Dolphins add CB Stanford, FS Nolan, WR Armstrong, LB Brown

The Dolphins are making additions to their two positions of need today.

They successfully reeled in their first waiver wire claim in getting cornerback RJ Stanford, who was cut by Carolina. They also added free safety Troy Nolan off waivers from the Houston Texans.

They have also added wide receiver Anthony Armstrong although it is unclear if he comes on a waiver claim or as a free agent. The Dolphins had discussed trading for Armstrong Friday before those talks with Washington broke down and the Redskins cut the wide receiver.

[Update: Armstrong was claimed off waivers.]

[Update 2: The Dolphins also claimed linebacker Sammy Brown, who was cut by the St. Louis Rams Friday. Brown is going to have to contribute on special teams because he's not going to play a lot otherwise. The Rams were expecting to put him on their practice squad. Brown was a late-round pick. He came to the NFL with a reputation for taking plays off. I hope he's over that or he won't survive in the NFL.]

Stanford is a former seventh-round selection in Carolina from the 2010 draft. He is pretty much a developmental player although he's on the Miami 53-man roster. Stanford has 13 career tackles and one interception.

Obviously, Stanford is not expected to start. He's a fourth or fifth cornerback for Miami.

Nolan, 25, is in his third season. He's played 30 career games the past two seasons and has three interceptions. The addition of Nolan can allow the Dolphins to move Jimmy Wilson from safety to cornerback if the club wants. I expect that will happen.

That's something coach Joe Philbin discussed Friday.

“As you know, we still have some things we have to do and we want to obviously see what’s out there," Philbin said. "To say we’re leaning one way or the other would probably be premature, but certainly he’s played that position. Good common sense would tell you that would be an option.”

Obviously, the addition of three players to the roster means three have to go. It makes sense for the team to let go of Steve Slaton. There is a glut at running back and the team wanted to trade Slaton for Armstrong yesterday.

[Update: Slaton has been cut.]

Armstrong, by the way, returns to the Dolphins after two seasons with the Washington Redskins. He had a fine season in 2010, catching 44 passes for 871 yards (19.8 average) but he was injured much of last season and slumped to only seven catches.

He was cut by the Redskins because they upgraded their receiver corps with free agent additions and Armstrong was injured for parts of camp. It's unclear how  healthy Armstrong is right now. Armstrong was on the Dolphins practice squad in 2008 and was cut by Miami in August 2009 as the team trimmed the roster for the season.

Comments

[MiamiD20]

Glad we got him (Armstrong) for free....now we can trade Slaton for a pick or package him for someone else (another CB or OL?). Use the pick we get for him to move up in the draft next year. We got Slaton essentially for free so why not get something of use in return for our 4th RB

[We Have RB's]

Got Armstrong. Now who goes??? I'd rather they keep Matthews than Naanee (can't catch) or Thigpen at this point.

[MiamiD20]

Dolphins claim former Texans FS Troy Nolan

[Dashi]

So Ireland is still a Idiot for not wasting a pick on a player(A.Armstrong) he picked up for free the next Day?

Does this mean Naanee is Gone? Hopefully

[We Have RB's]

"Obviously, Stanford is not expected to start. He's a fourth cornerback for Miami."

Maybe a 3rd with Carroll being the 4th.

[We Have RB's]

"Dolphins claim former Texans FS Troy Nolan"

MaimiD20,

At least we're addressing areas of need right? I saw that Drayton Florence was also cut yesterday & is now a FA.

Need a backup Tackle. Hard to believe Will Yeatman is next up if Martin or Long gets hurt.

[Yesterday'sGone]

WTH is going on with Chris Cooley, why isnt he a Dolphin yet?

[bobbyd12]

Nanee isn't going anywhere from what I heard today. They believe they can fix him.

[ray]

I guess another mans trash and another mans treasure. I think IMO all those players are garbage just like JI! Remember JI picks garbage because he is garbage!!

[Joe Mama]

14-2

[We Have RB's]

"Jaguars waived/injured TE Zach Miller."

Things change quickly in the NFL. Two years ago people thought he was an emerging player.

[MiamiD20]

I'm glad we are getting guys that help our areas of need, but if they're other team's castoffs then how much can we expect in terms of an upgrade

[We Have RB's]

Nanee isn't going anywhere from what I heard today. They believe they can fix him.

Bobbyd,

I don't know about that. He uses his body too much & doesn't catch with his hands. I prefer Matthews upside.

[We Have RB's]

"I'm glad we are getting guys that help our areas of need, but if they're other team's castoffs then how much can we expect in terms of an upgrade"

We have several areas that DEFINITELY need depth so you never know. Remember this is how we got guys like Tyrone Culver & Nate Garner & they have both contributed through the years.

[David]

Safety Troy Nolan was a steal. The Texan fans are pissed he was let go. They said he was their 3rd best safety.

[MiamiD20]

Dolphins release RB Steve Slaton

[We Have RB's]

Nolan, 25, is in his third season. He's played 30 career games the past two seasons and has three interceptions. The addition of Nolan can allow the Dolphins to move Jimmy Wilson from safety to cornerback if the club wants.

Mando,

Good. I think that makes a lot of sense. I like Jimmy Wilson as a CB & I don't think Nolan Carroll deserves to make this team.

[We Have RB's]

"Dolphins release RB Steve Slaton"

Not a surprise. He'll find a job with an offense that runs the zone blocking scheme.

[We Have RB's]

"Lions signed CB Drayton Florence."

Nice signing by the Lions.

[Steven]

Should have kept the bubble players we got rid of yesterday..at least they knew the plays and formations.. now we have to teach these new bubble players everything in 1 week..what a waste this team has become.. we're no better than we were yesterday..give me a break..

[Aaron]

Anyone hear about trades? I am still hoping for a trade to GB for WR James Jones. He would make a GREAT addition to the WR corps and one that could come in immediately and produce. Here's hoping!

[Dr. Kenneth Patois]

I look forward to posting later today when I will fully describe my beautiful uncurcumcised penis.

Did you know that it is estimated that men lose TWENTY PERCENT of their penile sensitivity when they are circumcised?

In thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that I retain my foreskin and can enjoy the FULL sensory pleasures of sexual relations and self-satisfaction as well, even though Jesus (like all Arabs and Jews) had a circumcised penis and only felt 80% of the sexual pleasure that I do.

[We Have RB's]

On paper I like the moves we have made. Hope we can trade Matt Moore instead of just cutting him loose.

[BOBBY]

WHO AM ON MIAMI DOLPIN TEAM THIS YEAR?? I AM ALL WAYS A FAN !!! WHO DO THEY PLAY THIS YEAR ??

[We Have RB's]

"Patriots acquired WR Greg Salas from the Rams in exchange for a late-round draft pick."
Related: Rams
Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter
Sep 1 - 3:43 PM

Someone please tell Jabar Gaffney that the Patriots are not taking him back.

[InsureThisOnline]

Final Answer (53)?

[We Have RB's]

I didn't know the Rams had such a surplus at WR to trade a 2nd year player....

[Yesterday'sGone]

Who the hell wants Jabbar Gaffney. He had very separating speed even when he first came into the league. At best he's a 25-30 catch wr at this point of his career.

Dont we already have enough "hideout calibre" players on the roster now? Even paying the vet minimum($975,000) is overpaying for him right now. We may get 3-4 meaningful calibre plays from the entire season. Thats it folks.

[Yesterday'sGone]

"had no separating speed even when he was younger"(Jabbar Gaffney).

[We Have RB's]

YG,

He had 68 catches last year for 947 yards & 5 TD's....That's better production than Bess & Hartline.

[tony]

What i see so far is all garbage pick ups by the miami... must wair until later today or tomorrow fot the second wave.

[Yesterday'sGone]

WHRB's,

He benifitted from having Hernandez and Gronk. He wont have that luxury here. In Miami Gaffney's only a 25-30 catch wr. Bellichik knows this, thats why he cut him.

[promichael]

Armando,

It sounds like the Dolphins are moving in the right direction with the addition of Nolan from Houston and Armstrong from Washington. However it really is a little scary to realize how dumb it was to unload Armstrong. He was tearing it up in practice and then with the ground & pound offense and Parcells still directing things he was released. Tony Sparano even was commenting on how impresive Armstrong was in 2008. The TE position really has to be addressed. It would be great if Philbin starts making the final decisions on receivers because Ireland seems to be a Parcells clone. Egnew in the 3rd round exemplifies how bad Ireland's decision making is for receivers.

[Yesterday'sGone]

Until it's announced Miami made some sort blockbuster trade. Whatever else is announced is pretty meaningless. All we accomplish is trying to have a more competive bottom 20% of the roster.

That will have 0% impact on gamedays. If we had to start any of these guys we're still in deep trouble. They'll being going against other nfl 1st team offenses and defenses.

[We Have RB's]

YG,

Does Bess have separating speed??? Never did. But he's still a good player b/c he's a technician as a route runner. So was Steve Largent btw.

Gaffney averaged 13.9 yards per catch last year with more receptions (68) than Bess who had 51 catches with a 10.5 YPC average.

[Coalition To Get Coalition Out Of The Closet]

We're not going to find that difference making WR off waivers.

Ireland is loaded with picks and he's going to have to work a trade. Don't hold your breath. Depending on Armstrong's health, he may think that's enough for this year(puke).

I told you about Jimmy Wilson, didn't I. As soon as Davis was gone, I knew Wilson was moving back to corner. Rather try counting on Jimmy than Nolan(another puke).

[JUNK COLLECTOR]

WE GOT MORE JUNK!

[We Have RB's]

He benifitted from having Hernandez and Gronk. He wont have that luxury here. In Miami Gaffney's only a 25-30 catch wr. Bellichik knows this, thats why he cut him.

YG,

Come on...You're better than that aren't you??? Gaffney played for the Redskins last year. And the season before that he played for the Broncos & had 65 catches & averaged 13.5 YPC.

[MiamiD20]

Dolphins have released safety Tyrone Culver

[Yesterday'sGone]

promichael,

Going in the right direction? That's what you call upgrading the bottom 20% of our roster? I guess you can sort of say that when considering before it looked like ncaa divison 3.

Still, about 40% of the starting roster needs upgrading too. You cant address that with tossed aside garbage(waiver wire transplants). We're far from the right direction. We're spinning our tires in the mud right now(Ireland).

[Coalition To Get Coalition Out Of The Closet]

Reggie Bush is smarter than everyone thought.

With no receivers he just might get 2 zillion carries and lead the league in Rushing!

Go Reggie!!!!

[JJ]

I demand Ireland be fired immediately!

[Yesterday'sGone]

I still stand by my opinion Gaffney is garbage. Let me know when he makes a pro bowl. What is it about "Gaffney cut" is hard to understand.

Bess is a 3rd or 4th wr on a really good unit. Same with Hartline. So lets just add another of the same calibre wr(Gaffney) and all shoot our load with joy and excitement.

Whoopie, another wr that scares absolutely no nfl dc's. I rather have a young wr with speed and upside. Gaffney only takes away a few catches from Bess with relatively the same results YAC wise.

[We Have RB's]

Tyrone Culver is gone. Not the cut I'd have made since he's been a good backup for us. So now we have 5 CB's & 3 Safeties...but is Carroll's roster spot safe???

CB--Smith, Marshall, Carroll, Stanford, & Wilson
S--Jones, Clemons, & Nolan

[Yesterday'sGone]

Im so excited. Prior to today, hands down, we had the absolute worst bottom 20% roster in the nfl. Way to go after these guys who may never play anyway.

Now, what to do about the backups we call starters in Miami?

[We Have RB's]

"still stand by my opinion Gaffney is garbage. Let me know when he makes a pro bowl. What is it about "Gaffney cut" is hard to understand.

Bess is a 3rd or 4th wr on a really good unit. Same with Hartline. So lets just add another of the same calibre wr(Gaffney) and all shoot our load with joy and excitement.

Whoopie, another wr that scares absolutely no nfl dc's. I rather have a young wr with speed and upside. Gaffney only takes away a few catches from Bess with relatively the same results YAC wise."

YG,

He's still the best WR available & clearly better than Naanee. It's not like Calvin Johnson & Larry Fitzgerald are out there.

[The Signal]

Going in the right direction? That's what you call upgrading the bottom 20% of our roster?

YG,

Gotta start somewhere. Actually, started with the draft, getting Tannehill. Only so much can happen at this point. Get the upgrades when you can.

[Yesterday'sGone]

Culver's horrible. Our safties nfl average on the best of days. For what, about 2-3yrs Culver cant challenge this garbage for a starting spot. Was time for him to go. He's plateau'd, not peaking.

Maybe a career s-teamer at best.

[Don Swick]

Hartine = another Ireland bust

[ericatl]

yaaaawn

[Yesterday'sGone]

We're not getting true upgrades. Just what we had was so horribly awful it seems like and upgrade.

Still nice to see Philbin taking out some of the garbage that should have been taken out a few years ago.

[victor newman]

get rid of fatsano and get a TE who can catch the ball...

[Dolphin 77]

How about getting players that are worth a damn. Not more acorns.

[Goodison Parke]

fwiw:

They're cryin' like crazy on Houston SportsTalk radio about "losing" Nolan.

Was their last-guy cut so they could hang onto T Holliday for return duty (3 tds returning ko & punts in pre-season).

[promichael]

promichael,

Going in the right direction? That's what you call upgrading the bottom 20% of our roster? I guess you can sort of say that when considering before it looked like ncaa divison 3.

Still, about 40% of the starting roster needs upgrading too. You cant address that with tossed aside garbage(waiver wire transplants). We're far from the right direction. We're spinning our tires in the mud right now(Ireland).

Posted by: Yesterday'sGone
=======================================================
Yesterday'sGone When you have a receiver like Gates who could not get on the field and replace him with a deep threat Anthony Armstrong who has produced, that is moving in the right direction. Moreover when you replace a safety like Culver with more speed in Nolan from Houston that also is moving in the right direction. Now the Dolphins can use Wilson at CB, a dire need! What do you not understand about that!

[SugaCane]

forgive people they are stupid.

[1966finfan]

Forgive the pun but Naanee Naanee makes too many boo-boos.Who cares how big you are if you cant catch the ball consistently? I believe Marlon Moore is a much better option.

[scottbibs]

I like Armstrong if he is healthy and we should have kept him here the first time around, we still don't have a one , but we could still make it interesting with Bush and clay coming out of the backfield.We will know soon, I like Tannehill!

[wu1sabes]

Still no credible WRs on the roster, Ireland must go, how can a rookie QB have success with this group of WRs who have no talent or speed. Tannehill is set up to fail, and with the bad OL he will get knocked out by halftime against Houston. Why are we keeping Pat Devlin, he is a pathetic QB must be better out there.

[tiredfinfan]

So far injured castoffs from other teams and hopeful no-namers. A rookie head coach, a clueless owner, and a dumb ass of a GM. They will be 0-3 after the first three games. The Texans have our number, we've never beaten them. Yes I know-Its so so hard to be positive around here but we've seen the same results year after year.