Wow, we are getting Wake for a song.

 

I think the over/under on returning players should be around 5

 

I think Grimes stands head and shoulders above the rest right now.


Personally, I'd go:
Grimes
Incognito
Clemons

Depending how the variables play out, you can put Starks, Soliai, or neither on that list.

 

I'd probably go with Clemons, Starks, Grimes, and whichever is a friendlier deal between Soliai and Incognito. In that order.

 

The only 4 I would want to resign are Grimes, Incognito, Starks and Soliai. If the plan is to put Dallas T into the starting lineup at LG next year, well we need a RG too and Richie is probably even better on the right side.

 

That's my list as well. Clemons can be replaced if need be.

 

Everyone assuming Keller is hanging up the cleats? I know the deer antler guy got shut down by the feds but I'd be sending him to AP's physical therapist at least. If there is even a chance he can start limited contact at the end of next preseason stash him on the PUP so he doesn't take a roster spot; week 6 the TE is position upgrades over any Clay Sims Egnew combo. League minimum incentive based contract.

 

Carroll is really the only one I think has a high-likelihood of being re-signed.

Grimes would great to re-sign, but if he's going to get top-5 money on the market, I'm not sure Miami is going to meet that price. Interesting to see how the CB market plays out though, because last offseason CBs didn't really get much attention.

 

If Grimes continues to play like he has so far this year, and in his past, he'll get paid.

 

Would really love to keep Grimes, losing him would be a big downgrade. Incognito is one of our better and most consistent OL, no need to replace him with the other holes. Would like to keep one of Soliai/Starks, both if possible. Keller is a maybe depending on how the rehab goes and how much he wants after the injury. Clemons/Carrol are ok but very replaceable. Everyone else, meh.

 

Whilst it may well be the case that Grimes doesn't re-sign, it would be a mistake. It may be the case that he isn't getting tested much right now because there are such gaping holes elsewhere for opposing offenses to exploit, but he is head and shoulders above the rest here.

I need to do the proper analysis but last time I had a look at the numbers, the correlation between quality defensive backfields and won-less records is startling, with a far larger amount of variance explained in performance then that of premier pass rushers.

Regarding the original question, we should re-sign what is hardest to replace. Therefore the interest in Grimes, but also the preference I would have for Soliai due to the rarity of that sort of athlete. Our goal in improving the roster should be to identify the average, 'replacement level' players who are getting overpaid and look to replace them. I'm worried our entire new linebacking core may fit that category, but hopefully they improve in time.

 

There's a few interesting names that are due to be free agents that I think could garner Miami's attention if Grimes and/or Carroll aren't brought back:

Aqib Talib - Patriots
Nnamdi Asomugha - 49ers
Sam Shields - Packers
Tarrell Brown - 49ers
Rashean Mathis - Jaguars
Mike Adams - Cardinals

I'm not sure how much of a player Miami would be for Talib (price) or Asomugha (age/scheme), but I could see Shields or Brown being brought in as a direct upgrade over Patterson/Carroll if the team feels comfortable enough rolling with Jamar Taylor as a starter. Mathis might be intriguing on a Brent Grimes type of short-term deal. Adams intrigues me as a slot corner if they want to keep Taylor and Davis outside.

 

I could see us re-signing Grimes, Soliai, Incognito, Carroll, and Keller (one year, vet minimum). I could also see us bringing Binns and possibly Clemons back on a one year deal.

 

Soliai and Grimes.

 

Along with Incognito, Grimes are Soliai are the only players on this list worth signing. I believe Incognito has to be signed only because the Dolphins have so many other needs on the offensive line. They will have to sign or draft a new RG and RT, as well as try and find a better LT than Martin. So while Incognito isn't a great LG, he certainly is better at his position than Martin, Clabo, and Jerry are at their positions.

Jones and Grimes are the only quality players in the secondary at this time. So it is imperative that Grimes is signed to a long term deal. Taylor and Davis may turn out to be efficient players in the NFL, but it is far too early to know at this time. As far as the rest of the secondary, including Clemons, they all need to be replaced.

 

If the plan is indeed to make Thomas a starter on the offensive line. I don't like that plan at all. As bad as Jerry has been as a starting guard in the NFL. I think Thomas will be worse. I just don't think he has what it takes to be a player in the NFL. The only reason he is even on the roster at this time is probably because he was drafted and the Dolphins don't want to admit so soon that they screwed up another OL pick.

 

I think as a corner unit you can get away with paying grimes because Taylor is gonna be your 2nd and Davis is gonna be your third, and both of them are in cheap rookie deals..

I'm with Clean..

Anyone notice we brought Jordan Kovacs to the game in New Orleans...hmmm.

 

Grimes, Soliai, Cogs and maybe Keller would be my priority signings. Carroll, Clemons and Starks would be the next three. I expect that Carroll and Clemons will be pretty cheap.

 

Honestly, when I see lists like this, I think... man, PLEASE don't lose talent and create holes and fill other holes so we stay just as good-bad-average.

Same ****, different pile, you know?

I want to feel like we are gonna get ahead of the curve, but SO many dudes are up for FA and I'm not sure we have talent inside the team today to step up and replace them.

 

Hate to say it, but I wouldn't touch Keller off a second knee injury at his price, with the other holes we need to fill for that money and Clay emerging as a decent player, plus Sims and Egnew developing.

 

Soliai, Grimes and Incognito.

 

That's part of the reason it's a maybe. In his case the injury was early. That gives us plenty of time to see his progress. When Grimes was injured I had the same concern, but when I saw that video of his workouts that concern evaporated. People were still saying that Grimes was an unknown due to his injury, but from his video it was obvious that he was fully recovered. So I don't like to make a blanket statement w/o the case specific facts. I'll wait to see how Keller recovers, what his asking price is, how the other TEs develop, how the draft TE class for next year shapes up, how the TE FA class develops, etc.

 

Yup, if you know what to look for that video was all the evidence needed...a lot of GMs don't seem to have that specific skill.