Unrestricted free agency started as a sprint over the weekend when many NFL teams jockeyed for position to immediately land their prize targets or re-sign their best players.
The Dolphins got Karlos Dansby who is an upgrade at inside linebacker. The Dolphins locked up backup quarterback Chad Pennington. And they added by subtracting Joey Porter and Gibril Wilson.
But not all has gone according to plan.
The Dolphins have struggled to land a starting-caliber free safety because fate has not been kind. They put a certain value on Antrel Rolle and the New York Giants placed a higher value on him and got him. Value is defined here by cold, hard cash.)
They placed a higher value on Ryan Clark than his most recent team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Clark, a classy, solid dude, had other priorities he had to answer to. So Clark left Dolphins money on the table in order to return to the Steelers.
Some front offices might begin to panic. I trust the Dolphins will not, not with Bill Parcells at the helm.
On the surface, the situation looks uncomfortable if not dire.
A survey of the landscape shows the Dolphins have needs at too many positions to solve all those needs through the draft.
They need a starting OLB, a NT, a starting FS, and, of course, a playmaker at WR. Always a playmaker at WR.
So what to do?
While Cincinnati is hosting both Antonio Bryant and Terrell Owens this week, while Seattle is studying Brandon Marshall, after Baltimore traded for Anquan Boldin and Kansas City signed Chris Chambers, the Dolphins have done nothing.
I love Boldin -- a lot. But I cannot criticize the Dolphins for not moving on anyone left. It would be a sign of desperation for them to go after domestic batterer Marshall. Even if the move might be popular with fans and sell tickets, it would be a huge risk.
Owens will be 36 years old. He's better than any wide receiver the Dolphins currently have, no question. But did I mention he'll be 36 years old? And he has a history that rubs Parcells the wrong way. So is the Big Tuna going to basically cast off everything he believes in and chase this player? That would be a sign of desperation.
Bryant? He has had issues with his knees. His career byline is one of inconsistency and wearing out his coaches and his welcome. He also apparently would like a nice payday.
So maybe, just maybe, the Dolphins would best be served by sitting this one out if they have a plan. (God, please let them have a plan!)
The safety position is equally troubling because the Dolphins don't have a starter at the position. By their chase of both Rolle and Clark, the Dolphins have told everyone they don't think Chris Clemons is ready to be a starter and might never be. Remember, they offered those guys multi-year deals so the team was comfortable with Clemons not starting at FS for some time.
The problem is that the free agent options are running out. Darren Sharper is very, very, very productive but also older than Miami typically likes. He's also coming off knee surgery and reportedly isn't taking trips. O.J. Atogwe continues to be out there, but as of this writing, no contact from the Dolphins.
The Dolpins obviously didn't want to draft for this position. They might need to unless they can uncover a double-secret starting FS no one is aware of.
And then there are the other issues the Dolphins haven't even attempted to address in free agency: The team needs at least one starting outside linebacker, but DeMarcus Ware isn't available. They need a nose tackle but Vince Wilfork re-signed with New England. The Dolphins are a team in much need.
So why am I not crying "The Sky is falling" from my house top?
Two years ago, as the Steelers and Cards were preparing for a Super Bowl year, neither team signed a free agent early on. Last year at this team, neither the Colts nor the Saints signed a free agent early on.
Free agency is less than a week old. It is not Labor Day yet. The draft will plug some of these holes. And since this front office doesn't typically show desperation, neither will I. At least not yet. It is way too early for that.
You are right about Henne I agree. Rookie free agents are hit or miss, targeted or not. But come on Carlito, I respect you that's why I'm debating you so please tell me you see the real lack of talent of the starters and second tier depth on this team. Just look at the pro bowl picks. Rookie teams, etc. Real lack of reps from team. Langford, Merling, Thomas, etc I call marginal not serviceable.
Posted by: Jrljr2 | March 09, 2010 at 04:56 PM
Carlito , your post at 4:45 PM
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 09, 2010 at 04:56 PM
TNFinFan was paraphrasing not backing up anything with a cut and paste of words I said that you didn't say. He was more saying I think this is what NJ was saying or the way he heard it. Here is his last line: "These are not exact words, but, what I interpreted him saying"
Remember, wahtever is in the quotation marks " x " is when I am saying you actually said something. Any other stuff is just rant.
TNFinFan was getting your back cause you guys are friends on the blog, I get that... just like most all of us are... I am just willing to have my own opinion based on what I see even if it goes against YOUR better judgement. I have told you a zillion times as you have told me too: "It's all good" and "I am from Jersey and we talk like that to friends." "We are not really mad and it's all about the Fins getting better."
We have both said things like that. No biggie. I certainly hope your not mad or are confusing my dislike of a McClain choice as an afront to you personally.
We are on the exact same side regarding Marshall... that is something I couldn't do if I simply wanted to argue with you. We have our friendly wager regarding WR Carlton. We are cool mang.
Cheers,
Posted by: Rob in OC | March 09, 2010 at 04:59 PM
They gave Crowder an extension! He's terrible and I said it before this year. Just bad decisions and cap mgr.
Posted by: Jrljr2 | March 09, 2010 at 04:59 PM
I am partial to the post at 4:49
Fistedpete lmao
Posted by: LipsinToronto | March 09, 2010 at 04:59 PM
ROB IN OC, DO YOU RUN OUT OF WORDS SOME TIMES .
Posted by: fishtpete | March 09, 2010 at 05:01 PM
JrlJr2,
Here's how I see it...
The Dolphins have one of the best groups of Rb's in the league (Brown, Williams, Polite), A solid O-line, A young promising QB, good #2 and slot receivers (no number one), A few young talents on defense (Davis, Smith, Wake), some solid vets on d (Bell, W. Allen, Starks), and a newly added playmaking LB (Dansby)... Yes there are holes at NT, OLB, FS, and #1 WR... It is what it is (but better than it has been)... ;)
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:04 PM
OY VEY !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 09, 2010 at 05:06 PM
Rob still hasn't responded to my post at 4:45... I feel he is working on war and peace...
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:06 PM
Rob in OC: (at 4:00 PM)
Sunny and FREAKING Cher!!!!!!!!!!
L M F A O ~`%!
But back in reality...McClain might be a
'Project' who is still worthy of a #12.
(...If for no other reason than his Physical Tools and Brains.)
Yeah.... his absence of collisions and tackling technique is a bit troubling.
But we've seen less than 1% of his film -- You can't POSSIBLY make an assessment based on that.
Parcells isn't senile yet. He knows (better than most) what an NFL Linebacker is.
If he drafts McClain, then there's a good chance that the Kid can be coached and developed into a good NFL Linebacker.
Posted by: Anthony Massa | March 09, 2010 at 05:06 PM
TNPHINFAN , Once again , thanks for backing me up and not putting word in my mouth.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 09, 2010 at 05:07 PM
Oh, Carlito, not the damned plungie! C'mon, man, it wasn't that bad!
Scores do equal good defense simply because it means the other team has to score more. +7 is as good as 7 denied.
All I'm saying is that a proven scorer and long ball threat is a boon to this team. If they pick a stud LB or a stud FS, etc. and he prevents 7 TDs all by his lonesome, then he is worth (not counting the intangibles because they exist on both sides of the ball) the same as Marshall was last year to the Broncos.
It won't matter because this FO won't do it. Whatever their reasons; Marshall's lack of character, that Parcells doesn't like WRs, period let alone divas, or that they never trade top picks. Or that they have theirs heads up their azzes, because, for crying out loud, they used a second round pick on White!! I mean Marshall for a first (or a second plus a player or two) versus Whtie for a second. That's like the disparity between Filet Mignon and a pile of dogcrap.
Posted by: Jimmy Jam | March 09, 2010 at 05:08 PM
Thomas Jones to the chiefs
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:10 PM
CARLITO . LMFAO ! Now he arguing what TNPHINFAN said and what he actually said and what i said and actually said. MY GOD !!! Now i'm starting to see a little more Now . He loves to argue . I'm done. I'm better off talking to A WALL !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 09, 2010 at 05:13 PM
Carlito, one last thing. To me , things being better than they have been with this team is like being the tallest midget. Doesn't mean they are good.
Posted by: Jrljr2 | March 09, 2010 at 05:15 PM
Rob I got NJ's back because he is right about Dansby, Right about McClain, Right about 22mil being a lot of money for not getting the next Mike Singletary. I like Dansby, but, I do not think the WOW factor is going to be what some on here think. I hope I am wrong.
Yes, I still want McClain and yes the Dansby signing may put a kink in that armor.
NJ and I do not see eye to eye on everything. There is mutual respect though.
Why can you not let the Dansby he said you said quarrel go. It is old and not productive. Y'all sound like an old married couple.
Posted by: TNPhinFan | March 09, 2010 at 05:15 PM
Do you think we should trade up for Sharpton? Also, Derrick Anderson is available. He is big enough to run the wildcat in a pinch.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | March 09, 2010 at 05:16 PM
Sorry guys, The daily Plungie Award goes to Vic107m who tweeted Mando today with the question. "should the Dolphins consider resigning Gibril Wilson for less money" NOTHING and I mean NOTHING could top that today...Plungie has to expand today to Twitter for that brain-dead question of the day
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 09, 2010 at 05:16 PM
Love Dolphins, NJ PHIN, Carlito, anyone else that wants on the pile....
I couldn't have spelled it out any clearer...
I CAN be wrong, I HAVE been wrong, and I will make mistakes in the future! I REALLY don't think so with my McClain analysis and watching him play with my own eyes... but I have also stated a jillion times that the draft is an inexact science and more art & luck than skill.
Is there any other way to say it so that the lamo crap is not started and perpetuated. I have gone so far as to say if for some reason the draft God's are hating on me and "we wind up drafting McClain" I will be on my kness praying that I am wrong about his skills so he can help the Fins win!"
Which of you would be willing to do that if Mr. Shortarms himself Brandon Graham were to be drafted?
I would do that even though I know that coming back on here I would be lambasted for my kajillion rants stating I don't believe McClain is all that. I stated this in MANY posts.
I will find you where I stated it near the end of last night right near when NJ slipped offline.
Posted by: Rob in OC | March 09, 2010 at 05:17 PM
Yesssss Sarasota Cane in the house!!!!!!
What about Javaris James?
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:20 PM
I’m just angry with you rob because you put words in ghandis mouth. you said ghandi called me a wall and a lamp post!!! I bet you aren’t even friends with ghandi!! How can you know what ghandi said about me?
Lol ;)
Posted by: Love Dolphins | March 09, 2010 at 05:22 PM
Just messin dude. Stay strong.
Posted by: Love Dolphins | March 09, 2010 at 05:23 PM
Hmm Jarvaris would be good insurance in case Cobbs isn't 100% and he should be available at #12 in the event we don't choose Jimmy Graham in round 1. Nice thinking Carlito.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | March 09, 2010 at 05:25 PM
Carlito,
I found the post @ 4:00. I said you, NJ PHIN and Bobbyd were saying the McClain would be the next Pat Willis.
I stand corrected. I am sorry I don't recall you actually saying that. You are close with NJ PHIN and have expressed a similar mindset regarding McClain but i was out of line to say "You said Mclain was Pat Willis." The apology extends to NJ PHIN and Bobbyd as I am pretty sure both are smart enough to NOT say anything like that.
Caught up in the zeal of the blog and with as much content as I bang out I can have mistakes in some posts.
This is the excerpt in question:
If the guy is the next Pat Willis as you, bobbyd, carlito and others had said the Fins would FOR SURE go after him...EVEN with Dansby!!
Posted by: Rob in OC | March 09, 2010 at 05:29 PM
Just heard on the radio that the trifecta is trying to identify Mr. Irrelevant and snatch him up before anyone gets a chance. They are looking to get him in the 5th round according their sources.
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | March 09, 2010 at 05:31 PM
Carlito, do you have someone ghost writing for you? It wasn't but a couple of months ago you couldn't hardly speak (type) English. And you knew nothing about football, not to be confused with futbol.
Now, you speak the Kings English and you come off as a football expert. Rosetta Stone and a crash course in American football? Come on, level with us.
Posted by: HAL9000 | March 09, 2010 at 05:31 PM
I am not close with NJ, we don't even know each other... We can't help it that we are right all the time ;)
Is it wrong to be so right?
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:32 PM
Hal9000,
Yes. It is Armando. He knows I cannot express my brilliant ideas unless he helps me help you understand them.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:33 PM
Carlito
lives
on an
Island
with
50 MERMAIDS!
Posted by: Yazzi | March 09, 2010 at 05:36 PM
LOL @ Hal9000. It's amazing , isn't it ????
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 09, 2010 at 05:38 PM
Rob
So that is what you call your posts... "content"
LOL
I had to take a speed reading course to get through your posts.
Posted by: TNPhinFan | March 09, 2010 at 05:38 PM
NJ,
You know as well as me there are many impostors and trolls on here... Anyone notice the crazy under my name stopped when I got typepad?
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:43 PM
50 mermaids??? Is the top half or bottom half of them fish?
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:47 PM
TNPhinFan,
You da man.
Posted by: Rob in OC | March 09, 2010 at 05:49 PM
Jamal Williams just signed with Denver...
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:49 PM
Sure Carlito. Whatever you say. :). I'm still LMFAO !! @ Hal9000. IT' S A MIRACLE !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 09, 2010 at 05:50 PM
carlito if your alone on an island does it really matter?
Posted by: sammo | March 09, 2010 at 05:50 PM
so, does anyone know what pro day workouts the FO is targeting?
Posted by: TNPhinFan | March 09, 2010 at 05:52 PM
ROB in OC----
I see you guys are goin back and forth about mcclain---the thing with mcclain is his best asset is something that we cant judge as an outside fan---its his mind for the game----now getting that out the way I am a brandon Spikes fan---
My question to you is when you watch tape to you feel rolando mcclain is a cut clear superior inside lb---over brandon spikes---
B/c if you think its close---which that swhat i fell---then taking cclain in the 1st when you can brandon spikes in the 2nd to me---is debatable---
Im looking at tape and if you ask me---when you see brandon spikes coming off the edge for florida he looks alot more explosive to me then rolando mcclain ---in a mike nolan sheme where bringing pressure from many areas not just olb i think Spikes could have an edge over mcclain in that area..
your thoughts
Posted by: allen | March 09, 2010 at 05:54 PM
Jamal williams to denver ?? That was ome team looking at dan williams to play NT . If miami wants williams , this is good news.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 09, 2010 at 05:57 PM
Mcclain over spikes all day and every day and 10 times on Sunday
Posted by: Just Because | March 09, 2010 at 05:58 PM
Denver loves to sign old second tier defense free agents
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 09, 2010 at 05:59 PM
All is well when done! What I would like to know is why haven't the Dolphins made any moves or interviews on the FA front?
Our priorities are OLB/DE, FS, NT, WR, and not necessarily in that same order. AScott Fujita was in the UFA Market and they simply let him get away when the taking for OLB are not that great in FA. It seems that they are back bitting their time, like waiting for someone to get released. What's your opinion on the matter?
Posted by: Orlando | March 09, 2010 at 06:02 PM
Spikes is nowhere near mclain in athletic ability and speed. You can also include leadership and smarts Spikes is to stiff . just like my imposter.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 09, 2010 at 06:04 PM
We NEED Marshall !
He's a freak athlete, has all the tools, and maybe Parcells can straighten hm out ? Besides, there are so many women on South Beach, he wouldnt know which one to hit ? :)
Posted by: Jay | March 09, 2010 at 06:05 PM
Guys I'm out til later. Shoulders day . anything you read hereafter is not me and mando will be keeping track of my imposter that chickenshyt.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 09, 2010 at 06:06 PM
CARLITO GOES TO NJ'S HOUSE IN THE WEEKENDS AND HAVE FUN .
Posted by: fishtpete | March 09, 2010 at 06:11 PM
This article is for you NJ,
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/09/jamal-williams-joins-denvers-defensive-line-makeover/
Jamal Williams joins Denver's defensive line makeover
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on March 9, 2010 5:51 PM ET
Josh McDaniels is creating his very own "Over the Hill Gang" on Denver's defensive line.
The Broncos agreed to terms Tuesday on a three-year deal with nose tackle Jamal Williams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The news will sting in San Diego, where the Chargers wanted to re-sign the 3-4 run plugger at a lower cost after releasing him. Williams was also scheduled to meet with the Saints.
Williams is the third defensive lineman signed since Friday that is over 30, joining Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green. Bannan and Williams will split time at nose tackle, which should improve Denver's lackluster rush defense.
Posted by: TNPhinFan | March 09, 2010 at 06:11 PM
I love fishpete Hairy butt and hairy balzz/
Posted by: DyingBreed | March 09, 2010 at 06:13 PM
Me too breed.
Posted by: indiana dolfan | March 09, 2010 at 06:15 PM
Fins resigned J Ferguson
Posted by: MiaFins1 | March 09, 2010 at 06:16 PM
8 game suspension and all
Posted by: MiaFins1 | March 09, 2010 at 06:17 PM
I men me three breed. we cn have a threesome.
Posted by: Indiana dolfan | March 09, 2010 at 06:17 PM
Guys if you hover the mouse over the blue name you can see a http:// address. The 1st NJ has a bunch of numbers. The 2nd NJ references an email at aol
All who blog regular on this site should go blue
Posted by: TNPhinFan | March 09, 2010 at 06:18 PM
i dont care if mcclain runs a faster 40---look at some of the univeral draft tape on both of them---Spikes looks quicker to me attacking the line in pass rush or in a 10 yd amount of area, which is where all mlb need to be explosive in to make plays---400 yds who cares and i disagree that mcclain flat out looks more athletic on tape HE DOESNT---mcclain looks smoother in coverage but spikes read qbs eyes bettter and has more big play ability in pass game
Leadership
Instincts
Mind
They both lead top 5 defense at MLB in the SEC---
Why do you give such i praise to mcclain for leading his defense, but not to spikes for leading his---
Also mcclain was playing in the perfect system in a 3-4 behind an NFL NT in Cody
Spikes was playing in a 4-3 not fitting him the best and behind marginal talent at DT
The intangible of who has a better mind i cant t judge and neither can you NJFAN
I think this comparsion is very close and dont undermine Spikes as a leader b/c any florida defender will tell you who they looked to in a big game....
I like both of these players---one you have to pay alot of money and use a top 15 pick
The other in a second round
thoughts?
Posted by: allen | March 09, 2010 at 06:23 PM
Interesting Reads from profootballtalk.com
read 1st
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/01/sean-payton-gives-the-cowboys-some-extra-motivation/
read 2nd
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/09/more-details-on-the-saints-cowboys-wine-feud/
Posted by: TNPhinFan | March 09, 2010 at 06:25 PM
MiaFins1, really suprised about Fergunson
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 09, 2010 at 06:25 PM
CARLITO LOVES TO GO TO NJ'S HOUSE AND HAVE FUN .
Posted by: fishtpete | March 09, 2010 at 06:26 PM
Lot of good Ferg does us now; at least we get him for 8 games.
Shaun Rogers is on the trading block for a 3rd round pick or QB, we have two QBs we could send, White or Thigpen.
Let the insults fly!
BTW, not advocating this just throwing it out there.
Posted by: Po White Trash | March 09, 2010 at 06:27 PM
Wilson: Dolphins re-sign Jason Ferguson
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Wilson-Dolphins-resign-Jason-Ferguson.html
Posted by: TNPhinFan | March 09, 2010 at 06:28 PM