOTBALL TEAM THAT ARE CALLED THE JETS!!!
Posted by: isaac | February 27, 2009 at 12:59 AM
Armando, I would say most of us appreciate the work your doing. We know you don't have to update us like you're doing, so Thanks!
Posted by: Pat | February 27, 2009 at 12:59 AM
littleditka has a littledikta
Posted by: Indydolfan | February 27, 2009 at 01:00 AM
Geez people get off Mando's back. He's not the one signing the free agents, just reporting what's going on.
Posted by: Eric | February 27, 2009 at 01:00 AM
Do your thing Mando. Your doing A-1
Posted by: h3at23 | February 27, 2009 at 01:00 AM
If we can score JOe Berger our line will be set for a decade! lol
Posted by: Micah Vargo | February 27, 2009 at 01:01 AM
The Rams are taking aim at multiple free agents who previously played for the Baltimore Ravens.
In addition to center/guard Jason Brown, whom Albert Breer reports will visit St. Louis, the Rams also have lined up a visit with linebacker Bart Scott, according to Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com.
Scott explained on ESPN earlier tonight that, once the talks with the Ravens bumped up against the start of free agency, he decided to go ahead and test the market.
according to sportingnews.com
so we wont know till tommorow about brown
Posted by: miamifan305 | February 27, 2009 at 01:01 AM
The Rams are taking aim at multiple free agents who previously played for the Baltimore Ravens.
In addition to center/guard Jason Brown, whom Albert Breer reports will visit St. Louis, the Rams also have lined up a visit with linebacker Bart Scott, according to Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com.
Scott explained on ESPN earlier tonight that, once the talks with the Ravens bumped up against the start of free agency, he decided to go ahead and test the market.
according to sportingnews.com
so we wont know till tommorow about brown
Posted by: miamifan305 | February 27, 2009 at 01:01 AM
omar is spreading all sorts of rumors at the other paper...armando dont listen to the clowns on here, they wont be happy until you report a big signing. With all the talk of the 25 minute Smiley signing, people have forgot that while there is a flurry of activity early on...most of it will still happen tomorow. Right now, 1 hour in, it is about setting up visits. If the Dolphins are setting up visits with a backup interior line prospect then so be it. That is factual, that is what we should demand from journalists.
Posted by: jared | February 27, 2009 at 01:01 AM
tim hasselback is wack
Posted by: cRUZ | February 27, 2009 at 01:01 AM
Lets offer him the league minimum and a kick in the butt...then cut him a day later....
Posted by: Micah Vargo | February 27, 2009 at 01:02 AM
Armando any chance dolphins go after DB-foxworth?
Posted by: MiamiGooN. | February 27, 2009 at 01:02 AM
give mando a break man....
Posted by: rob | February 27, 2009 at 01:02 AM
profootballtalk is back up in case other people wanna go there
Posted by: tom | February 27, 2009 at 01:02 AM
Good job on everything so far Mando keep up the great work, i'll keep checking up for updates throughout the day.
Posted by: Eli | February 27, 2009 at 01:02 AM
any idea what brown is looking for yet?
Posted by: johng | February 27, 2009 at 01:02 AM
Just ban the ungratefull idiots Mando. :]
Posted by: Ixxy13 | February 27, 2009 at 01:03 AM