The Dolphins have traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears for two third-round selections, according to Jay Glazer of Foxsports.com.
[Update: The Herald has confirmed this move.]
The move clears salary cap room and could signal a precursor to the Dolphins landing Peyton Manning as well as several of his former Indianapolis Colts teammates, including Reggie Wayne. That is my hope.
The more likely scenario?
This move does not show intent to get Manning and is instead a move to protect the next quarterback the Dolphins bring to town -- anyone that is, including a lesser player such as Matt Flynn -- because Marshall has had a history of feuding with his QBs in Miami. This move is a way for the Dolphins to begin what will be a total revamp of the offense under new coach Joe Philbin.
[Update: Club source says this trade is independent of Manning chase. Manning didn't request it or anything such as being speculated. Been in the works since the NFL Combine in Feb. But, I'm told, if Manning comes it would mean other moves would be necessary.]
The trade reunites Marshall with former quarterback Jay Cutler which is great for the Bears. But does this make the Dolphins better?
Only if Manning and another player is coming or the Dolphins are somehow adding a bigtime playmaking wide receiver in free agency or the draftis this a net plus. This much is certain: If the Dolphins are not working on or ready to pull the trigger on a follow-up move, this shows the Marshall move two years ago to have been a bad move.
The Dolphins yielded two second-round picks to Denver for Marshall. They are not getting the same value in return. Yes, Marshall was a Pro Bowl player in 2011, but he was also often a problem in that he feuded with Chad Henne and made no bones of the fact he wanted a franchise quarterback.
Oh, by the way, NFL free agency arrives ... now!
It is 4:01 p.m. on March 13, 2012 and so bracketology schmacketology. The news at this hour?
Say good-bye to nose tackle Paul Soliai. The Dolphins do not expect to re-sign their 2011 Franchise player. Not only have the two sides failed to come to an agreement on a long-term contract the past two years but the Dolphins, apparently intent on making a quarterback splash in free agency and knowing Soliai won't come cheaply, haven't made the nose tackle any contract offers in recent weeks.
There has been no movement on this front whatever. Barring a major MAJOR change, Soliai is gone. So where is he going? Soliai will have suitors. The teams expected to show the most interest in Soliai include Kansas City, Denver, Atlanta, Indianiapolis and perhaps San Francisco.
[Update: The Dolphins have in the last hour reached out to Soliai and are talking. So there's still a chance he stays.]
The Dolphins have another starter on the open market in defensive end Kendall Langford. The sides have been in relatively frequent contact the past week or so. The Dolphins want Langford back. Langford wants to return. But Langford wants the most amount of money possible. The Dolphins want to re-sign Langford at a number that shows they like him very much but don't necessarily love him.
What a shocker: It's a money thing.
On the chase front, the Dolphins are obviously still hoping to land Peyton Manning. But, as I reported earlier today, they will move on to Matt Flynn if the Manning chase fails. A source tells The Herald's Barry Jackson that Flynn will be patient in free agency unless someone throws a huge offer on the table for him immediately.
Yes, Seattle and Cleveland could have interest. But the Flynn camp understands the Dolphins being in the chase would drive up interest and potentially drive up Flynn's price. And since money is the thing, patience will be something Flynn shows.
He's looking to go deep on this contract rather than get a check-down deal.
I am not certain the Dolphins will be major players in free agency -- at least not early on. The club is approximately $11-$12 million under the NFL's $120.6 million salary cap before the Marshall trade. Obviously that is more now, but I have to figure out the ramifications.
Miami's needs include pass-rusher, right tackle, and cornerback. Of all those, the cornerback market seems expecially rich this free agency period. Yes, right tackle Eric Winston and outside linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams are the prizes on the market, but they will be so expensive I cannot see Miami chasing or landing either. (Wrote about it anyway because I'm a dreamer and anything is possible.)
[Update: I have confirmed that Eric Winston will visit with the Dolphins. This doesn't mean he's signing. A lot of teams are interested -- up to a dozen -- and he is not going to sign a bargain contract. But he is scheduled to visit at this time.]
[Update: Eric Winston said on Sirius radio that he will fly to South Florida tonight and visit the Dolphins Wednesday.]
The Dolphins today did some minor contract laundry with their restricted and exclusive rights players. The club tendered RT Lydon Murtha with a second-round tender. The club tendered defensive end Phillip Merling to an original round tender. Both have signed their tenders, costing the Dolphins a total of $3.1 million.
The club did not tender either running back Lex Hilliard or defensive lineman Ryan Baker.
Do you people realize that as of right now our #1 receiver is Brian Hartline and our #2 receiver is Devone Bess? OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
Posted by: It's Happening | March 13, 2012 at 05:12 PM
Dusty sucks
Posted by: Hartline is a playmaker | March 13, 2012 at 05:12 PM
I'm starting early, it's Get Beat for Barkley! 2012's Suck for Luck campaign, coming to a Dolphins Blog Near YOU!!!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 05:12 PM
not a bust as far as the value goes flea, u cant trade something 2 years later and expect back what u dealt for it then. hes older and more miles on him now
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 13, 2012 at 05:13 PM
Everyone calm down. We have a new coach who wants to build through the draft with younger players. You disliked Sparano as a coach couldn't wait to get rid of him. You bagged Marshall for all the TD drops now most of you are angry that he is traded. Give Philbin a chance to incorporate his system. Who knows what will happen next but be patient with Philbin.
Posted by: robert az | March 13, 2012 at 05:13 PM
Dez is a freak athlete though...
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 05:13 PM
I think some of you guys are forgetting we got one of those 2nd rd picks back in the draft last year. So really Marshall only cost us 1 2nd rd pick...just saying
Posted by: fan | March 13, 2012 at 05:13 PM
id give 2 4th rd picks if someone would take ireland
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 13, 2012 at 05:13 PM
Damn!... At least get a 2nd out of Chiicago!! That way we could've moved back into the 1st round... Wow!!!!.... The only reason I'm not TOO upset is cause there are some beast wrs in the draft..... This is F?@kin crazy!!! Please sign Winston so we don't have to use our 1st on an OT.....
Posted by: FED UP PHINS FAN | March 13, 2012 at 05:13 PM
I am sick to my stomach. This makes no sense at all in a NFL PASSING league
Posted by: Batman | March 13, 2012 at 05:13 PM
yes hartline and im not starting for the fins either
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 13, 2012 at 05:14 PM
DC Dolfan, are you really done with the team? Do you mean it? That would be such great news. Are you g_ay? You sure are womanlike.
Posted by: The G.O.A.T. | March 13, 2012 at 05:14 PM
Rebuilding...What the heck were the past 4 years for if not rebuilding. This franchise has been in rebuilding mode since 1999. If we were rebuilding we should've gotten rid of Ireland
Posted by: Joey | March 13, 2012 at 04:23 PM
______________________________________________________________________________
Teams go through major overhauls every 4 years or so. That's the way it is. It seems like we've been in rebuild for the last decade plus because nobody has been able to make their build work.
If you take a step back you will realize that this most recent rebuild started under a different owner and Parcells. New owner....new direction....completely new coaching staff.....that all speaks to a major overhaul.
Not saying I'm happy about it, it's just the way it is.
Posted by: wolfman13 | March 13, 2012 at 05:14 PM
CLUE, tell us one more time so we all can understand your rant. Bill
Posted by: Bill | March 13, 2012 at 05:15 PM
Jaguars are expected to host quarterback Chad Henne for a free agent visit this week. lol
Posted by: NY "G" | March 13, 2012 at 05:15 PM
Here's how this makes sense...if Ross wants out of Miami and to say hello to L.A.
Good luck selling tickets to home games Mr. Ross. I hope you have enough to buy out 50,000 seats for 8 games.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 05:15 PM
Wow!!! Darlington doesn't seem sold on Philbin being interested in Flynn. Maybe he's just playing devil's advocate but we REALLY have no idea what Philbin thinks of Flynn.
If Moore is our starting QB we reward him by trading away our best player????
Posted by: We Have Draft Picks | March 13, 2012 at 05:15 PM
LOL @ Dolfan Dave....
Posted by: Kris | March 13, 2012 at 05:15 PM
As usual wolfman is right. one of the few here who are consistently correct.
Posted by: The G.O.A.T. | March 13, 2012 at 05:16 PM
Ha!, dusty.
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 13, 2012 at 05:16 PM
Wake up people....Blackmon is not a better prospect than Calvin Johnson was.
Posted by: We Have Draft Picks | March 13, 2012 at 05:16 PM
dusty bottoms, you're right about value, special a malcontent like Marshall.
Posted by: Michael | March 13, 2012 at 05:17 PM
dc that is starting to seem real
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 13, 2012 at 05:17 PM
Im done with my rant. I really think Ireland is a Jet fan.
Posted by: Clue | March 13, 2012 at 05:17 PM
Miami doesn't need any more receivers. We have the best receivers in the NFL!
Love,
Brian H
Posted by: BHartline | March 13, 2012 at 05:17 PM
Why are all the phins fans bashing this trade did we forget about all the drops???? And how many TD's were in those drops? Good bye to a selfish player and welcome the cap space for Winston!
Posted by: james | March 13, 2012 at 05:17 PM
We're not getting Blackmon with the 8th pick & Ireland is not trading up to get him.
Posted by: We Have Draft Picks | March 13, 2012 at 05:17 PM
Pierre Garcon Signs With Redskins, Josh Morgan Next?
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 05:18 PM
lots of whining over a playmaker who couldn't make the plays that mattered the most.
we're lucky to get 2 turds for him.
Posted by: Blog Fodder | March 13, 2012 at 05:18 PM
There are some pretty good receivers in this Draft, including that kid from the U.
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 13, 2012 at 05:18 PM
cyberflea is wrong. we don't know what we will get for our 2 picks yet and won't for a long time.
Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round.
Posted by: The G.O.A.T. | March 13, 2012 at 05:19 PM
james you idiot, Hartline/Wayne/Bess arent #1
Posted by: Clue | March 13, 2012 at 05:19 PM
Exactly Draft Picks. One of the ONLY perks about Moore was his relationship with Marshall. They lit it up last Season. Now he has to start over, with who, Clyde "2 Receptions All Year" Gates? Or give the 7th-rounder Flynn Hartline to play with?
Next thing they're working on is signing Camarillo back.
Posted by: DC Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 05:19 PM
OK, I admit it....That wasn't a smart trade. Drank too much cough syrup this afternoon. Sorry dolphins fans
Posted by: Jeff Ireland | March 13, 2012 at 05:19 PM
The U has yet to produce an NFL caliber player.
Posted by: The G.O.A.T. | March 13, 2012 at 05:19 PM
This is all very simple....the team Parcells and company built over the last 4 years was a failure....so we now have to re-build again.
Posted by: wolfman13 | March 13, 2012 at 05:19 PM
Season's over before the offseason even really begins. Congrats team management
Posted by: Bri1314 | March 13, 2012 at 05:19 PM
Marshall was not a cancer on the team. He was the guy who actually stood up to vontae davis for coming to practice late and hungover. Ever since that day votae played like a pro bowler.
Posted by: Slam | March 13, 2012 at 05:20 PM
Clue, Dusty, and DC -- the 3 stupidest people here. It's so ironic that you guys care so much, yet your opinions are usually dead wrong.
Posted by: The G.O.A.T. | March 13, 2012 at 05:20 PM
We Have Draft Picks, it looks like he will trade up, and if he doesn't Michael Floyd mill be there at 8.
Posted by: Michael | March 13, 2012 at 05:20 PM
im not mad about the trade really, its the fact that it looks like we are now in a full blown rebuidling mode and im tired of that garbage
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 13, 2012 at 05:21 PM
Maybe the hidden talent Philbin was talking about was Roberto Wallace and Marlon Moore? longshot I know just putting it out there
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 05:22 PM
Streeter doesn't know how to run routes. Blackmon will be gone by 8th. Manning gonna tell the Dolphins GO F themselves.
We'll be drafting Tannehill at 8 LOL
Posted by: Clue | March 13, 2012 at 05:22 PM
"SI.com's Don Banks reports the Seahawks and Dolphins will battle for free agent QB Matt Flynn."
Hmmmmm.....I guess we're going to find out what Philbin REALLY thinks of Flynn.
Posted by: We Have Draft Picks | March 13, 2012 at 05:22 PM
I figured it out. DC Dolfan is one of the following:
1. a woman
2. g_ay (the kind that is overly emotional like a woman and is full of anger and self hate for being g_ay)
3. manic depressive/bipolar.
No other explanation for your rants.
Posted by: YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR | March 13, 2012 at 05:22 PM
thanks goat, nice guy that u r
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 13, 2012 at 05:22 PM
Clue I am an idiot??? the money the phins paid marshall does not add up to the lack of production or dropped balls. He continued to make selfish comments in a team sport.
Posted by: james | March 13, 2012 at 05:22 PM
I don't know why everyone is so mad about losing Marshall. He was a cancer to the team, a terrible example for any young wide receiver we bring in, a constant headache for any QB we have had in house or sign or draft, dropped as many TDs in 2 years as he caught, and counted almost 12 mil against the cap. We were lucky to get 2 3rd round picks back. I can just see the influence and problem he would be to Flynn if we sign him(just as he was a problem for Moore and Henne), or draft Tannehill. I was against the trade when it happened, would have been fine with them cutting him after one year, so I am happy we got 2 picks back for him. BTW, has never played on a winning team.
Posted by: SOD | March 13, 2012 at 05:23 PM
WTH, GOAT, I'm pretty good too and almost as crazy as Armando.
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 13, 2012 at 05:23 PM
After Blackmon, Floyd, Randle, Hill, and Streeter all haVe that size and speed that would make up for Marshall
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 05:23 PM
"We Have Draft Picks, it looks like he will trade up, and if he doesn't Michael Floyd mill be there at 8."
Michael Floyd @ 8??? That's more insane than Ted Ginn @ 9!!!!
Posted by: We Have Draft Picks | March 13, 2012 at 05:24 PM
streeter sucks man, lose the bias on him going to the u man. do not take a wr at 8, no way.
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 13, 2012 at 05:24 PM
cutler and marshall will be hilarious
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 13, 2012 at 05:25 PM
Here's what happened....Philbin watched the tape.
Posted by: Blog Fodder | March 13, 2012 at 05:25 PM
Floyd would make sense... I think they may be able to trade down a little bit based off need of other teams.
Posted by: beerphin | March 13, 2012 at 05:25 PM
James the idiot, Marshall put up 6 years of 1000 plus yards. Are we gonna get that production from Hartline now. Oh now Winston the RT will catch passes now.
Posted by: Clue | March 13, 2012 at 05:25 PM
Guys, don't forget Marhsall threw his QB under the bus at the Pro Bowl....so how do you think Moore felt about that?, so even though they had good numbers together, he was two for two throwing our QB's under the bus..
Bye bye Brandon
Posted by: Craig | March 13, 2012 at 05:25 PM
Must Read: Free-agency poker: Is Matt Flynn destined for Miami ... or not?
http://www.nfl.com/freeagency/story/09000d5d82791ae2/article/freeagency-poker-is-matt-flynn-destined-for-miami-or-not?module=HP11_cp
Posted by: JackSparrow | March 13, 2012 at 05:26 PM
We just got rid of a cancer cell in the huddle and locker room.
Marshall dropped more important passes than he caught.
Posted by: NHFINSFAN | March 13, 2012 at 05:26 PM
Just FYI, it's common wisdom that WR's take at least a couple years to learn how to play in the NFL. Rarely are they beasts in Year 1. You're on a mediocre team, 3 years strong, and your GM says you're in win now mode.
But then you get rid of your top offensive weapon, and you people think he can be replaced THIS YEAR with some drafted player? Square that circle for me.
Just wake up, this is a move to create a losing Season comparable to the Colts in 2011 to get the #1 pick in 2013. That's what this was!
Posted by: DC Dolfan | March 13, 2012 at 05:26 PM