The cost of doing business ain't cheap

Let's put aside the fanciful talk of adding this guy and re-signing that guy for a moment and consider what all this stuff is going to cost, shall we?

Let me scare you right off the bat:

If the Dolphins want to add an elite wide receiver this offseason in free agency -- assuming one is even available -- it is going to cost around $9-$11 million per season. That's according to former NFL agent and salary cap expert Joel Corry,  who now writes about NFL contracts and the salary cap for the National Football Post.

"The high end UFA WRs will be looking at Vincent Jackson's 5-year, $55,555,555 deal ($26M GTD) as a benchmark," Corry tweeted to me on Thursday.

That is $11 million a year, folks.

Obviously, there are two things at play that must be stipulated.

That price is for a Vincent Jackson-type wide receiver. The player asking for that money must offer that enormous amount of talent. Jackson caught 72 passes for 1,384 yards (a whopping 19.2 yards per catch) and eight TDs in 2012. I'm not certain anyone on the market rises to that level of ability.

Jackson is a deep threat all day long and he also happens to be 6-5 and 230 pounds. (Yeah, amazing).

And the $11 million is the starting asking price. It is not necessarily the final price.

While any elite wide receiver on the market may want $11, I'm sure most will be talked off that skyscrapper ledge to a much lower floor. I'd say, and this is a conservative estimate, the elite wide receiver on the market this year will get around $10 million per season and it'll fall sharply from there. Remember, Wes Welker made $9.55 million under a franchise tag in 2012 and would cost $11.4 million if tagged in 2013 -- which is unlikely.

By the way, the cost of doing business in the wide receiver market won't be cheap for the Dolphins even if they stick with what they got. Pending free agent Brian Hartline, a No. 2 receiver, will be looking for $5-$6 million per year on the open market if he gets there.

Greg Jennings? He'll be hovering in the $8-$9 million annual range.

And the price at other positions won't be much cheaper.

Elite cornerbacks are expecting $10 million per season. Agents will be looking at Brandon Carr's five-year $50 million deal with Dallas and Jason McCourty's 5-year, $43 million deal to stay in Tennesee and see that as the numbers to shoot for.

So Carr is averaging $10 million a year while McCourty is averaging $8.6 million per year.

That's the zip code cornerback Sean Smith expects to inhabit at the start of free agency. And yes, he's likely going to free agency. I don't think the Dolphins will pay that kind of money for Smith. They see him as a good player who still has unmet potential. They do not see him as a game-changer or playmaker.

There are also questions about how Smith will react professionally once he gets paid. Will he cruise? Will he feel entitled? Will the work ethic suffer?

(Kindly post comments on whether you believe Sean Smith is worth $8.6 million per season in the appropriate section below).

That's the cost of doing business, folks.

The Dolphins will be lucky to re-sign Randy Starks for the $6 million a year Paul Soliai got in March of 2012. The Herald's Barry Jackson tells me the sides have opened talks but are not close.

I'll say.

I would imagine Starks will be the highest-paid DT on the team, seeing as he's the only one that's been to a couple of Pro Bowls. But I don't see how the Dolphins can pay him the $8 million per year that Vince Wilfork makes or certainly not the $12 million per year that Haloti Ngata makes.

So that might land him in the $7 million a year slot.

That might well be the cost of doing business.

Comments

[Nj]

You need to build a culture dude do you get it,

[Chase]

Jennings will be 30 next season. Past his prime and only going downhill now. Why sign a guy like that? We need to invest in the future, not the past.

Vontae didn't look like garbage his last few games with the Colts - he looked better that all of our remaining corners. Still young, still with upside.

[Nj]

You are the same people that kill Ireland for not signing free agents ,both guys have won superbowls and have probowl resumes so what's your problem if they go elsewhere and perform you will be the first one crying .put your chips in the pile dude life is a gamble

[tvegas]

Teo is garbage? Really?
Wow, I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue

Te'o is the most decorated defensive player in college football history. He won the 2012 Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year Lott Trophy, as well as the Maxwell Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, the Lombardi Award, and the Walter Camp Award. In addition, he was named a national scholar-athlete by the National Football Foundation.[31] One of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy, Te'o eventually finished second in the voting to Texas A&M Quarterback Johnny Manziel.

[Nj]

You wouldn't give Jennings 7 mil a year

[Nj]

We don't need a middle line backer in the 1st round

[Phins78]

Unfortunately allthough the WR position is deep in the draft it's just not very impressive. Allen is the only receiver I would even think of using the first on and it's said he doesn't have elite speed. I just don't have any trust in this class as high picks, the value doesn't match. There is much more talent available at DE and CB. DO NOT reach for a WR because we need one. Hopefully that will be taken care of in free agency or via trade so we have more flexibility going into the draft.

[Nj]

I like either dee milliner or Jonathan banks

[Nj]

Remember Irving fryer anyone he was past his prime too

[tvegas]

We need Playmakers NJ. Teo is a playmaker. Jennings is fading before your eyes and going to be on the wrong side of 30. You don't think Aaron Rodgers had anything to do with his success?

Winning teams draft impact players. The Fins haven't drafted an impact player in years.

[Chase]

Blindly signing FA's because they have a ring is not a wise approach. What they are now is what you have to consider. Cost versus value.

[Nj]

Older guys are still valuable I should know cause I am one

[Nj]

Ok chase so your ok with armon bins and marlon Moore .....we are talking probowl receivers here

[Nat Moore]

If my memory is correct it was Philbin that made the mistake of playing Jake Long all preseason.

[tvegas]

NJ- Let me state this clearly. If you want to change the culture, draft guys that are impact players and leaders. Say whay you want about Teo. I'm not married to the guy but he was a leader of the Irish defense. And he makes plays all over the field.

A culture is built through drafting leaders and playmakers. Jennings isn't going to suddenly change the culture of the Fins. Neither is Wallace. If you want leaders that play hard and set a good example to follow, re-sign Reggie Bush first.

[Phins78]

NJ I'm a big proponent of using our first on Milliner and was talking about it a couple of weeks ago. I definitely agree with you, this guy would immediately solidify our CB position.

The problem is I think he will be gone by the time we pick, especially if he kills it at the combine. But I'll be crossing my fingers.

[mike]

Vontae Davis = Another Irescum bust

[Nj]

I am not saying not to draft playmakers I'm talking about doubling down with a few free agents .i absolutely want to draft playmakers.remeber some rookies take time to develop

[oscar canosa]

People want to push their point across even if they have to lie to do so. Not very sound for an older guy.

[dusty bottoms]

phins hes a top 5 pick now they are saying. more reason why u dont win meaningless games late in year

[tvegas]

Agreed on that NJ. But my point is that the FA market is very weak in the WR department. I'm not a big fan of overpaying for guys that likely wont make a difference on your team. And busting the bank to get them because we're desperate. Gamble with either Wallace or Jennings? Maybe one of them... certainly not both... and I'm not a fan of either player right now.

Just being honest

[Nj]

We cannot afford to miss this year it's not an option ....we must use all our resources including free agents .....and to get a good one you must overpay, it's part of the game so get ready for either Wallace or Jennings plus at least one more in the draft maybe 2 I really like steadman baily or Ryan SWOOPE in the mi.d rounds

[oscar canosa]

Queeer and all, I woulsn't mind having Teo here. I believe he's a playmaker. Only problem is the showers.

[Phins78]

Teo can't hold up against bigger running backs and gets swallowed alive by athletic olinemen. No thank you there, this guy is going to be another Tebow.

[tvegas]

"To get one you must overpay?" Ok, I'm done here. You just lost your credibility. We overpaid for Dansby and Marshall. How's that working out?

You need to read posts from guys like Phins78. There's wisdom in his words

[Nj]

I also like Hopkins and Williams in round 2 .you guys forget what we put on the field last year don't you

[mike]

Guys, the only way we can get good FA's is to overpay. If we dont overpay they'll go to a playoff contender and we lose out.

[Nj]

Do you think a free agent is going to fall from the heavens.......hello they want MONEY

[Craig M]

I think it's IMPERATIVE that Ireland add a FA WR before the draft. It takes the pressure off of having to hit a home run with a WR in the first. If he's unable to sign anyone in FA, I believe he'll be foreced to draft a WR in the first, maybe in a trade back. It's no the way I want it done.

It's funny, just a few weeks ago all we read was 'trade up for T'eo'...'he's the best player in the draft' etc....Where did all those posts go? Where did all the T'eo posters go? We were subjected to this stuff AD NASEUM. So are the rest of allowed to go on and on about this stuff, the same way some of you guys go on and on about Ireland and his trade up for Thomas and his not picking Dez Bryant. Funny stuff!.....just wondering.

[Nj]

Thank you mike

[Phins78]

Already Dusty? Well I don't expect him to have a bad day at the combine so I won't hold my breath. No worries, there will still be plenty of talent at #12. Hopefully Ireland gets the right guy. Again, not holding my breath.

[Nj]

Maybe we can find a receiver online like manti

[tvegas]

Not my point. I'm fine with spending the money on QUALITY FA's that are game changers. Becasue the Fins are desperate for a receiver, they should overpay for Jennings and/or Wallace, who are both far from Pro Bowl material right now? You want a guy to change your culture AND make you a winner at the same time? Go trade for Larry Fitzgerald. He's not happy in Arizona.

The point is that you have to pick the RIGHT guys, not just any guy. And that's where the Fins have gone wrong for years. Going back a ways for this one- Culpepper versus Brees? Hello???

[Nj]

Oscar go online and find a wide out........please

[oscar canosa]

Terrance probably wont make it to the 2nd Rd although Hopkins probably will. Both are valuable pieces, IMO.

[Nj]

Dude I would loooove to have Larry Fitzgerald but its not gonna happen......ever

[oscar canosa]

Now, Nj, Larry Fitzgerald, now you are talking.

[Nj]

Yup there is a lot of late first early second round receivers and they are all impressive .but Oscar my point all along is we need more than one and a vet a good vet is a must as well

[Craig M]

tvegas,

Why would you trade for Fitzgerald when there are guys we can add in FA? Fitzgerald would likely cost TWO first round picks and a TON of money. That makes no sense to me. Your back to your Culpepper/Brees scenario, where we FOOLISHLY traded a pick when we should have added the other guy in FA. Dumb move!

[oscar canosa]

I would also love to have Jarius Byrd as our other S but other Teams are not dumb either.

[Nj]

I'm not that high on Justin whatever his name is from tenn. to skinny

[tvegas]

Craig-
You always seem to have a way of further making the other posters points. Thanks for that. you may not need to trade up for Teo now. And if he's there, you pass right? And yes, Ireland HAS screwed up time and time again with reaching for players that haven't done squat and missing or avoiding a WR year after year.

So now we should pay for his sins by overpaying for two WR's coming off lousy seasons? That's the whole problem with the logic in this front office. If the market dictates their true worth, we shouldn't have to overpay. If Ireland chases because he's desperate,it's exactly that... he's desperate... and he should be with all of the empty seats in the stadium

[Nj]

I like Andy levitry from buff that would settle our line but that will cost at least 7 mil.

[mike]

tvegas, you need to realize that many FA's dont want to join the Dolphins. Its not as easy as just picking the RIGHT guys.

[tvegas]

"Why would you trade for Fitzgerald when there are guys we can add in FA? Fitzgerald would likely cost TWO first round picks and a TON of money"

Because everyone, like you, is clamoring for an upgrade at WR, and a culture change. Jennings and Wallace couldn't hold Larry's jockstrap. Want to overpay? Overpay for someone who's worth it? And if he want's out bad enough, NEGOTIATE the terms like NE does year after year. I would never suggest giving up two Number 1's for anyone.

[oscar canosa]

Personally, we are used to the Best of the very Best and we won't settle for less.

[Mark]

I absolutely agree,Ireland needs to sign a FA WR. Having said that,im against signing Greg Jennings because he'll be 30 by the time the season kicks off and he's injury prone. No thanks for a guy we'll probably be paying in the $9 million range.

I'm alittle worried that Wallace is a one trick pony and could want $11-12 million so thats a no go as far as i'm concerned.

The more i think about it,the more i'm leaning towards signing Dwayne Bowe. Could be the better fit imo

[tvegas]

"tvegas, you need to realize that many FA's dont want to join the Dolphins. Its not as easy as just picking the RIGHT guys."

Thanks Mike. Do you think there is a problem there? You change that with a winning culture and classy environment. Not by bringing in anyone who will actually come here.

[Nj]

I believe Jeff and co. Will get the job done

[Nj]

Hey let's resign legadu nannee and Patrick turner

[Nj]

Sycke

[Craig M]

I see Armando and others throw numbers out there for that they THINK Jennings will want. Who knows. Maybe he LOVED playing for Philbin in GB. Maybe he LOVES the idea of being a number one on a team. Understand, people saying Jennings will want $8-9mil to sign somewhere are GUESSING. The market will dictate what Jennings will get and right now we have NO clue what he's worth. So when someone says '$8-9 mil', don't take it as gospel.

[Nj]

Look at the packers offense without coach joe.......huge difference,just not the same

[Nj]

Our dolphins will reclaim the afc east ,time to get ready

[Fire Sherman Immediately]

No, Smith is not work $8 million. But he's a safer choice than some untested rookie or a journeyman. Pay him what he wants. Pay Reggie and Jake what they want, and let's move forward.

[Ron Son]

Most of you guys are morons. NO FA WITH A CHOICE WOULD JOIN THE LOWLY FINS! THE TEAM SUX AND THE FO IS A JOKE. THE PLAYERS KNOW THIS!

[Nj]

Ron son

Do you know Wong hung lo,or jack mioff,didn't think so

[oscar canosa]

On some Players, unfortunately we have to pay them what they want as we have no replacements for them. This Year.

[Craig M]

I've read OVER and OVER again, that 'Ireland can't evaluate WRs'. Who are these COLOSSAL mistakes he has missed on at WR. Patrick Turner? Nannee? Come on!! None of these guys were first round picks.

Where he's perhaps made the mistake is that he hasn't valued the WR position highly enough and has tried to find guys later in the draft. But that's his model. Hopefully now he realizes he got the missing pieces other places and can now invest top picks and money into playmakers.

Matt Millen struggled in evaluating WRs because he consistently drafted them top ten and invested BIG money in them. Big difference between that and what Ireland has done. Fault him for not picking them earlier but that doesn't mean he can't EVALUATE them. He traded for Marshall and most of you seem to love him.

[Dolfan Rick]

We have 6 starters who are free agents. Unless we are going to let the bulk of them walk I don't see how we will be huge players in free agency.

We can probably sign one of the top recievers and a couple of other players in the 5 million range.