I am learning to stop underestimating the Dolphins' inability to land a quarterback. Any quarterback.
After not getting a franchise QB last year, and not getting a player even they believed would compete for a starting job (Matt Moore was a surprise to them), and not drafting anyone, and pulling out of the Kyle Orton trade, and not getting Peyton Manning, now Miami is not getting Matt Flynn, either.
Flynn has agreed to a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks, according to Sports Illustrated and ESPN.
The Dolphins?
They're visiting with Alex Smith. They have another visit set up tomorrow with David Garrard.
How do you feel about that one?
I am not a big Flynn proponent. I'm not so sure he's going to be that good. I don't mind him going elsewhere. But the Dolphins do need somebody.
I'm sure the Dolphins will eventually portray this as having a plan (yeah, right) and sticking to that plan of not overspending for any player (including a QB). I'm sure they'll eventually get the message out that Flynn was a nice but not great option.
Sorry, but some facts simply get in the way. For example, someone else apparently believes Flynn is worth a good but not great contract. Seattle is paying approximately $8 million per season -- probably less when the actual numbers come in -- and that's not exactly breaking the bank for a starting QB. Even the $10 million signing bonus is modest for a QB. All indications are the Dolphins thought Flynn to be that potential starter but still couldn't pay him that?
Well then, why did the personnel and offensive staff spend nearly 40 hours of total tape time studying this guy, a figure I was told by a source was conservative? Otherwise, why would coach Joe Philbin be calling him throughout the free agency process to make sure Flynn knew he was a major Miami target? Otherwise why did the Dolphins immediately pivot to Flynn once they knew they'd been eliminated from the Manning derby? Otherwise why did they offer the kid a contract?
Something went wrong here. I was told three days ago Flynn was going to be Miami's guy. I was told it would take a significant screw up to fail to get him in a Dolphins uniform because the club believed he could win the starting job and Flynn liked the idea of playing for Philbin.
So what changed?
Obviously something.
Again, Matt Flynn is just a guy to me. He isn't guaranteed of doing anything great anywhere he goes. But the Dolphins continuing to pass on everybody is starting to raise eyebrows. It makes you wonder what's the problem.
Maybe it's Miami's inability to land a quarterback. Any quarterback.
Still cannot believe anyone really thinks Chad Henne is good. He was easily the worst starter in the NFL last season. Matt Moore was a major upgrade. Henne is one of the biggest reasons we're here again, glomming around for some crappy QB and convincing ourselves it'll all work out somehow. Nothing's going to work out until this sad-sack-sorry organization somehow acquires a real QB....period. How many times over the last 13 years has this team sifted through other team's garbage? How many times has that worked out? I can think of one, when Pennington somehow nursed himself through the one good season he had left and guess what? They won 11 games that year. Then along came another second round longshot they settled for and kablam, another coach is canned and it begins again.
Posted by: Uwe von Yepremian | March 18, 2012 at 08:47 PM
How the HELL does this sorry team not have salary cap money? Every player is mediocre or below. Not one celeb playmaker on this team. Free agency hits and instead of getting rid of the majority of these losers, no, they keep everyone single one of them because they are too CHEAP!!! They low ball every decent player. WHo the hell does this guy Ross and his butt buddy Ireland think they are??? Now serious desperation mode kicks in and we'll probably pick a QB that is not ready to play with the #8, and no playmaker. That or worst, Matt Moore will be the starter again for another 7-9, 6-6 year! For those of you that think Moore is such a good QB-FANGULA to you all! He'll be hurt by the second game and then what? Oh and Gerrard? An old has been with a messed up disc that laughed at them and refused to play for them last year. What a freaking joke. No way in hell I'll purchase tickets ever again until Ross and Ireland are gone the hell out of here!!!!
Posted by: extremelytiredfinfan | March 18, 2012 at 08:48 PM
Smith is waiting it out? Pfffffft we're not getting him then. I cant see Manning going to san fran when he can stay in his own division at Tenn or stay in conference going to Denver. I guess thats not happening. Oh well, on to Moore and Weeden!
Posted by: Phins78 | March 18, 2012 at 08:49 PM
Glad to see there are so many scouts on this blog...Lets see Philbin might know just a little more about Flynn than us..I'm sure if he had told Ireland that Flynn is the franchise type QB that we need, they would have offered more...Go Dolphins!!
Posted by: Rob Dolphins | March 18, 2012 at 08:49 PM
AND WHEN YOU SAY MIAMI, YOUR TALKING TOILET BOWL.
Posted by: uf 100 years of mediocrity and counting | March 18, 2012 at 08:49 PM
Chad Henne was better than ANY option Miami has had on the table. The National media is now everywhere mocking the Dolphins. You fans that wanted Chad Henne gone are the reason for that. I laugh at you and mock you. You aren't football fans, you are a bunch of Madden wannabe's who think your armchair coaching is reality. You twits don't even understand the difference in responsibilities between a HC and a GM. You don't know the fundamentals of the QB position but clamor after whatever name the media says is the man. The only thing wrong with Henne was he was too quick to sign with Jacksonville when Seattle would have made him a starter straight up and then I could have laughed at you morons when Henne led the Hawks to the playoffs. Of course, I can still laugh at the complete imbeciles who want to get Tebow.
Posted by: GetAClue | March 18, 2012 at 08:51 PM
Ryan Tannehill-
the BEST option all along!
Posted by: finsfan72 | March 18, 2012 at 08:53 PM
BREAKING NEWS!!!
THE ARENA LEAGUE HAS REJECTED THE MIAMI DOLPHINS REQUEST FOR TRANSFER INTO THE LEAGUE . THE REASONS GIVEN WERE INADEQUATE OWNER, GM, HC, AND QB NOT MEETING UP TO ARENA LEAGUE STANDARDS. THE LEAGUE WILL PERMIT AND REVIEW ANOTHER APPLICATION FROM THE MIAMI DOLPHINS IF AND WHEN THE REQUIREMENTS ARE SATISFIED.
Posted by: ARENA LEAGUE RULING | March 18, 2012 at 08:54 PM
flynn was plan B. if philbin didnt think he was good they wouldnt have made flynn a priority. team has become a joke.
Posted by: greg z. | March 18, 2012 at 08:54 PM
I have been a Fish fan my entire life. This once proud franchise has reached lows I never would have envisioned. For sure, Ireland is going to overpay for Alex Smith to save face, draft the Texas A&M QB to high, or simply go with Matt Moore. Rebuild again? This is the 4th or 5th time over that last 15 plus years. Mr. Ross, I am done. You need to drop Jeff Ireland NOW! It is evident to me that there is no plan in place, no "stars" to see, no shot of winning and therefore no reason for me to waste my valuable time with this team anymore. Mr Ross, you either don't care or simply satisfied with mediocrity (if the Fish can even achieve that). You have lost me forever! Awful, Awful, Awful management. The former proud franchise is now the laughing stock of the NFL.
Posted by: Done with the Fish | March 18, 2012 at 08:54 PM
Uwe von Yepremian said something so moronic he should be sterilized to prevent him from spreading his seed and burdening mankind with his offspring. Henne was in the top 9 of QB's last year when he was hurt. He was ranking higher than the FA's that were available except for Manning. Don't let reality confuse you; just go get sterilized.
Posted by: GetAClue | March 18, 2012 at 08:55 PM
Henne was awful, Matt Moore is just plain better and it was obvious to anyone with eyes. He's barely a CFL starter, much less an NFL one.
Posted by: Fuad Michel | March 18, 2012 at 08:55 PM
Get a Clue..so in your opinion, Henne is better than Moore? by how much....since there is like a hairbreth of difference between them in comparison to an Eli Manning or a Drew Brees....when he ascends to a starter role somweplace eklse, only then does your claim hold any water...just my take on that. :-)
Posted by: Buster | March 18, 2012 at 08:55 PM
I'm available.
Posted by: OJ Simpson | March 18, 2012 at 08:55 PM
BarackObama.com
Posted by: Obama 2012 | March 18, 2012 at 08:55 PM
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Posted by: Obama 2012 | March 18, 2012 at 08:56 PM
If the Dolphins only chance of getting Smith is if Manning does sign with SF, then that says that the Dolphins are a very low choice for desperate QB's such as Smith and Gerrald.
What if Miami misses on Manning, Flynn, Smith, Luck, RGIII, Tannerhill, Cousins, Weeden, and is stuck with Moore/Gerrald?
And they pick only OL, DT, and RB in draft with a token value WR that runs a 5.7?
Posted by: Sigh | March 18, 2012 at 08:56 PM
My god I thought Rick Spealman was a terrible GM. How I miss his butt now. Ireland is the sorriest S.O.B. ever this league has somehow produced! He drives a damn pickup truck for crying out loud. I guy that makes the king of $$$ he's making. And Ross? Where the hell did this guy come from? I used to call in sick at work to watch my team play on sundays, no more! I will not buy tickets nor any thing with a DOlphins logo ever again!
Posted by: extremelytiredfinfan | March 18, 2012 at 08:57 PM
Fuad Michel is next in line for sterilization. I bet money he couldn't understand the statistics that prove his eyes lie.
Posted by: GetAClue | March 18, 2012 at 08:57 PM
What's puzzling to me is does Philbin have any say about the talent that is being brought in or is he just a puppet? I don't want the Dolphins to overpay for anyone
but they can't tell the fanbase they didn't want Flynn.
Posted by: robert in az | March 18, 2012 at 08:57 PM
Mando :
Ireland is so stupid he cant´t even hire a Secretary.
What is amazing is hearing Mr. Stephen Ross saying that he Trusts who nobody trusted anyways an never will anymore after this new failure. In one year he has lost, Harbaugh, Fisher, Marshall, Manning and Flynn all of whom he met and only Harbauhg was not in the team headquarters, this guy is a Monster of stupidity, it happens that Flynn signed in Seattle for exactly the same Offer Ireland rejected in Miami, what was he thinking?, no body knows but wath we all knew already and now we are so sure is that he is a total incompetent, i don´t understand why Mr.Ross has so much confidence in him,, oh well may be not so much anylonger after this other prove of incapacity...QUIT IS WHAT I OR WE WANT FROM IRELAND..FIRE HIM IS ALL I OR WE WANT FROM Mr. Ross.......
Posted by: Guillermo | March 18, 2012 at 08:57 PM
OH NO! WE SUCK AGAIN!
Posted by: Worst.Franchise.Ever. | March 18, 2012 at 08:57 PM
A lot of new People here saying they have been lifelong Fans of the Dolphins. Hmm..eh, Armando.
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 18, 2012 at 08:57 PM
Maybe Joey Harrington is available. Or Jeff George. What's Cleo Lemon doing these days? If we're going to settle again then let's really settle.
Posted by: Dan Stoyanovich | March 18, 2012 at 08:58 PM
Support Pres. Obama today. Go to BarackObama.com This nation cannot vote out the first Black President. Don't be racist, support your President.
Posted by: Obama 2012 | March 18, 2012 at 08:58 PM
Alex Smith 8 Million? Welcome to the AFC east basement. Might as well stick with Moore and save the money. This management has the fins the laughing stock of the NFL.
Posted by: Disapointed Fins Fan | March 18, 2012 at 08:59 PM
Buster,
Not a bad post by you. Yes, Henne is better than Moore and no it isn't by much; but he is better on holding on to the ball, throwing the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, and not taking as many sacks.
Posted by: GetAClue | March 18, 2012 at 08:59 PM
Can we afford Pat White?
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Posted by: Obama 2012 | March 18, 2012 at 09:00 PM
OK, nobody laugh. Rex Grossman. Just kidding. Everybody can laugh now.
Seriously, I meant Bruce Gradkowski. Ross, baby. Make it happen.
Posted by: Smaknstein | March 18, 2012 at 09:01 PM
GetAClue needs to follow his handle's advice. Henne was hideously terrible, always a foot too high or low and a second late...always. He sucked as a QB and he sucked as a leader. No one will ever miss him.
Posted by: Dan Stoyanovich | March 18, 2012 at 09:01 PM
Regardless of Henne, the best the Dolphins can do right now and for the foreseeable future is just go with Moore. There isn't anyone else available or whom we will get in the draft that will be better. Moore, God Help Us, is the best we can do. I feel sorry for the guy. The line will get him killed and he has no one to throw the ball to anyway. Reggie Bush will not survive 8 games.
Posted by: GetAClue | March 18, 2012 at 09:02 PM
AGAIN Russ Lande is tweeting that Ireland not going hard for Flynn is a RED FLAG for Flynn.
Posted by: Samantha | March 18, 2012 at 09:02 PM
I'll vote for Obama, but i'm very disappointed that he hasn't supported gay marriage more openly. Millions of gay Americans like myself are waiting for him to make that bold move.
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 18, 2012 at 09:02 PM
Dolphins Front Office are a Bunch of Fuckos. And Ross is a Cheap Ass Punk
Posted by: Dick Pepperwood | March 18, 2012 at 09:02 PM
Matt Moore= 7th rd draft pick.....
the above statment= fact......
any questions......
Posted by: Kris | March 18, 2012 at 09:03 PM
Dan Stoyanovich needs to be sterilized as well. Please provide any factual support for your asinine assessment. You can't... so please follow the others and make your appointment for sterilization.
Posted by: GetAClue | March 18, 2012 at 09:03 PM
Ryan Clark said Jeff Ireland was a cocky S.O.B. when he met w/him — did not like him at all per reports earlier today. Not that players are supposed to love the GM but I guess there is an air of a-holeness around Jeffy. He has earned zero respect why? The Big Smelly Tuna handed him the job, the Dez Bryant fiasco and then stabbing his buddy Sparano in the back. We still have a piece of the Trifecta here – until it/Ireland is eradicated the stink will continue in Davie.
Posted by: Matt | March 18, 2012 at 09:04 PM
This just in...Brett Farve has ordered 3 dozen auto-feeders for his livestock, and hence will be available for the start of training camp...and the Dolphins have strong feelings about prospects for a visit......stay tuned for more.....:-)
Posted by: Buster | March 18, 2012 at 09:04 PM
whoops...meant matt Flynn...to many Matt's on the Dolphins Horizion....glad we just eliminated one....
MATT MOORE...MATT MOOREE...MATT MOORE....
Posted by: Kris | March 18, 2012 at 09:05 PM
No Chad Henne, we shure don't miss you.
Posted by: george steventon | March 18, 2012 at 09:05 PM
"Instead of waiting for the Peyton chase to knock a starting quarterback to the curb, the Dolphins have decided to make a pre-emptive strike, actively pursuing Alex Smith, who led the 49ers to a 14-3 record in 2011.
Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that the Dolphins are negotiating with Smith, and that Smith could get a deal in the range of $8 million per year.
Of course, Smith already has on the table a three-year, $24 million offer from the 49ers, which if my math is correct (and rarely it is), that’s an average of $8 million.
Klis speculates that, if the Niners miss out on Peyton Manning, they could target Matthew Hasselbeck, whom many (me included) believe the 49ers should have signed in 2011.
Of course, Hasselbeck may not be available if the Titans don’t land Manning.
If that happens, don’t be surprised if Colin Kaepernick is the starting quarterback in San Francisco come September."
All is not lost if Ireland gets this deal done.
Posted by: We Have Draft Picks | March 18, 2012 at 09:05 PM
Ross is screwing this franchise over faster than two San Francisco ferries.
Posted by: Dolphins in DeepShit | March 18, 2012 at 09:06 PM
Miss me yet?
Posted by: Rick Spielman | March 18, 2012 at 09:06 PM
Boom again Mando. You got it. Dolpins are broke because the roster is all screwed up. One of the first signs Ireland didnt know what he was doing was when they released Porter at the wrong time.
Posted by: You Know | March 18, 2012 at 09:07 PM
Dolphins Lose in the Regular Season and the Off Season too. What a Joke.
Saban. Parcells. Culpepper. Cameron. All Has Beens. HIre someone with Pride. Not Washed up Jokes
Posted by: Dick Pepperwood | March 18, 2012 at 09:07 PM
I have been saying for a month that Flynn should have been their top priority in FA. He knows Philbin's system and IF Philbin wanted him they should have paid to get him. What we won't KNOW is if Philbin wanted him and Ireland failed to land him. If that is the case this team is doomed. Philbin will never support Ireland after that type of failure.
Moore will NEVER take this team anywhere. He is a journeyman backup. We still don't have a backup to that backup.
Now the failure called the Fins will end up with Tebow and Ross will be sucking his knob thinkging that will sell tickets. Tebow is a BUST and therefore he will find his way to the trash heap called the Miami Dolphins.
Pathetic!
Posted by: JPAO | March 18, 2012 at 09:07 PM
If Ireland actually knew what he was doing, he would have got a QB last year and not traded three picks so he could pick up a RB that spend more time in the training room than on the field. Other teams find RB as undrafted free agents, but Miami trades picks for RBs.
Maybe they will draft Trent Richardson at # 8, which would be the fourth # 1 pick the Phins have used for a RB in about a decade.
Posted by: Sigh | March 18, 2012 at 09:08 PM
Back off the ledge FIN FANS....
We didn't miss out on ANYTHING...or ANYONE....
Matt Flynn=Matt Moore...@ a fraction of the cost...
Posted by: Kris | March 18, 2012 at 09:09 PM
YA NO MAS!!!!!!!! I CANT TAKE THIS SHITT ANYMORE!!!!!! I JUST WANT ONE FUCKINGG WINNING SEASON!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!~!!~`2~~
Posted by: I HATE ROSS!!!!!!78776!!%5! | March 18, 2012 at 09:09 PM
Tebow Time again in the Stadium....OMG..Ross might have a woody over this!!!!!!
Posted by: Buster | March 18, 2012 at 09:09 PM
www.facebook.com/RossSellTheDolphinsNow
HEy guys its gotta start at the top lets call for ross to sell team now.... i live in new england an pay to watch all fins games an i cant take it any more. like my facebook page above an get this bumm out now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: eddie from new england | March 18, 2012 at 09:11 PM
Looks like my Dolphins are in for another bad season.
They prob didn't offer Matt Flynn enough money as allways. The owners have there heads up their RECTUMS.
Posted by: george steventon | March 18, 2012 at 09:12 PM
2 phrases I will be GLAD to NEVER have to read again....
#1- "IF MANNING IS HEALTHY".....
#2- "PHILBIN KOWS FLYNN BEST...SO IF PHILBIN WANTS HIM"......
Posted by: Kris | March 18, 2012 at 09:13 PM
Matt Moore. Not good enough to be kept by Dallas. Not good enough to be kept by Carolina. Not good enough to start in Miami. Not good enough to keep Miami from pursuing every other possible option. Facts.
For opinion, go read every National talent evaluator who states Moore is not the long-term answer. Only morons on this blog would claim Moore is a franchise QB. The appropriate evaluation is Miami can't do any better; Smith is certainly not better than Moore and Tebow couldn't hold Moore's jockstrap.
Posted by: GetAClue | March 18, 2012 at 09:13 PM
Mr. Ross,
I am a longtime Dolphins fan and past season ticket holder.
You will not be receiving another dollar unless major changes are made. This team has become a laughing stock. Ireland is incompetent. The word is out on this team. No one wants to play for you.
Posted by: John | March 18, 2012 at 09:13 PM
A blessing. I did not want to over pay for Flynn. He will be another Kolb, Feely, Anderson, etc. I will take my chances with Matt Moore this year, and 2013 shot at Matt Barkley.
Posted by: RoadRage | March 18, 2012 at 09:15 PM
Craig M., Are you taking into account that San Fran was a great running team in the red zone when saying Smith only threw 17 tds?
Also, maybe you're being to harsh on a player who went through 5 different offensive coordinators. 5 of his 7 years he's spent the off season learning a new playbook. And he's had three different coaches in that time as well. Constant drama and upheaval before last season.
Not saying he's a top 3 qb just trying to point out he's had some major obstacles. I don't know one other young qb in the league that has gone through the turnover he's had to deal with. He really took off under Harbaugh and maybe Philbin can take him to the next level.
With all that being said, Manning not going to SF most likely means we won't be getting Smith. No way he leaves San Fran and Harbaugh for another new offense,gm and coach. San Fran will have to land Manning for us to get him. I can't see Manning passing up Tennessee's offer. So no need to fear :)
Posted by: Phins78 | March 18, 2012 at 09:15 PM
This whole quaterback thing really pisses me off!!!!!! But it wouldn't of been so bad if these guys (ROSS and Ireland), showed us that at least they were trying, that at least they had a plan. Like releasing a good percentage of these sorry losers on this team at the beginning of free agency to make cap space. Bringing in at least one or two really good free agency players like Winston and/or maybe Mario Williams. But now Williams plays for Buffalo, Jake Long will play injured and guess what will happen, Matt Moore will be tops on the concussion list. Way to go A-HOLES. Instead who did we sign in free agency? Who is Hicks, Wethermann, and whomever else they got? We the fans need to pull together, not buy tickets, boycott this organization, and force Ross to sell!!!! Let the BOOOOOOOOOOS begin!!!!!!
Posted by: extremelytiredfinfan | March 18, 2012 at 09:17 PM
Ross, save the Dolphins. Sell the team.
Posted by: Ross Blowz | March 18, 2012 at 09:18 PM