Much of the unrestricted free agent focus surrounding the Dolphins' own players has centered around the offensive backfield in general and running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in particular.
I would tell you that is probably not the place the Dolphins should be placing their priority.
I would tell you the priority should be on defense. Right in the middle of all the action. At nose tackle.
Paul Soliai.
Soliai, drafted in 2007, is expected to hit free agency once the players' union and the NFL get their act together and agree on a collective bargaining agreement. He will not re-sign with Miami before a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, according to a league source, because he wants to maximize his earning potential and the 30 percent rule makes it hard to do that until after his current contract expires and he becomes a free agent.
So the Dolphins have "zero," chance of re-signing Soliai before he hits free agency, the source close to the player said Tuesday.
What does that mean?
It means the biggest body on the Miami defensive line, the player who started 14 games at nose tackle for Miami last year, will hit free agency assuming the league does not establish a lull period during which current teams have exclusive rights to negotiate with their own players.
I am told if Soliai hits the open market, it will be a free-for-all. He wants to remain with the Dolphins. But he wants to get paid. And there will be interest because there always is for a 355 pound defensive lineman that has proven he can play.
In talks between the Dolphins and agent David Canter, I am told by my source, the Dolphins are being cautious. Canter could not be reached for comment, but I'll keep trying. He is, after all, a weekly contributor on my radio show Armando and the Amigo.
I can understand why no deal has been reached yet. Soliai played better than he has at any time in his career in 2010 so he wants to be rewarded. The Dolphins are almost certainly guarding themselves against Soliai being a one-year wonder because he's been a reserve his previous three seasons.
Thus we have a gap that needs to be bridged.
Soliai was very good last year, tying Kendall Langford for the lead in solo tackles among defensive linemen with 33. He also led all defensive linemen with eight tackles for losses with eight. Bottom line, when the Dolphins lost defensive end Jared Odrick after the regular-season opener and needed to move Randy Starks from nose tackle back to defensive end, Soliai's play made that possible.
I imagine the Dolphins could retry the Starks at nose tackle experiment, but the bottom line is Soliai was more productive than any starting nose tackle the Dolphins have had under their current administration. So they should do everything possible to keep from losing that kind of talent.
There is also an inherent risk for the Dolphins in being overly cautious with Soliai. Unless they get that lull period, they could risk losing him to another team. And the New York Jets could be in the market for a starting nose tackle.
Just saying.
I don't like to sound pessimistic, as I really
believe the Dolphins will turn this organization around in time. The sooner the better.
But let's be realistic. We are not just one draft away. Not if we must start using our picks to replace QB, RB, NT, TE, etc.
And might I remind you that the oline was riddled. Poor run blocking and even worse pass protection. Gee whiz, what good will it do to get anyone marginally better at the weapons position, if everybody winds up in panic mode (Ronny Brown tipping-toeing and dancing in the back field - there was nowhere to run) Henne taking sandwhich shots, getting blasted by the blitz, just to get a thankless earful...
I am all for the oline upgrades, beginning with this upcoming draft. Followed up with the FA once the CBA is done. And we need to rely on some luck there.
I'd hate to think the FO would start next year off wrong by not resigning Soliai. I hope this franchise can at least keep a respectable defense
Perhaps next year we may take a wildcard. I'd like to think so.
Otherwise, we will remain at the lower end of the league.
Posted by: GulfDolphin | February 09, 2011 at 09:51 PM
Lolita...Fire of my loin, love of my life....Good book.
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | February 09, 2011 at 09:52 PM
There are obvious holes in the team. If we were more secure at quarterback the line problems, and running back situation wouldn't seem so urgent. Jay Cutler got sacked 50 times, had marginal recievers, and average run game. So it can be done. Not saying we should model our team after last years Bears. But they had the same offensive problems we did, but much better quarterback play. My point is. Solve the quarterback riddle, and all of these other shortcomings aren't such a sore.
Who is the best Rocky opponent? Appolo Creed, Clubber Lang, or Ivan Drago?
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | February 09, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Who is the best Rocky opponent? Appolo Creed, Clubber Lang, or Ivan Drago?
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | February 09, 2011 at 10:00 PM
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Moisture.
Posted by: Petrograd | February 09, 2011 at 10:06 PM
I did have an experience, in a way, like that, DD. I am writing here because of the girl(and she has remained faithfully attached to me). Now, I want no part of her(married , with children), I want no part of her(it hurts)...
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 09, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Washington (CNN) - Republican Rep. Christopher Lee of New York resigned his House seat Wednesday following a report that the married congressman had tried to meet a woman on Craigslist.
Posted by: another dumb GOPer | February 09, 2011 at 10:14 PM
What is this moisture in Petrograd that I have been reading here? Please, explain.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 09, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Moisture
Posted by: dishpan | February 09, 2011 at 10:24 PM
"the last of the samoans" One by one the June jones-cam cameron connection, comprised of the "HAHA TEAM" disapeared off the roster...except paul soli-me-sandwhich and they were about to cut him when he found a reserve tank of gas (Not methane) but hootspa! He use to make a play or two and then have to come out. Now he's playing like a "HOT DOG" and hasn't been resigned. Burp!
Posted by: Doofins are Losers | February 09, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Moisture? Where?
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 09, 2011 at 10:28 PM
Ireland didn't draft solia, that's why he's decent. Ireland is the worst GM on the planet!!
Busta brown should be his name!
Posted by: GIANT GREEN MEN | February 09, 2011 at 10:29 PM
Giant Green Men? God forgive us.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 09, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Moisture? Where?
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 09, 2011 at 10:28 PM
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Petrograd.
Posted by: Moisture | February 09, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Where the hell is Petrograd?
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 09, 2011 at 10:36 PM
Well, I guess if you have to play, you gotta play.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 09, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Where the hell is Petrograd?
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 09, 2011 at 10:36 PM
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Petrograd name of St. Petersburg from 1914-1924.
тупые американские!!
Posted by: Russian Historian | February 09, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Well, by about this time(usually), I'm too beat out. You People have fun.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 09, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Moisture.
Posted by: Petrograd | February 09, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Petrograd,
Get a dehumidyfier, before you catch pheumonia, or foot rot.
Not an alarmist, but all that moisture isn't good for a human.
Posted by: GulfDolphin | February 09, 2011 at 11:18 PM
St. Petersburg, Russia, is Petrograd....not very humid, so it's perfect for TB patients and pneumonia patients. Depending on their doctor's advise of course....
Posted by: redsky | February 09, 2011 at 11:50 PM
"Saint Petersburg experiences a humid continental climate of the cool summer subtype due to the distinct moderating influence of the Baltic Sea cyclones, with warm, humid and short summers and long, cold winters."
Posted by: Wikipedia | February 10, 2011 at 12:03 AM
Moisture
Posted by: Petrograd | February 10, 2011 at 12:03 AM
The Los Angeles Dolphins will win Super Bowl 50!
Posted by: DyingBreed | February 10, 2011 at 12:05 AM
im worried about offense,4get him,we can servive,on d
Posted by: jan12271 | February 10, 2011 at 06:20 AM