http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/
The Dolphins privately have expressed interest in re-signing Jake Long, Randy Starks, Sean Smith and Brian Hartline, and have told Reggie Bush’s agent they will be in contact. Anthony Fasano and Chris Clemons also will be unrestricted.
Smith’s size, speed and steady growth will make him a coveted commodity, considering the value placed on cornerbacks. He has allowed only 41.7 percent of passes thrown against him to be caught – best in the league among cornerbacks targeted at least 30 times.
All-Pro receiver Larry Fitzgerald sought out Smith after Sunday’s two-interception game to tell him what a good job he’s doing. If the Dolphins do a longterm deal with Long, it’s conceivable they could use the franchise tag on Smith, which is expected to be worth about $10.7 million for cornerbacks.
Now that's a nugget to get excited about.
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Clemons can GTFO.
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Best in the freakin league at 41 percent of passes allowed against...hell yeah..
You could see a different player in camp, a different person, a physical specimen who finally understood the importance of work ethic and technique..
SS24... Today you could could become a star, shut down AJ green.Killer Bees likes this. -
If Bush stays healthy we may have to use tag on him. For as incredible as Starks has been, he's not young and Odrick looks like he is better at DT.
As far as Jake...its a tough call. You want a good player protecting our franchise QB, but he will likely want great player $$$. -
The most important element on that is the probability that the Dolphins are no longer going to be big players in free agency.
GMJohnson likes this. -
Randy Starks probably presents the best bang for the franchise tag buck, though I tend to think Sean Smith will get tagged. -
Steve-Mo likes this.
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One thing Jackson pointed out with the other free agents is the fact that Long is now rated the 4th worst tackle, out of 71 tackles, now in the NFL. Unless his play improves a great deal over the rest of the season, I just can't see them paying him the 10-12 million dollars he is expected to sign for in the off season. Injuries have decreased his ability on the field and the Dolphins can't afford to make a mistake in signing him to another huge contract and then see his play continue to diminish.
Hopefully he will pick up his play for the remainder of the season, but if not, the Dolphins need to go in another direction at LT next season. -
One thing to also keep in mind is that the salary cap is expected to take a sizeable jump in 2014, the year the new TV money starts kicking in. I'm not sure how their current salary structure is set for then, but I suspect it should help with being able to afford to re-sign a lot of these guys.
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I suspect Amaya will supplant Clemons before the year is over.
Better instincts and ball skills.dolfan22 likes this. -
This is a, "what have you done for me lately", league and lately Long just hasn't been very good. He has 12 more games to prove he deserves a huge contract from the Dolphins and I hope he turns it around. I just wouldn't pay him 10-12 millions of dollars a year based on how he has played recently. That is all I am saying. -
I'm not against looking for a replacement next offseason, but show me who's his competition first before I rag.
Our secondary has given up some yards, but in terms if being efficient relative to rep count, we're doing really well considering. -
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Disgustipate likes this.
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Stop watching the couple of plays the announcers have highlighted. -
I like Starks..but honestly I hope someone signs him to a large contract. If this team is going to stick mostly to the draft and take it easy on free agency...I would love to get a late 3rd for Starks. All depends on Kheeston's growth though for having him as the primary backup. Also you would need to lock up Soliai long term cause losing both would be deadly.