Bowe deal helps set wide receiver market quite high

The wide receiver market is apparently set.

It happened Monday when the Kansas City Chiefs signed Dwayne Bowe to a contract that profootballtalk.com reports is worth $56 million over five years. That's an $11.2 million per season average and that includes $26 million in guaranteed money.

That's now the starting point for a top 5 receiver considered to be a team's No. 1 pass option.

It is also happening at the Dolphins practice facility and South Florida as the agent Drew Rosenhaus and the Dolphins are negotiating a new deal for wide receiver Brian Hartline. Hartline wants to stay in Miami. General manager Jeff Ireland holds him in high regard and wants to keep him.

And as I wrote Monday on this blog, the price point is $6 million per year on average. That's apparently what a good No. 2 wide receiver will cost in this market.

And so the market is set.

Why is this important?

Well, because if you've been paying attention you understand the Dolphins aren't done shopping. They will chase Mike Wallace in free agency. They will chase Mike Wallace in free agency. Here, let me say it one more time as I've been saying it since January, the Dolphins will chase Mike Wallace in free agency.

His agent will argue that Bowe's deal was something of a hometown discount done with one team and no other suitors. Wallace will have multiple suitors.

So Mike Wallace will cost more than what Dwayne Bowe cost the Chiefs. He considers himself a top 5 wide receiver in the NFL and because so many teams need a guy with his skill set, somebody is bound to agree with that assessment.

That means the Dolphins must be prepared to climb the money mountain well past the $11.2 million per year plateau to get Wallace. And they must be prepared to not only make him one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers, but also the club's highest paid player.

Obviously this deal won't reach the top of the mountain set by Calvin Johnson ($18 million per year) or Larry Fitzgerald ($16 million per year) but Wallace's deal will conservatively come in around $12-$13 million per year when this is all done.

(Peanut gallery: But Mando, that's too expensive for the Dolphins. They only have $36-$38 million in salary cap space and about $5 million of that must be held in reserve for the draft.)

Thank you, gallery. But the Dolphins have plenty of cap space to afford Wallace.

To understand that you have to look at the breakdown of Bowe's contract. His salary cap cost for 2013, for example, will be $4 million. His cap cost for 2014 will be $12 million. His cap cost for 2015 will be $14 million and his cap cost the final two years of his deal will come in at $13 million unless the team does something different.

Looking at this example, you see that a contract similar to Bowe's would easily fit within the Miami cap structure in 2013. A $4 million cap hit is nothing. Dimitri Patterson is slated to cost the Dolphins $4.6 million against the cap in 2013 and he is unproven in Miami. Karlos Dansby and Randy Starks will cost the Dolphins twice that amount against the cap and I assure you they will not score 6-10 TDs per season as Wallace might.

So the first-year cost is not only acceptable but inviting.

Obviously, the real hit comes after the first year. Wallace would be Miami's most costly player against the cap. But again, comparing to Miami's cap structure, it fits because the quarterback is still cheap, the $12 million hit you accepted for carrying Jake Long is no longer on the books, and Starks won't be carrying that $8.45 million cap charge from the franchise tag next year.

I will say this: Assuming the talks yield a deal with Hartline as the present arc of negotiations are heading, the Dolphins are likely to add only one more expensive wide receiver. The idea of re-signing Hartline and adding both Wallace and Greg Jennings (who will fall somewhere between Hartline and Wallace on a per season basis) is likely out of the question.

The Dolphins are expected to speak to Jennings, but he would be a fallback position if the Dolphins cannot land Wallace. He wouldn't come in addition to Wallace and Hartline unless the Dolphins are willing to go on the cheap for everything else.

Back to the point: The issue of adding Mike Wallace this year is moot if you're worried whether the Dolphins have enough cap space. They have more than enough with plenty left over to do other business.

But it will get expensive down the road. That apparently is the price of doing business in free agency.

Comments

[oscar canosa]

Anybody that has worked at the Miami Herald for the past 20-25 years knows the influence that the Cuban government exerted over that publication.

[Jay]

I dont think Hartline would start for any other team.

[Philly Chirino]

Thats why we have El Nuevo Herald.

[Philly Chirino]

Cmon Jay, St Louis, Cleveland, oakland, jets, buffalo, kc just off the top of my head. Fartline would be #2 (or better) on all those teams.

[oscar canosa]

The McClatchy Corp, Willie.

[Hydrashock]

I'm OK with resigning Hartline as long as he is used to upgrade the slot.

Anyway, I hope Dolphins give Martin his big-chance at LT. This way our FO can focus into finding a suitable RT and a solid OG for the future.

UFA will have plenty of impact o-line players to offer (I will be very happy if Ireland manages to land Loadholt + Vollmer in Miami). Besides Chance Warmack and/or Jonathan Cooper may slip down to #12... and we can always trade-down for DJ Fluker and more picks.

Last but not least: Menelik Watson could still be available at 3rd round. His age will be a huge negative flag for many teams...

[Dashi©]

Who Is a Better O-Line Coach? Philbin or Sporano

Who Is a Better OC? Sherman or Henning

Who is a better Qb? T-Hill or Henne

Ireland Is Actually Doing A Better Job at Picking Than Parcells.

Real Coaches.

Qb Before LT.

Building Thru The Draft. Not Free Agency.

Going For Value!! Over Need!!

[Philly Chirino]

Its McClatchy Company not Corp, but i hear you Cana. Meant no disrespect.

[ll]

No Phlly, no Jets start or Bills. Cleveland, yes.

[oscar canosa]

Not ready for the Truth? It doesn't matter. heheheh

[Philly Chirino]

Ireland is the best GM the fins have had since Jimmy. Haters gonna haaaaaate!

[oscar canosa]

OK. Something new I learned.

[Philly Chirino]

U tellin me he's not starting oppo steve johnson. I'd rather have Fartline right now at that price than Santonio at his (bet u the Jets would too). He's starting dude cmon

[Lt. Lois Einhorn]

Being better than awful GMs and OL coaches and coordinators and quarterbacks doesn't make you good.

[Joke owner=joke GM]

Ireland not even better than Ricky Speilman which is why we don't get resr around the league.

[Dashi©]

Oscar,

Nobody cares what you spit as fact.

That is the truth.

We all know You Guys Hold All/Most Political Powers In Dade County.

Today Should be a Day Of Mourning.

The Day The Great Immortal Castro Pasts Away. Dashi will Not Come On Here And Celebrate. That is Total Disrespect.

You Might Not Like It. But The Man Has A Family;) And A Legacy.

You Wouldn't Want Somebody Making Fun Of Mas Canosa The Day He Pasted Away.

[Dashi©]

Passed

[Darkoak]

The way old Tackles get moved to Guard eventually, I often wonder why bother drafting a guard? Just draft tackles and if they don't pan out move them to guard. I know there's more to it than that but I do wonder about it sometimes.

[oscar canosa]

Yeah, Dashi, I'm protecting his Family. Please don't interfere in things you don't know.

[Say Something Smart]

Ireland has picked better qbs than spielman. Even now.

[Lt. Lois Einhorn]

Dolphins should sign Chad Johnson. You don't lose hands and footwork.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvk6r0cW5ss

[Stop being stupid]

Like who? Chad Henne and Pat White?

[Say Something Smart]

So You Are admitting You Work Here?

Timestamp It B'tches!!

Oscar came Out At March 05, 2013 at 11:00 PM

[oscar canosa]

?

[Zonk]

Jeff Irescum, the worst GM ever?

[We Need Playmakers]

If Bowe is about to turn 29 I think it's very odd that NO ONE complained about Bowe's age but Jennings--who is only ONE year older--might be too old??? Does that make sense???

[Say Something Smart]

Yes, but you do lose smarts.

And if you start with a low iq. That is very valuable.

[Mark]

Thet were saying on the radio that Irelands IQ is lower then his age.

[We Need Playmakers]

And Bowe got hurt & missed games last year too. Interesting that NO ONE in the media mentioned his Bowe's age or injury when he was about to hit FA. Character questions??? Absolutely & he still broke the bank!!!

[Say Something Smart]

Don't start a battle of wits.

You will lose. @11:42

And oscar @ 11:00 Please Reread What You Said. And Rephrase That Without Incriminating Yourself In Anyway?

Who works at The Herald?

Big Willie Wants To Know!!

(Picture me Dancing To Salsa Right Now, But my Legs Don't Work.)

[oscar canosa]

?

[The Woodshed Gang]

If Bowe is about to turn 29 I think it's very odd that NO ONE complained about Bowe's age but Jennings--who is only ONE year older--might be too old??? Does that make sense???

Posted by: We Need Playmakers | March 05, 2013 at 11:48 PM

Makes sense to me. 30 is nothing for a receiver in today's NFL. Defensive players have to be ultra careful not to be too rough saving wear and tear on receivers. Look at Moss, T.O., and 85. They are all still able to play at a high level because receivers don't get hit like in the old days.

[Say Something Smart]

That is Still 20 Points Higher than 8-5.

Who has spielman picked as qb. We all know who ireland picked. Captain Obvious.

[No Part]

A 30 yr old is no part of the rebuild.

[M13]

Irescum the garage manager. Worst GM in pro football.
Only Irebumb would sign Richard Marshall to big money. He sucked, thej got hurt. Then sign bumbs like Binz and the receiver that was wearing #19 that caught 0 balls then got cut.

[Funny! (because its true!)]

Then there is dashe and odins who use the blog as a substitute for toilet paper.

Posted by: Isaac | March 05, 2013 at 10:20 PM

[Che Way]

Tomorrow I will eat black beans and plaintains every meal to celebrate the fat chavy dead. Cristina is not happy though.

[Say Something Smart]

Don't Laugh At Your Own Jokes!!

No Matter How Funny You Think They Are.

[Say Something Smart]

Venezuelans, Love Tortilla And Ceviché.

Black Beans And Plantains With Lechón, Is When Castro Passed Away.

But That Is My Own Theory ,,

[Isaac]

I'm writing a song about a closet queen post op transexual reminiscing about heShe's pre op days... It goes like this, to the tune of Mary Had A Little Lamb...(no pun intended)

Da SheDas Heda She daShe
Dashe das, he she dash
e daShe das He daShe
sheDash heDash Sheeeee

[Keith]

I really wonder how those of you who want Mike Wallace on the Dolphins would change the offense to accommodate Mike Wallace's inability to run a complete route tree?

Hmmm. Which receiver in Green Bay can only run 2-3 routes effectively and is a vertical only one trick pony? Try none.

[Keith]

It's interesting that $6 million is apparently too much for a solid, consistent receiver that runs a full route tree, but $11-12 million is fair for a one trick pony who can only run vertical routes.

[Viviana]

Black Beans And Plantains With Lechón, Is When Castro Passed Away.

Posted by: Say Something Smart | March 06, 2013 at 12:26 AM

You really are 100 times more clueless than you realize. Castro didn't pass away. Such ignorance!

[Registrar of Names]

Let it be known, that hitherto now, the blogger formally known as daShe, will now be known as dumbShe.

[Say Something Smart]

Are You Sure You Are Playing The Song??

Cause The Way I Strike A Cord!! It Is Marvelous To Watch.

That Is A Double You See On TV. The Devils Double. (Great Movie)

How Long Has It Been Since The Great One Has Spoken Publicly?

I'm Waiting On The Oliver Stone Movie.

[Viviana]

Of course, total denial. We've come to expect nothing less. It is a common trait of those who hide from themselves out of fear of what they may find.

[Viviana]

Boo.

[Dr. Zyn]

Notice how the troll manipulates dashe and odin into being bigger trolls? It's a marvelous display of domination.

[Dr. Zyn]

I shall teach it to the higher powers, for money.

[Jcb]

Pages upon page about this crappy GM named Jeffrey Ireland. Which Jeff is bigger douche? Loria or Ireland? The two most hated men in South Florida.
Ireland to busy worried bout yo momma. He no good judge of talent... Gates and Egnew...cellar picks. FA picks sux, unless you play good. Then u off team.
Hartline targeted 9 times against Jets. Caught 1 ball. Hartline no get open against Seattle corners, Roddy White did, but make same $ as Hartline. Only conman Ireland...

[NeMo]

White's getting 8 million a year. Hartline is likely getting around 6. This was back in 09 and White was still under contract with Atlanta.

Now in 13 Hartline potentially being a free agent of course brings the price up.

[TigerSam]

Wallace
Hartline
Da'Rick Rogers
Bess
R. Swope

Eiffert
Fasano

[TK SWAN!!]

I AM THE ONE DOLPHIN FAN WHO HAVE BEEN PREACHING THE MIKE WALLACE CASE SINCE LAST SEASON AND NOW IT'S GETTING CLOSE. IT ALSO HELPED THAT CINCY JUST FRANCHISED DE JOHNSON EATING UP 11 PLUS MILLION FOR THEM. NOW THE DOLPHINS CAN OFFER 6YEAR 80 MILLION DEAL WITH 30-35 GUARANTEED. BREAK DOWN TO 10MIL 1ST YR 12 2ND,AND 13 THE 3RD. IF WALLACE DOES NOT MEET EXPECTATIONS AFTER 2ND YEAR CUT HIM. I HAVE NO DOUBT HE WILL HELP THIS TEAM WITH SCORING POINTS. THIS IS A PASSING LEAGUE AND IF YOU CANNOT STRETCH THE FIELD VERTICALLY YOU LOSE MORE THAN YOU WIN. THIS WILL STOP THIS 7-9 CRAP!! IRELAND SIMPLY NEEDS TO CLOSE THE DEAL WITH WALLACE AND NOT EVERYONE CAN OUT BID THE DOLPHINS. WALLACE KNOWS THE DOLPHINS WANT HIM SO YOU CAN SEE HIM THINKING ABOUT WOULD HE LIKE PLAYING IN MIAMI ? HELL YEAH ! AND IT HELPS THAT THE MIAMI HEAT ARE WINNING AND WE HAVE TWO GUYS WHO WOULD NOT MINE SHOWING HIM S BEACH AS HOST IN WADE/JAMES. THE DOLPHINS SHOW WALLACE THE GRAND TREATMENT AND OFFER HIM TOP DOLLAR, THEY ONLY HAVE TO WORRY THEN AS TO WHO KEEPS # 17 ? FUNNY HOW NO ONE EVER BROUGHT THAT UP ! I THINK IT'S GETTING CLOSER TO A DONE DEAL ! I'M SORRY FORGET JENNINGS ONLY BECAUSE OF INJURY HISTORY! GET WALLACE,HARTLINE,STARKS ALL SIGNED AND JEFFY IS OFF TO A GREAT START AND HAVE ADDED 2-3 MORE VICTORIES TO THE TEAM. HE WILL ONLY NEED A PASS RUSHER,CB,OT,TE AND I LIKE SWOPE ALSO BUT ONLY IF ALL OTHER NEEDS HAVE BEEN MET OR CAN STILL BE MET. GO DOLPHINS!! I'VE BEEN WAITING OVER 358 DAYS TO HEAR "THE DOLPHINS HAVE SIGNED MIKE WALLACE" CLOSE THE DEAL JEFFY!!

[Mark]

Wallace
Hartline
Bess
Hunter
Matthews

Reed
Fasano

[MIADOLFAN207]

THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS ARE SITTING BACK YAWNING AND LAUGHING AT A THE TEAMS AFTER WR MIKE WALLACE. THEY CLEARLY DON'T HAVE ANY INTEREST IN HIM. THAT'S A SIGN! THERE'S SOMETHING THAT THEY UNDERSTAND ABOUT MIKE WALLACE THAT THE REST OF THE LEAGUE DOESN'T KNOW ABOUT. THINK THIS OVER DAILY.

[mike]

Wallace sucks. He is a head case and a trouble maker. Ill be glad to see his pass dropping ass leave pittsburgh !!!!!

[Dandadah]

This team would look so much better with Jennings and C. Patterson developing with jennings instead of having Hartline and Wallace. I'm sorry, but I don't see this as a good combo. Marshall made sense back then because he was a big body receiver that would demand double teams. We could all agree, it was a mistake. Wallace, is not that good. Everyone is feeding into this because there is no true number 1 in this free agency class. I don't want us to pay Wallace that kind of money.

[dbrim40]

Wallace will be another Holmes- OVERPAID FLOP!

[Jeff]

Wallace is not worth the $$$$. There is a reason the Steelers are not resigning him. He simply is not worth what he is asking for.

[Darryl]

His demands are too high,system guy no great routes and there is a reason Pittsburgh paid the other WR to keep him!