The Indianapolis Combine begins today. General Manager Jeff Ireland will speak to the media Thursday per the schedule. And so let me tell you what's about to happen:
As I reported Feb. 12 the Dolphins will get about the business of talking to Mike Wallace and Greg Jennings. As Indianapolis is the site where team personnel and agents gather, I expect the Dolphins will touch base with the representatives for both players in the coming days.
That doesn't mean the Dolphins will sign both players. It doesn't mean they'll sign either because, well, stuff happens. As I said, they'll work it with both. But it means they have a plan and both players are part of that plan. The plan has Wallace as the priority but also includes Jennings -- perhaps as a fallback position, perhaps in addition to Wallace.
It is not possible to know exactly what Ireland has in mind with Wallace and Jennings because he doesn't share that with anyone in the media. But it is certain the Dolphins will chase Wallace first. He is the priority. Then Jennings will come soon afterward.
And that brings us to this:
The story is not whether the Dolphins want or are interested in or will speak with top target Mike Wallace or his agent.
The story is whether the Dolphins can actually land Mike Wallace.
Wallace, you see, is the second biggest free agent name this Dolphins administration has chased. The biggest was last year and his name is Peyton Manning. But as the Dolphins haven't exactly been nails landing the guys they want, it is fair to wonder if they can be successful this time.
(A note here: If you're thinking back to last year and say the Dolphins chased and failed to land quarterbacks Matt Flynn or Alex Smith, I reject that idea. The team placed no "must-have" priority on either of those players. The contract offered to Flynn was only borderline starter money, more than suggesting Miami could take or leave Flynn. So Flynn took the more sure thing in Seattle. As for Smith, I'm not even sure the Dolphins offered him a contract and if they did, it definitely was not for the $8 million per year he was seeking. So again, the team wasn't all in on getting Smith. I don't see that as failures of any sort. Indeed, hindsight has shown Ireland was wise to steer clear of both.)
Now, the Dolphins did fail on Manning. They not only didn't land the biggest free agent they'e ever chased, they even failed to be among his finalists. Yes, the club managed a meeting with Manning but if you remember they had to fly to see him. Manning, meanwhile, went to Denver and other places he was truly interested in to speak with those teams. The Dolphins were in the hunt, but they were the hound way back in the pack gasping for breath and watching the lead dogs tree the game and get the big pat on the head.
(Where the heck did I come up with that analogy?)
Miami has also failed in other free agent attempts, to be sure, but one that should worry is the failed effort to land Ryan Clark. You remember Clark? He came to South Florida via Pittsburgh, apparently ready to sign a deal that would take him away from the Steelers.
He never signed. He returned to Pittsburgh.
Clark's story is that the Dolphins offended him. They told him how he was flawed and not worth a ton of money and made him feel unwanted, etc ...
The Dolphins have a different version but that version does not matter now.
The Clark version matters because he is Mike Wallace's teammate in Pittsburgh and if the wide receiver asks, that's the version he's going to hear. Facts be damned, Wallace will likely hear the Dolphins painted in a negative light. And so Miami could be swimming against that tide to convince Wallace this is the team for him.
There's also this little matter of competition. I seriously doubt the Dolphins will be the only team chasing Mike Wallace. Although his asking price will likely start around $11-$12 million, as I first reported on January 25, Wallace is likely to have other suitors.
His agent's job the next week will be to drum up interest in his client so that Wallace can have teams bid against each other. I have no idea what teams will target Wallace aside from the Dolphins. The Dolphins are projected to have the third-most salary cap space in the NFL when the league year opens March 12.
So they can afford Wallace.
But there have been rumors Cleveland and even Cincinnati might also have interest. And they happen to be the two teams with more cap space than Miami.
It must be said the Dolphins have not been inept at landing their man. In 2010, Karlos Dansby was considered the prize defensive player in free agency and the Dolphins got him straight away.
They got Jason Taylor away from the New York Jets in 2011.
(Yes, they lost Calvin Pace to the Jets in 2008 but thank God!)
So there have been hits and misses once the Dolphins have identified their targets. They identifed Wallace weeks ago.
The chase begins now.
Kris from the last blog. Marshall, you want on your fantasy team, even looks good on ESPN. But he's a real piece of shite of a man. No character whatsoever. Not only on the field but he also got Darren Williams killed and stabbed himself (sot the story goes), and punched woman in the face at a club. He's never LED a team. He's never been a good team player. When going get rough, he actually becomes part of the problem instead of the solution. I will always hate the man for putting himself first. i will ahte him for crapping on my team in the Pro Bowl. I will hate him for dropping SIX, SIX, SIX tds in a season and still have the balls to call out his QB.
I will never give him his due because he isn't worth it. He stole from the team and he stole from us fans. Every year I take special joy in his team's demise. He can kill himself for all I care. I hope he gets syphillis and it burns every time he treis to take a leak. FUKKKKK HIM!!!
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 20, 2013 at 01:17 PM
Oh, and Marshall is no Boldin clone. Yes, their stats are very similar through their first 7 years in the league but Boldin played for several years with crap teams in Arizona and never said boo, and just went out and dominated. HE WAS A MAN! Something Marshall will never feel like in his life.
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 20, 2013 at 01:19 PM
I think Wallace should be the priority. He may not be a true #1 but he isn't a panzy like Ginn was.
IF Miami can land Wallace, bring back hartline as the #2 and Bess in the slot. The only thing the offense would lack is a TE & I hope they could land Cook or Finley in FA.
Now that would be an offense I think would scare people. Wallace deep opening up space for hartline, Bess & a guy like Finley or Cook. Not too mention Miller and or Bush coming out of the backfield.
As for the dolt on the other blog accusing me of being yesterdays gone, get a life bub. Conspiracy theories are for the naive and intellectually inferior.
Also, nice using an alias to accuse someone wrongly of using an alias. You are the true definition of a turd.
Posted by: LOL | February 20, 2013 at 01:20 PM
I know it's not a popular choice but I am firmly convinced that Dwayne Bowe will be the best free agent wide receiver available this offseason. Living 100 miles from K.C. all you ever hear about around here are the Chiefs (And Royals. Sad.) He can do it all and did it all with terrible quarterback play for a few years now. His worst year? The first year Todd Haley was the Chiefs coach. Haley went out of his way to treat him like crap. Haley is a tool. His best year was the one year Charlie Weiss was the offensive coordinator (2nd year for Haley). Weiss even managed to make Matt Cassel look like a quarterback. As for the concern about personality and drops: After eye surgery his drops improved considerably this past year and all the negative things you might have heard about his personality are way overstated. Dwayne Bowe is big, fast, powerful and is a true alpha receiver. Just saying.
Posted by: Silas Rude | February 20, 2013 at 01:20 PM
Mark, please tell us how you really feel about Marshall.
Posted by: LOL | February 20, 2013 at 01:24 PM
LOL, i don't think Finley is a free agent. Keller is tho ...
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 20, 2013 at 01:25 PM
Mark....lol....
I still like Marsahll...
Posted by: Kris | February 20, 2013 at 01:28 PM
Mark, if rumors are true, Finley will be a cap casualty. I would take Keller as the 3rd option behind Finely & Cook. Maybe even behind Dixon from Baltimore.
He's always hurt. You pay big contracts with the anticpation guys will be on the field. Which is why I am strongly opposed to Miami resigning Long.
Posted by: LOL | February 20, 2013 at 01:29 PM
wallace jennings packaged deal
Posted by: dick snort | February 20, 2013 at 01:31 PM
Just wanted to add: There is a reason the Chiefs slapped the franchise tag on the guy last year. Do you see the Packers or Steelers putting the tag on Jennings or Wallace? There is a reason.
Posted by: Silas Rude | February 20, 2013 at 01:31 PM
It doesnt matter what Clark says to Wallace, money talks and BS walks. If the Dolpins show Wallace the money he'll be a Miami Dolphin.
Posted by: Clue | February 20, 2013 at 01:42 PM
Since when do moves by the Chiefs suggest intelligence? They suck. Their personnel dept. got fired en masse and they fired their coach for the second consecutive season.
If nothing else, if the Chiefs are doing it, it would be wise to do the opposite.
Posted by: Giants stink | February 20, 2013 at 01:48 PM
... And excellent stuff today as usual Armando.
Great insight and analysis.
Posted by: Giants stink | February 20, 2013 at 01:50 PM
Ed Dickson is a good player but he's a restricted free agent. Interesting to see if the Pack cuts Finley but since they already cut Charles Woodson, logic would say they'd have done it already.
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 20, 2013 at 01:51 PM
?
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | February 20, 2013 at 01:53 PM
Clue, if the Bengals and Browns offer the same amount of money as the Dolphins, the things Clark says to Wallace could very well be a deciding factor.
Money being equal, of course.
And I believe even then things are not equal. The Bengals are way further ahead in their development than the Dolphins. If I'm Mike Wallace, and a playoff team and a 7-9 team are offering me the same money, I'm going with the playoff team.
Posted by: scourt | February 20, 2013 at 01:54 PM
YG, nice to see you kicking field goals at the combine earlier. Go #5!!!
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 20, 2013 at 01:54 PM
This blog is getting crazy. Now I just had an entire post disappear into thin air.
I guess now before pressing send we'll have to copy our posts. LOL...
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | February 20, 2013 at 01:56 PM
There is a point past which Wallace is not worth the money, and Miami would be better off drafting receivers.
Posted by: tpl | February 20, 2013 at 02:00 PM
it will come down to where Wallace feels comfortable. He will get his money...no doubt. Which coach, QB, and system does he want to play for?
Those three questions/answers determines where he lands.
Posted by: JPAO | February 20, 2013 at 02:01 PM
Mando, that Peyton Manning chase last year was very insightful because Manning loves living here, enjoys the weather, and still wanted nothing to do with the Dolphins.
My only hope is this year's free agents are so smart and are lured by money and climate and no stat taxes. If they're as smart as Manning, they'll avoid working for Ireland at all costs.
Posted by: FLPD | February 20, 2013 at 02:03 PM
Mando, one thing you should look into is how the Dez Bryant incident is still affecting Miami's chances of landing free agents, particularly the black men.
That story made all the rounds in the NFL. And the brothers were angry about it. I know because I get to talk to some.
Maybe it is only coincidence but the Dolphins haven't signed a meaningful free agent since Jeffy asked Bryant if his mom was a hooker. Please check into it.
Posted by: Frank Caliendo | February 20, 2013 at 02:06 PM
Does Wallace really want to play in Cincy or Cleveland when he can play in SFLA?
No State income taxes either will save him big money on that 12 mil per year.
Posted by: MJZ | February 20, 2013 at 02:07 PM
WTH, Armando comparing Peyton and Wallace as same quality FAs? I've always suspected you...
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 20, 2013 at 02:09 PM
lol, ya'll kno what the jackaxx knuckle dragger said 2 dez,
what do ya'll think the putz said to clark.?
lol
Posted by: 2 watt | February 20, 2013 at 02:10 PM
Sign one of the top fa wr's or not, there's still the problem of Hartline.
When Marshall was signed, we all expected, Marshall would have "doubleteams" and the other recievers will have "field days". Well Marshall did get doubleteams and Hartline had a grand total of 4 tds in Marshall's 2 seasons here.
But now, here we go again, the blind thinking that if we sign a fa wr he'll get doubleteams and Hartline will magically get tds again.
The greatest wisdom Bill Parcells ever spoke was: "If they dont bite as pups, they wont bite."
So why do you think Hartline will begin to bite right now?
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | February 20, 2013 at 02:10 PM
I just had an entire post disappear into thin air.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | February 20, 2013 at 01:56 PM
--------------------------------------------------
I guess prayers really DO get answered sometimes!
Posted by: Thank You, God | February 20, 2013 at 02:11 PM
Frank, Reggie Bush sure wants to stay here and he is still an influential black player in the NFL ..
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 20, 2013 at 02:11 PM
f manning
f fatcells.
Posted by: 2 watt | February 20, 2013 at 02:12 PM
hahahaa @ 2:11!!!
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 20, 2013 at 02:12 PM
This is the time of year for smokescreens.
These NFL folks are always posturing and positioning themselves to try and make the best deals they can. Some even out smart themselves and lose out on good players.
I like straight forward and to the point. I am not a huge fan of the BS that is stinking up the place.
Wallace or Jennings - makes no difference but losing out on both would make me want to "pizz on an electric fence."
Thanks for that quote Mark in Toronto.
In all honesty I would rather have Jennings but would take either. AND if we get 1 of them then I still feel we need 2 more from the draft.
I want young players that can grow up in the NFL with Tannehill over the years to come.
Posted by: Texas_Dolfan | February 20, 2013 at 02:14 PM
All other factors being equal I suspect Wallace won't sign with Cincy or Cleveland knowing he will play his old team twice a year.
San Diego might be the competition if they have the cap space.
I think Miami is in the driver's seat on Wallace if they really want him.
Posted by: Drogs | February 20, 2013 at 02:14 PM
Report: Dolphins will target WR Mike Wallace in free agency
.
Posted by: 2 watt | February 20, 2013 at 02:14 PM
Stephen Ross reportedly told team employees that finding a legit No. 1 pass catcher was a "top offseason priority."
.
Posted by: 2 watt | February 20, 2013 at 02:15 PM
Coach Mike Tomlin referred to him as a "one-trick pony" early in his NFL career because of his uncanny ability to do one thing really well: outrun coverages for long touchdown receptions.
.
Posted by: 2 watt | February 20, 2013 at 02:16 PM
Contrary to popular belief, Miami has a nucleus of potential great O players, the most promising core of those young Players in the League. All true NFL People know this. And what's coming. Uff...
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 20, 2013 at 02:17 PM
Mark, if you know anything about Reggie Bush -- Hollywood, Kardashian, friends he keeps, way he talks, background -- you know he's not like a lot of the other black players.
You think Dez Bryant and guys that relate to him will vacation in China like Bush just did?
You think they appreciate art at the Lourve like Bush does?
Different kind of guy. doesn't count.
Posted by: Frank Caliendo | February 20, 2013 at 02:17 PM
Wallace's talents go underutilized because the quarterback doesn't have time to heave 60-yard bombs when he's being driven into the turf.
.
Posted by: 2 watt | February 20, 2013 at 02:18 PM
One of the reasons Hartline's td totals have been so mediocre is because he has one of the lowest yacs in the league. Last season Hartlie avg 3.1 yds after the catch.
Hartline is almost always brought down immediately after the catch. A wr isnt going to score very often like that.
I remember Mark Clayton. Countless times I witnessed him eluding, breaking tackles, and simply outrunning db's after the catch. That's why he is the most prolific wr scoring machine that ever donned a Dolphins uniform. His Yacs were off the chart.
Please dont confused YPC with yacs. Hartline will give you great ypc, but horrible yac. Ypc will move the chains, but yac will effect the game.
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | February 20, 2013 at 02:19 PM
So Frank, if I get what you're saying, Reggie is an Oreo? Black on the outside, white on the inside? Or am I inferring too much?
Nothing wrong with having fine tastes ... well except for kardashian. Don't get me wrong, I'd shag her rotten but she's more side action than #1 girl ...
Posted by: Mark in Toronto | February 20, 2013 at 02:22 PM
6 10 8 8 . td's
60 56 95 82 . lng.
how the f do some of u'z say dat ain't no.1 stats.?
idiotas.
lol
Posted by: 2 watt | February 20, 2013 at 02:23 PM
Ireland doesn't say much, but he has done a fantastic job, at least with the Salary cap. How he put us 50mill above the cap, seemingly overnight, seems like Magic to me.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 20, 2013 at 02:24 PM
You think Dez Bryant and guys that relate to him will vacation in China like Bush just did?
You think they appreciate art at the Lourve like Bush does?
Different kind of guy. doesn't count.
Posted by: Frank Caliendo | February 20, 2013 at 02:17 PM
Black Players? Dude, you just describe the average white redneck too.
The only way a white redneck would want to visit China would be in a Sherman tank.
The only way they would appreciate art at the Lourve, is if there was a hot chilli cook off held there. LOL...
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | February 20, 2013 at 02:25 PM
Ding, ding, ding, ding!!!!
Posted by: Frank Caliendo | February 20, 2013 at 02:26 PM
You People should be Joyous.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 20, 2013 at 02:28 PM
Chili cook offs are the reason everyone is moving to Texas.
I know a bunch a rednecks that wouldn't mind owning a sherman tank about now.
Posted by: Texas_Dolfan | February 20, 2013 at 02:28 PM
I like Tannehill. I'm not 100% sold but I want to believe he could be the long term answer at QB. But that being said, I do have some concerns. Like the number of times he under-threw deep routes last year. Anyone have a count on how many times he was short on passes to a wide open Hartline? And if he Hartline has to come back for the ball (and actually does) is anybody concerned about Tanny under throwing a much faster Wallace? AND whether Wallace will come back or stop his route/fight for the ball when he had a CB beat?
Something to think about before committing $50mil on an expensive luxury that can't be properly deployed.
Posted by: J. Fireland - Worst GM EVER | February 20, 2013 at 02:29 PM
Reggie just isnt about the popping bottles in clubs, walking around with a possee, pretty much being a thug like 1/3rd of the NFL players. Dez Bryant/Bran Marshall/Dwayne Bowe/Pacman Jones are thugs
Posted by: Clue | February 20, 2013 at 02:30 PM
Lord, I pray to thee in your infinite wisdom that you will make more of YG's posts disappear into thin air.
Amen.
Posted by: Thank You, God | February 20, 2013 at 02:31 PM
Ignorant posters always makes things about race.
Hell, I dont give damned about China and could care less about fine art at the Lourve. I guess somehow if you dont do these two things, somehow Frank Caliente believes that you may have deep voids in your intellect level.
Show of hands, how many would like to go visit China right now?
How many would like to pass away the rest of the day enjoying fine art at the Lourve?
Geesh, some of the totally stupid things that get said here. LOL...
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | February 20, 2013 at 02:31 PM
I lived in Texas for three months. It felt like three years.
I am all for their secession plans.
Posted by: You Can Have Rick Perry, Too. | February 20, 2013 at 02:33 PM
Yeah, I know some People that are biting down hard to take the Moringon, and they are not rednecks either.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 20, 2013 at 02:34 PM
Guys,
Whats so different about a "thug" and a "redneck"?
A redneck is usually white. That's about it folks. Class out for today. LOL...
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | February 20, 2013 at 02:36 PM
Show of hands, how many would like to go visit China right now?
How many would like to pass away the rest of the day enjoying fine art at the Lourve?
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | February 20, 2013 at 02:31 PM
-------------------------------------------------
Visit China or hang out in one of the world's true great cities?
Yeah..that sounds HORRIBLE. And you might actually learn something ((shudder)) about other cultures. Ugh!
Much rather be here in 'merica watching Maury Povich, eating McDonald's, and dodging stray bullets.
Posted by: Uncle Sam | February 20, 2013 at 02:38 PM
sars,
stand on the corner and the chiz runs u over on a bike and 9 chinx rob u.
lol
Posted by: 2 watt | February 20, 2013 at 02:42 PM
Like most teams, Miami has had their share of flaccid drafts. This year, though, those extra picks give them a real opportunity to have an erect draft.
Posted by: Jules Verne | February 20, 2013 at 02:44 PM
I will believe the Dolphins are serious about an upgrade at receiver when I see it. Talk is cheap. Let's see if they try to lowball Wallace or any other big name FO. That will be the proof in the pudding. For now, they remain the Dongals.
Posted by: Barry Chitwood | February 20, 2013 at 02:45 PM
cheap ross.lol
Posted by: 2 watt | February 20, 2013 at 02:46 PM
Frank,
Dez Bryant's situation only affects us if the free agent's mothers are prostitutes, lol
Posted by: dolfandave | February 20, 2013 at 02:48 PM
Without Culture there is no capacity for discernment.
Posted by: oscar canosa | February 20, 2013 at 02:50 PM