The Dolphins have just come to contract agreement with free agent linebacker Phillip Wheeler, according to profootballtalk.com, on a five-year deal worth $26 million.
That is starter money.
And now Kevin Burnett's days with the Dolphins are numbered.
[Update: Burnett has been told he will be released according to Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated.]
First things first:
Wheeler is 28 years old and coming off his finest NFL season. He started 16 games with the Raiders and had 109 combined tackles with three sacks, and two forced fumbles. He had six passes defensed.
That playmaking, plus his reported $13 million in guaranteed money means the Dolphins' vision for the player is as a starter.
So, Burnett is at risk. Yes, he was the second-leading tackler on the team. But the Dolphins are cutting leading tackler Karlos Dansby so that doesn't mean anything.
This does:
The Dolphins want more game-defining play and quicker linebacker play on defense. Dannell Ellerbe, who agreed to a deal earlier today, brings that. The Dolphins seem to think Wheeler does also.
Burnett, signed in 2011 as an unrestricted free agent, contributed similar numbers for the Dolphins to what Wheeler gave the Raiders. But he's going to be 31 years old during next season. And he is scheduled to cost the Dolphins $5.7 million against the cap.
If the Dolphins decide that's too steep for a player on the wrong side of 30, they can cut him and save $3.2 million in cap space. Considering that Burnett will also cost $7 million against the cap next year, the signing of a younger player seems visionary.
There remains a chance the Dolphins simply want to add Wheeler, along with Ellerbe and keep Burnett. That thus replaces Koa Misi in the starting lineup. Misi could be headed to defensive end.
But the more likely scenario is that Burnett should be sweating.
No, more then likely Burnett is toast. Figure I will be reading about him being toast before bed.
Posted by: The Phoenix | March 12, 2013 at 08:32 PM
Lmao. So we pass on him last year over Gary Guyton, and then throw a boatload of money at Wheeler? Okkkaaayyyyy?
Posted by: bky | March 12, 2013 at 08:35 PM
good burnett was slower than slow
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 12, 2013 at 08:36 PM
Maybe we can get a late round pick for Burnett.
Posted by: hireland | March 12, 2013 at 08:36 PM
Dolphins have gone younger, cheaper and more importantly, QUICKER. To many times our LBs were chasing the TE or receiver down the field. These two should close that gap. Never expected this in FA but a pleasant Suprise no less
Posted by: The Phoenix | March 12, 2013 at 08:36 PM
give me davis,grimes,rodcromartie
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 12, 2013 at 08:37 PM
BOOM!!!! Best FA ever!!!
Posted by: Rob M | March 12, 2013 at 08:38 PM
u sound like an eagles fan rob of a few years ago
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 12, 2013 at 08:39 PM
Well, that LB unit is looking much more athletic now. I like the moves, though they may have overpaid for Wheeler. Still, he's a step up from Burnett. Still can't believe they landed Ellerbe. Tip of the cap to Mr. Ireland
Posted by: Jon | March 12, 2013 at 08:39 PM
Absolutely love these moves by the Dolphins! And this coming from an Ireland hater.
If you asked me before free agency which three players I wanted to see gone, I would have told you Dansby, Burnett, and Fasano.
Dansby and Burnett because they are simply not difference makers. Sure they have a lot of tackles, but how many times have you seen them make a game changing play? Almost never, yet they were getting paid as if they were superstars. I am sick of this team not having difference makers.
Why the hatred for Fasano? Ireland was so in love with Fasano, think of all of the TEs in the draft Miami passed on. Jimmy Graham. Aaron Hernandez. All cause of a love affair with Fasano.
I love what Ireland is doing so far! I never thought we were even looking at LBs in free agency. I never thought Ireland would have the balls to drop Dansby, Fasano, and perhaps even Burnett.
The last four years have been unacceptable. Time to find some new players. Guys who will make a difference. Good job Ireland.
Posted by: Maybe Ireland Doesn't Suck | March 12, 2013 at 08:39 PM
If we cut Burnett I like this. If we move Misi this is wasted money.
Posted by: Ks | March 12, 2013 at 08:40 PM
damn grimes back to falcons
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 12, 2013 at 08:41 PM
We lost more over the last two years than a team should and compete in the NFL.
The next one to go should be Ireland. His misuse of resources would not be tolerated in the coporate world.
If day one of FA is any indication, the season is a complete write-off as should be he.
Posted by: colleen merry | March 12, 2013 at 08:41 PM
Dashi,
You were the only one that saw this coming. A lot of people laughed at you when you said this last year. You were right man.
Now all you need is for the fins to draft Te'o. Then I will be thinking you have inside information on the fins.
Posted by: Orlando Dolphan | March 12, 2013 at 08:41 PM
NO LB IS NOT A PRIORITY!!
How Many Of You Clowns Repeated This?
WHEN DASHI SAID THE BIGGEST WEAKNESS ON DEFENSE WAS SLOW FOOTED LB'S!!
HOW MANY DE'S HAVE THE FINS SIGNED?
=======================================================
And To The Clown On The Last Blog,
Saying He Has Heard On 30 Different Sites, Our Safetys Had Close To 200 Tackles!
Here Is A Hint FOOL!!
They Got That From Dashi!!
Any Exposing Of The Miami Dolphin LB's!! Has Been Started BY Dashi!!
Starting With Cut Dansby!! And Fire Burnett!!
Posted by: Dashi | March 12, 2013 at 08:43 PM
Dashi, are you actually Ireland? In all seriousness good call on the linebackers.
Posted by: NeMo | March 12, 2013 at 08:47 PM
ALL HAIL THE GREAT DASHI! PRAISE BE TO YOU! LOL...
Posted by: Yesterday's Gone 4Ever! | March 12, 2013 at 08:47 PM
Dashi for GM!
Posted by: Stevet | March 12, 2013 at 08:47 PM
Crabs! They Got That From Dashi!!
Posted by: DaShe | March 12, 2013 at 08:43 PM
Posted by: U B PROUD BRO? | March 12, 2013 at 08:48 PM
At least we are relevant again!
Posted by: Stevet | March 12, 2013 at 08:48 PM
Saw Adam Schefter on Sportscenter, he says Philbin wanted Jennings and the Ireland wanted Wallace...Ireland obviously won out on that one. We'll see what happens with this!
Posted by: Seth | March 12, 2013 at 08:48 PM
Grimes and Butler gone I see. I think Miami needs at least 1 FA corner.
Posted by: NeMo | March 12, 2013 at 08:49 PM
Was dashe right about Denver winning it all?
Was dashe right about SF winning the SB?
Was dashe right about Long?
Was dashe right about Vontae?
How is being right 1 out of 19 times considered 95% right?
Posted by: Stats | March 12, 2013 at 08:52 PM
miami better hurry and find some corners.
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 12, 2013 at 08:52 PM
Orlando,
On Te'o
Dashi Fell Off That Bandwagon A Long Time Ago.
Dashi Likes What Ireland Is Doing Better!!
Funny Thing Is When Dashi Put
Ellerbe
P.Wheeler
On A List TO REPLACE DANSBY!! AND Fix Our LB's!!
Someone Here Said That Was An Impossible Scenario!!
BURN THE PINK DANSBY Shirt!! CRAIG!!
http://c-product.images.dreamsretail.com/70-48/70-48608-F.jpg
Posted by: Dashi | March 12, 2013 at 08:52 PM
yeah im pretty sure ive never seen dashi say one thing that ever ended up correctly till dansby
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 12, 2013 at 08:53 PM
We have not improved the team where we need it most. TE, CB, real WR who doesn't hold out over sissy fits.
Posted by: Ramp | March 12, 2013 at 08:53 PM
man ireland taking a beating on nfl netwrok. ripping him apart
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 12, 2013 at 08:54 PM
Ellerbe proved his worth against Brady so that was a good reason to sign him but Wheeler might be a sleeper or just a product of the system...hopefully he can cover...I like our new LB's but where's our new secondary because R.Jones won't do it all by himself.
Posted by: KING P | March 12, 2013 at 08:54 PM
dusty what are they saying?
Posted by: Ramp | March 12, 2013 at 08:55 PM
we improved wr big time. but i agree, our most glaring weakness is at te and cb, which so far have done nothing. but its early
Posted by: dusty bottoms | March 12, 2013 at 08:56 PM
than you...dashe wrong about teo too.
How is being right 1 out of 19 times considered 95% right?
Posted by: Stats | March 12, 2013 at 08:57 PM
Colleen merry and ramp, you two should consider marriage and then become Jets fans. This maybe the best day in Dolphins FA history and you are crying. Please, please go away.
Posted by: The Phoenix | March 12, 2013 at 08:57 PM
@8:52
Stop Speculating And Making Stuff Up.
Plus, Why You Mad?
Cause Dashi Is Right!!
Give It A Break Dickswallower!!
Posted by: Dashi | March 12, 2013 at 08:58 PM
Relax on the secondary people, FA has only been going on for 5 hours and outside of Grimes, no one has signed a deal. Plus, there are so many quality CB's on the market right now it's embarrassing. I'd imagine Miami is in somewhat of a holding pattern seeing what will go on with Long, Gibson, and the DE market.
Posted by: Jon | March 12, 2013 at 08:58 PM
Phoenix, take an aspirin, go to bed, and maybe reality will set in for you. LB was not our biggest need but we just spent through the nose on it and ignored cb and te.
Posted by: Ramp | March 12, 2013 at 08:59 PM
There are 2 great TE in the draft. We will need to trade.
Posted by: Jaimesolera | March 12, 2013 at 08:59 PM
Orlando dolphan you are wrong. Lb was a huge PRIORITY. you cant put corners behind a weak front seven and expect to succeed. We dont have a front seven we had a front 3 wake soliai starks the othe 4sucked. If you like our former linebacking core hook me up with what you smokin. 2 of those 4 have been replaced THANK YOU GOD.
Posted by: josh | March 12, 2013 at 09:00 PM
Dashi & I were talking the other day about Dansby.
It's been obvious to anyone that could see that Miami was paying WAY TO MUCH FOR VERY MEDIOCRE LB'er PLAY!
Ireland would have been content paying Dansby & Burnett their contracts IF they provided big plays.
I'm glad ireland is revamping the Lb'er corp but in all seriousness, the phins need CB's, an OT & a TE alot more than this.
Also, all this FA spending can be a recipe for disaster. The Dolphins are rebuldng through FA. That in and of itself is a condemnation of the work ireland has done as GM.
He has to hit in the draft!
Posted by: LOL | March 12, 2013 at 09:00 PM
Do we even have enough capital to land a top flight te or cb now?
Posted by: Ramp | March 12, 2013 at 09:00 PM
a change in LBs was necessary this bunch was getting torched waaaay too much by elite TEs
Posted by: ericatl | March 12, 2013 at 09:02 PM
Dashi Stopped Being A Te'o Fan In December. When I Switched To Ogletree. And At The Combine Dashi Stopped Being A Fan Of Both. They Both Had Horrible Combines!!
Last I Checked The Draft Is In April!!
Even NFL EXEC's DON'T HAVE THEIR DRAFT BOARDS SET!!
But Keep Trying To Discredit!! The Honorable Dashi!!
Posted by: Dashi | March 12, 2013 at 09:02 PM
Ireland haters...where ya at? Doesn't matter hollow words. NFL...what have you done for me lately? Crushing it day one. Still plenty of ways to go and prove it on the field BUT today, CRUSHIN IT.
Posted by: PG13 | March 12, 2013 at 09:02 PM
Yea ramp, because all the CBs were taken today, oh that's right ZERO were signed and FA and the draft is over. Please go play Madden or something cause you obviously are clueless about football related matters.
Posted by: The Phoenix | March 12, 2013 at 09:02 PM
Its Corner/Free Safty time. I hope.
I think DE is going to be the next spot fixed though.
Go Dolphins!
Burnett, Bess, and Carpenter next three players heading for the door. (I like Bess and Carpenter but we are in the reshufeling of our payroll and those three equal about 9 million.
Posted by: shula71 | March 12, 2013 at 09:03 PM
BTW, LBers were a concern and by doing what we did, we opened up more cap space, but I know, the season starts next week and we have no CBs or TE. Joke
Posted by: The Phoenix | March 12, 2013 at 09:04 PM
Lets get the best wide receiver (first round) and TE (trade down picks) in the 2013 Draft. Lets pay Ed Reed. That will be cool watching next year.
Posted by: Jaimesolera | March 12, 2013 at 09:04 PM
Now we just need to leave nolan carrol on someones f in doorstep. Then TE a couple corners and yeah id love a de oppo wake.
Posted by: josh | March 12, 2013 at 09:04 PM
According to PFT, Grimes has not signed. There was a misunderstanding.
Posted by: The Phoenix | March 12, 2013 at 09:05 PM
Just pure speculation on my part, but a Bess for Finley trade makes some sense. Packers don't have a true slot receiver, Miami doesn't have a TE, Both players are in the final year of their contracts.
Posted by: Jon | March 12, 2013 at 09:06 PM
Was dashe right about Denver winning it all?
Was dashe right about SF winning the SB?
Was dashe right about Long?
Was dashe right about Vontae?
How is being right 1 out of 19 times considered 95% right?
Posted by: Stats | March 12, 2013 at 08:52 PM
Dashi was right this time.
Posted by: GetOverit | March 12, 2013 at 09:08 PM
Jon, James Jones can man the slot in GB as can Randall Cobb.
Even with losing Driver to retirment & potentially Jennings to FA, the pack is not hurting for a WR, not a slot 1 anyway.
Posted by: LOL | March 12, 2013 at 09:08 PM
1st Tavon Austin WR WVU
2nd David Amerson CB NC State
2nd Jonathon Franklin RB UCLA
3rd John Simon DE Ohio State
3rd Jelani Jenkins OLB Florida
4th Alvin BaileY OG Arkansas
5th Reid Fragel OT Ohio State
6th Kwame Geathers DT Georgia
7th Joseph Fauria TE UCLA
4th comp pick * Brandon McGee CB The University of Miami
Posted by: B33RCA53 | March 12, 2013 at 09:09 PM
Phoenix we already spent all our money. This is real business, not like you going to the mall with mommies credit card.
Posted by: Ramp | March 12, 2013 at 09:10 PM
bess for any te would be awesome. Last time i heard anyone even say bess name was when he signed the three yr 9 mil. Then???
Posted by: josh | March 12, 2013 at 09:10 PM
daShe weren't you the first one to say the earth was round?
Posted by: Stats | March 12, 2013 at 09:11 PM
Bess Is a great WR
Posted by: B33RCA53 | March 12, 2013 at 09:12 PM
Grimes is still in play !
Posted by: NeMo | March 12, 2013 at 09:12 PM
I was also watching the NFL Network and had to change the channel; couldn't stand listening to the criticism, Dolphins were getting ripped. Sapp is such an idiot, why in the world is he on that Network, I will never watch them again.
Posted by: Maria | March 12, 2013 at 09:13 PM
Well, I was wrong again. They re-signed Clemons, who I don't think is a Gamechanger safety.
Posted by: oscar canosa | March 12, 2013 at 09:13 PM