Richie Incognito agrees to 1-year deal with Dolphins

Richie Incognito is a Miami Dolphin.

The Dolphins and the player's representatives at this hour are finalizing a deal that was submitted last night. Jeff Darlington of The Miami Herald reports the deal is worth slightly over $1 million. When the final language is written, the deal likely will include approximately $250,000-$300,000 in incentives to cover the possibility Incognito starts for Miami.

[Update 2 p.m.: The contract is one year with a $725,000 base salary, a $25,000 signing bonus, and a $125,0000 bonus if he's on the team the first week of the season. The total deal can be worth $1.35 million.] 

That is bargain money. Good starting guards in the NFL average anywhere from $3-$5 million depending on experience and whether they have hit free agency or not.

Incognito has played three positions along the offensive line in his career -- RG, LG and C. But the Dolphins want him join the competition at both guard spots. Notice I said both guard spots. Yes, Justin Smiley has been something of a lock at left guard since joining the team in 2008, but he'll have to win his job during training camp -- regardless of whether he's the odds on favorite to do so or not.

The obvious area where the Dolphins most need solidifying is the right guard spot where Donald Thomas was the starter the first 12 games of 2009 but Nate Garner beat him out as the starter the final four games.

Incognito has had a checkered career and suffered maturity issues in college and with the St. Louis Rams. The Buffalo Bills, who claimed him on waivers last season, broke ties with him this offseason.

With this signing the Dolphins fill a "want."

They still have "needs" at OLB, FS, NT and WR in no particular order.

Comments

[allen]

you think that ellis contract would be distinctly larger then JT?

[SURESHOCK_PHINS]

by the way i sat next to this dude at the heat game last night courtside he is a beast more muscle than fat for sure but definitely looks like he needs a shower lol

[Esteban]

Ellis has really fallen off. Maybe it was playing for the Raiders, but he wasn't nearly the same player last year. Then again Taylor ain't what he used to be either - especially if SOLB is the topic.

[NJ PHIN FAN]

I'm out til later guys . spikes will go late 2nd -early 3rd.

[allen]

esteban---

Im with you, except i think Scheme did matter---his talent and size fits a 3-4 perfectly---a 4-3 it is asking alot of him-----the same way evaluaters love mcclain but also doubt if he could play mike in a 4-3 cause usually those LB are smaller and faster-----

3-4--i like both of them---and when you talk value i think spikes has more because like u said he could be a 3rd pick now---and mcclain u will have to use a top 20------

[joeywatts]

Good move this guy is a tank.... cheap starter by NFL standards or backup.... I bet he will be starting over the other 2 clowns in week 1.
This improves running and passing game + the attitude of the whole team hope they get nasty.... a few 15yard penalties are ok once in a while if you block well....

[NJ PHIN FAN]

I'd rather keep taylor , to go alomg with wake at WLB , than sign ellis . Then Draft a SOLB or move Dansby to SOLB and draft ??? Wait .... wait....You got it , ROLANDO MCLAIN to play ILB. I'm out guys.

[Esteban]

Allen, he played in that same scheme his entire time in college. It never was a problem until he was hurt. I think he'll be fine in either a 3-4 or 4-3. In either one he'll likely be on the sideline in nickel situations.

[Esteban]

Dansby isn't physical enough to be a 3-4 SOLB. Would really limit his effectiveness. McClain probably could handle the position better than Dansby and that wouldn't be ideal either.

[Mark]

NJ,

Now you're talking my language buddy.

Draft McClain then put Dansby at OLB.

That would be perfect...:)

[Mark]

NJ,

Now you're talking my language buddy.

Draft McClain then put Dansby at OLB.

That would be perfect...:)

[Ace]

Incognito will bring some nastiness to the line. Good pickup for a good price. Low risk too.

[Esteban]

and I keep seeing Dorin Dickerson get rated higher and higher cause he ran a 4.40, but he averaged 10 yards a catch in college. Shouldn't a pass receiver TE/H-Back with 4.40 speed average more than 10 yards a catch - especially in college.

[Rob in OC]

Afternoon all,

Well this seems like a pretty good get w/ tuff guy, rough neck Incognito. More competition the better I say. Still troubles me why a no good team like Buffalo can give up on him when it would seem there is lots of clay to work with on the young, hothead OL??

Glad the "Tebow Show" part deux (combine part I) is over. Amazing draw that kid has... I think he has his own planetary gravity going on. ;) I think the team that ends up getting him may be thinking jersey sales just as much as panning out as a player. Hard to bet against a guy that has that much college success although the mostly run QB types are hard pressed to find permanent work in the NFL.

Cheers,

[Rob in OC]

Esteban,

It may be he is just more workout warrior with the fairly eye popping triangle numbers than pure football players.

The game is definitely not always won by the swiftest players or drafting would be a ton easier. On the flip side it sure as heck helps to have speed in the NFL.

Cheers,

[Esteban]

Rob in OC, good point on Incognito. Think about the teams that have let him leave - their OLs were pretty bad. A team with a bad OL doesn't just let a quality lineman just especially when he's not demanding a lot of money.

here is one article i found on him - more for comical purposes though...
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/therundown/2009/09/is_richie_incognito_a_few_fries_short_of_a_happy_meal.php

[carlito from golfito]

Esteban,

"Dansby isn't physical enough to be a 3-4 SOLB. Would really limit his effectiveness"

Dansby played OLB in Arizona before moving to ILB. I would prefer him to stay at ILB, but just sayin...

[Rob in OC]

It is very evident that after reading and being a part of this blog most days for a few months now that:

1.) People always want to be right.
2.) Most have certain players that will always be their heart felt choice.
3.) The Fins (after cuts) have many holes to fill and there are a number of draft scenarios that seem plausable.
4.) There are only so many FA moves and the draft is a ways off so there will be many broken record sounding posts.
5.) In regards to Rule#4 see Rule #1.

I like what payuengsnwings @12:31 had to say. That type of post will be quite fun to reflect on... even if we have to follow a few draftees a few years to see who pans out, who were instant stars or who were busters!

As to the list of rules I am guilty as charged as well. X)

Cheers,

[LipsInToronto]

Maybe they should keep Dansby inside and still draft McClain - then cut Crowder so he can hold Porter's resume.

(I don't think it will happen but aside from always being injured and never dazzling us with his abilities, Crowder really pissed me off when he got involved with the Dolphins trashing.)

[cocoajoe]

Just saw on NFL Today, NE has three (3) 2nd round pics. How the fu%k does this team manage to do this every year?

[JerseyPhins]

question to anyone

did Incognito who only played a few games w/the Bills comitt any silly personal 15 yarders while up in Buffalo

[JerseyPhins]

basically was he a problem up there?

[Po White Trash]

Joe,

That does suck but we need to follow the same path by building thru the draft. Belicheat traded down when there was no value at the pick he had.

[JerseyPhins]

i agree w/Rob in OC about payuengsnwings 12:31 post.. i'm in!

[carlito from golfito]

Rob you don't make the rules. ;)

P.S. there are no rules

[Rob in OC]

Esteban,

Funny article regarding Incognito... furthering the old addage "One mans trash is another mans treasure".

I hope the Trifecta can put more spit shine on this vagabond OL that seems to have good talent.

Good stuff.

Cheers,

[Rob in OC]

cocojoe,

Trades bro... NE been doin it for a while now with Bellychuck at the helm.

Kinda sickens me too as there is a ton of "meat on the bone" in this draft as Coach TS might say.

Cheers,

[Rob in OC]

What rules carlito,

Those are suppose to be the unspoken, unwritten rules I wasn't writing about. ;)

Cheers,

[cocoajoe]

I hear you Po. But don't forget these guys are pretty good at FA and other transactions that get them Xtra pics.

I know all that but every year they have Xtra pics....why can't we do that. It just blows my mind.

[Rob in OC]

Good job JerseyPhins,

I am sure there will be a plenty of partakers by the time draft eve rolls around.

In the case of the "Many Me" types it will be vote early and vote often.

Cheers,

[cavalierkong]

A few thoughts, sorry if I'm rehashing:

This was a win-win signing for us. It cost us next to nothing and Incognito adds nice depth to the Oline. It's a given that at some point in the season Smiley will go down to injury and who knows what's going to happen at the RG position. This signing gives us more draft flexibility in the later rounds. If the guy implodes then we cut our loses with very little $$$ invested.

I really don't see him as anything more than depth. Wasn't he the guy that got flippin' abused time and again by our Dline last year?

If he was sure starter material somebody would have paid more and picked him up even with his nasty nature. Remember Kevin Gogan? That guy picked up personal fouls just stepping on the field, but he was still worth it for a number of years.

[Po White Trash]

Joe,

You're right about Bill "Screwing the Pooch" on the White Pick. He will not make the same mistakes on this draft as last year. This is gonna be a GREAT draft.

[Po White Trash]

Free agency has been pretty bad for us. Hope this years will make up for the last two years.

[cavalierkong]

Oh, let me just congratulate the Jest and their fans for their success in getting the first Monday night game in Giants stadium.

It must be gratifying to know that you are NOT the second class NFL citizens you are made out to be. This show of faith by the NFL to let you host the almost first game in Giants stadium is just the proof and vindication you guys needed to hold your heads up high.

Congratulations Jest!!

[allen]

WR in round 2??

Damian williams

Erllious Benn

Brandon lafell

Who would you prefer and why?

[Rob in OC]

Po,

I have to wait and see another year on Pat White. I did see his start in year 1 was about as suspect as one could have but, there have been tons of guys that "get it" in year 2 or 3. Especially trying to play QB.

I really liked Pitt RB Rashard M. the year he came out. After seeing what he did his first year I kept passing on him in my fantasy drafts year 2... big mistake.

Like anyone, I would have loved to see a gangbuster, breakout banner year from him but alas, that wasn't to be in year one.

I TOTALLY get what people thinking when they smash on him and with his performances much of it is deserved. This year will be a critical year and I hope finds a groove and can carve out a niche.

Just listen to all the gushing over the pick by the NFLN draft crew:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMAF_ktK2e8

Hindsight is ALWAYS 20/20 so he may well bust out... I would let him simmer a little more to absorb all he can, settle down, lose the wide-eyed look and starting making some of the simple throws his mountain of college work suggests he can throw.

Not a knock at all on your opinion Po. This was more a getting it out there post rather than pointing to what you said.

The jury is divided and most are solidly in one corner or the other.

Cheers bro,

[cocoajoe]

Yeah Po, I really believe Parcells will do a 'A' draft this year. Make no mistake, Parcells ain't a pimple on Shula's ass but he wants to win. And sometime that's enough.

[marino]

bad signing this guy is a clown. can we sign anyone decent please? how bout a playmaker

[carlito from golfito]

Allen,

I think if Demaryius Thomas is available in the 2nd that he would be a great choice. The trifecta is constantly talking about chunk yardage and last year Demaryius Thomas averaged 25 yards per catch...

[carlito from golfito]

Marino you are a clown

[marino]

funny dude calls me a clown cause hes mad that we signed another bum

[Account Deleted]

cocoajoe, the reason New England has been able to trade players for 2nd round draft picks is because they actually have backups and/or players who aren't that important to the future of the organization. Their backups were pretty talented for a while there and they had great depth. The reason the Dolphins haven't been in a position to do this is because Spielman and the rest of the GMs before Parcells gave away our picks, traded away our players for garbage, and made horrible choices in the draft (see Beck,Ginn and dozens of others for an example). After so many years of this we didn't have any players to get rid of for high picks except Welker and didn't we get John Beck or some other useless player with that pick? So once you have good depth on your team backups start pushing starters for playing time and you create a log jam at certain positions. This is when you can really start loading up on picks like New England does. This is what BP and the others are trying to do with this team but after the devastation of hurricane Wanny and tropical storm Cameron it's going to take a while.

[Po White Trash]

Rob,

You don't have to qualify your opinion with me, you're wasting your time. I'm here to learn. I'm not a hater unless you are a Jets, NE, or Cowboy fan comming to this blog to talk SH*T.

I hope you are right about White but I don't see much room on the roster for him after the Pennington re-sign.

[Po White Trash]

WELL SAID NYScott.

[Account Deleted]

marino, you just don't seem to get it.

[marino]

white will stick around for another wasted year then he will be cut, awful pick

[Mark]

I'd feel alot better if we could somehow get our 5th rounder back. Maybe we could trade Thigpen?

And i wonder what we can get for Ginn? Probably not alot considering he's done fookall for us :(

[sullysfins]

HELLO...we need a receiver. Have we forgotten the 15 play drives that ended in fieldgoals and ronnie brown broken. Brown has not been healthy for a full season for a couple years. What makes anyone think its going to get any better? Our #2 RB(R.Williams) is old by NFL standards so its only a matter of time before he has his physical issues. We are loaded with good slot or #2 WR's but nothing close to a #1. Ginn should only be doing KR duty at best. Good thing we have a better than average O-line...Henne and the Phins are in for a long season. Still one draft away. Phins in 2013...wait the worlds ending in 2012...crap

[marino]

get what nyscott, how many bad signings do we have to go through for u to get it?

[cuban menace]

Just saw on NFL Today, NE has three (3) 2nd round pics. How the fu%k does this team manage to do this every year?

Posted by: cocoajoe | March 17, 2010 at 04:15 PM

Coco, There the NFLs flagship team, they cheat and Goodall looks the other way.......

[marino]

finally some reality, thank you sully.

[Rob in OC]

allen,

I like WR D. Thomas in the second if he got there. I am thinking a broken foot may do it. I didn't him on your list. I am NOT a Lafell guy and I see so many mocks with him going to the Fins it's uncanny.

Me personally, I would take RB Jahvid Best to add fireworks to the offense as he has the skills of Spiller that can be had late. His concussion injury was a freak think and will teach him to stop leaping as much. With guys like Spiller/Best they can may a little dump off, broken play, or bubble screen and turn it into a serious legitimate weapon.

If we were to expland of the Wildcat at all players that start/stop on a dime, make tons miss and can accelerate like a missle would create quite a double jeopardy. If Best and White both start to one side White should be able to toss or dink it to a Best/Spiller RB and get some amazing yards.

I know a bunch want the offense to go all the way back to a conventional offense now that Henne has some experience but, I think that the Wildcat still can offer yards, first downs and TD's. Like with ANY offense it needs the right players running it. A healthy Brown and Pat White simply playing better would do wonders.

Before others vilify a brother just know I can see there is a very strong case, with Henne at the helm, to go without the Wildcat and have things work on OFF as well.

Cheers

[Account Deleted]

He called you a clown because you act like a clown. All you do is complain and in doing so you never add anything intelligent or insightful to the conversations or debates. You're all about "this guy is stupid" or "that move is retarded" but you never give any real reasons why you believe your statements to be true. Clown/'klaun/n/1:=BOOR (It's the first defintition of the term in Websters). Please stop boring the blog and back up your attacks on the team with some insight.

[Po White Trash]

Mark, we should keep Thigpen unless we get at the very least a high 3rd rounder for him.

That boy has promise.

[Account Deleted]

Really? White was a terrible pick? I didn't know that, tell me more.

[Rob in OC]

Be back in a bit...lunch break!

Cheers,

[Mark]

Dont worry marino,i'm sure we'll take a WR in the 2nd. Someone like Benn or Thomas would be awesome

[marino]

i like thigpen, and no way a team would give a third rounder for him. hes a solid backup, lets keep him.

[Po White Trash]

More promise than White. IMO.

[Account Deleted]

Sully I wasn't aware the season was starting already. I thought we still had 6 months and the draft to find a receiver. My bad.