The Sun-Sentinel posted an article reporting that a source at the NFL Scouting Combine said the Dolphins would have interest in acquiring Trent Green from Kansas City if he was placed on the trading block.
Although Kansas City has not yet put Green up for trade, the possibility of them doing so increased with the recent re-signing of QB Damon Huard to a three-year, $7.5 million contract. Huard played well for the Chiefs last season, going 5-3 after taking over following Green's concussion. If the Chiefs decide to go with Huard as their QB, the team would likely put Green on the trading block. Other factors for parting ways with Green would be his age (he will be 37 going into next season) and his salary of $7.2 million.
As far as his fitting in with the Dolphins, Green played for Cam Cameron while with the Redskins from '95-'98, and with new Dolphins QB coach Terry Shea for four of the past five seasons in Kansas City. With Harrington to be released or traded by the end of this week, Miami will have an opening for a QB on the roster. If he was made available, should Miami pursue acquiring Green?
I suppose the answer comes down to what the Chiefs' asking price for him would be, and what role Green would expect to have with the team. I think that Daunte Culpepper should be given every chance to make a full recovery from his knee injury and show what he can bring to the team as its healthy starter. However, with such a devastating injury, no one can be sure that he will ever return to his former self, or if he will be ready to start this coming season. If Cleo Lemon isn't the answer as a starter, then having a guy like Green would be a huge help in giving the team at least a fighting chance. Miami should not think about giving up any draft picks for Green, unless they are very low.
A huge concern with bringing in Green would be his age. Obviously a 37 year old is not the long-term answer at QB. For the sake of argument, however, while Green is a 13-year veteran, he did not play in a single game in 5 of those seasons, and in one season he appeared in one game, attempting one pass. From 2002-2005, Green posted four consecutive seasons with a passer rating over 90, playing in all 64 games. That streak was broken up last season after not fitting in with Herm Edwards' new offense and going down with a severe concussion. So, while he may be old, it's clear that he is still able to play at a high level.
Would he accept playing a back-up role to Daunte if Culpepper is able to get healthy? That much is unknown. At the right price, he would certainly be great insurance to have on the team and he is clearly familiar with Miami's offensive coaching staff. All this being said, I don't think Green will be in Miami next year. The Dolphins should look to the draft for their third QB and begin grooming some solid youth at that position. Realistically, Miami does not have a great chance of going far next year, so having Green as the starter would be taking experience away from another younger QB. I don't think it would be a bad move if the Phins were to get Green, but it wouldn't be the best move, either.
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In other news, LG Jeno James is still recovering from right-knee surgery, but his agent said he expects James to make a full recovery by the start of the season.
Heading into free agency, the impending release of RG Seth McKinney will save $4 million, and cutting Bennie Anderson will save $2.1 million.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
Cameron as HC and OC: Cause for Concern?; Free Agent Updates
The Miami Herald reported this weekend, that when asked at the scouting combine if he felt he could handle the duties of both the Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, Cam Cameron said he could. The question has been raised since Cameron has yet to add an OC to his staff. He has already made it clear that he will be calling the offensive plays on game-day, but now he may also be handling the coordinator duties as well. Ten head coaches in the NFL call their own plays, but none of them does so without an OC on the team. Cameron would be the first. The question then must be asked: Is this the right thing for a first-time head coach to do?
Well, that's tough to say. There is no precedent to look back on and judge past successes or failures in this situation. Although Cameron has not declared that he will not hire an OC, in the event that he does not, I feel that the existing offensive coaching staff is large enough and experienced enough to collectively step up and fill the responsibilities of an OC. Realistically, the OC would not have many duties that the existing staff could not handle, since Cameron will be calling the plays. With guys like Mike Mularkey and Hudson Houck, Cameron can be sure that he will be getting useful feedback and support from his staff. While a dual HC/OC may seem dangerous, it is hardly that. It will simply require more work from the coaching staff. Cameron deserves this chance, and perhaps it could be the innovation that Miami's offense sorely needs.
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The Dolphins are preparing to clear some cap space before free agency begins on March 2. The Sun-Sentinel reports that the release of QB Joey Harrington, G Seth McKinney, and G Bennie Anderson is due by the end of this week. That much was to be expected. However, DE Kevin Carter will also be released on Thursday if he can't agree on a restructured contract with the team. In a past report, Carter had said that he fully expected to return to the team next season. Carter would be a big loss for Miami's stout defense, but his release would give Matt Roth a chance to step into a starting role with the team. Hopefully, the two sides will be able to come to an agreement on a restructured deal.
In other news, LT Damion McIntosh's agent said he expects his client to test the free agent market. In a free agent pool lacking in offensive tackle quality, McIntosh will represent the best of the available talent and will likely be quickly snatched up by a team with more spending ability. Last season McIntosh was released by the team before free agency began but was not signed by anyone. I expect that situation to be different this year with the shallow pool of available players coupled with McIntosh's respectable performance this past season.
Although McIntosh is not a superstar, his departure would definitely hurt Miami. If they can't re-sign McIntosh now, I don't think they will have the ability to pursue other available free agents like Leonard Davis. The position will have to be filled either by L.J. Shelton who filled in adequately once converted to RG but failed as the team's LT last season or by 2005 fifth-round draft choice Anthony Alabi. Given those two options, I would rather see Alabi get a chance. Shelton proved to be serviceable at RG and should probably stay there. Alabi has potential, but at this point is still an unknown factor. If the team is not content with either option, it will have to look to the draft for help in the form of someone like Penn State's Levi Brown.
Well, that's tough to say. There is no precedent to look back on and judge past successes or failures in this situation. Although Cameron has not declared that he will not hire an OC, in the event that he does not, I feel that the existing offensive coaching staff is large enough and experienced enough to collectively step up and fill the responsibilities of an OC. Realistically, the OC would not have many duties that the existing staff could not handle, since Cameron will be calling the plays. With guys like Mike Mularkey and Hudson Houck, Cameron can be sure that he will be getting useful feedback and support from his staff. While a dual HC/OC may seem dangerous, it is hardly that. It will simply require more work from the coaching staff. Cameron deserves this chance, and perhaps it could be the innovation that Miami's offense sorely needs.
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The Dolphins are preparing to clear some cap space before free agency begins on March 2. The Sun-Sentinel reports that the release of QB Joey Harrington, G Seth McKinney, and G Bennie Anderson is due by the end of this week. That much was to be expected. However, DE Kevin Carter will also be released on Thursday if he can't agree on a restructured contract with the team. In a past report, Carter had said that he fully expected to return to the team next season. Carter would be a big loss for Miami's stout defense, but his release would give Matt Roth a chance to step into a starting role with the team. Hopefully, the two sides will be able to come to an agreement on a restructured deal.
In other news, LT Damion McIntosh's agent said he expects his client to test the free agent market. In a free agent pool lacking in offensive tackle quality, McIntosh will represent the best of the available talent and will likely be quickly snatched up by a team with more spending ability. Last season McIntosh was released by the team before free agency began but was not signed by anyone. I expect that situation to be different this year with the shallow pool of available players coupled with McIntosh's respectable performance this past season.
Although McIntosh is not a superstar, his departure would definitely hurt Miami. If they can't re-sign McIntosh now, I don't think they will have the ability to pursue other available free agents like Leonard Davis. The position will have to be filled either by L.J. Shelton who filled in adequately once converted to RG but failed as the team's LT last season or by 2005 fifth-round draft choice Anthony Alabi. Given those two options, I would rather see Alabi get a chance. Shelton proved to be serviceable at RG and should probably stay there. Alabi has potential, but at this point is still an unknown factor. If the team is not content with either option, it will have to look to the draft for help in the form of someone like Penn State's Levi Brown.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Phins Add Marshall, Sign Chatman
The official team site reports that Miami has added Marvin Marshall as an offensive quality control coach. Marshall spent the 2006 season as an offensive assistant with the San Diego Chargers making him familiar with Miami Head Coach Cam Cameron.
The site also reports that Miami signed RB Jesse Chatman and allocated him to NFL Europe this spring. Chatman is a four-year veteran in the NFL, spending the first three years of his career with the San Diego Chargers before serving short stints with the Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints. The site provides the following description:
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In other news, DE Kevin Carter said his agent, Harold Lewis, will meet with the organization this week to discuss restructuring his contract. Carter also said that he fully expects to be with the team again this season. Carter is scheduled to count $6.5 million against the 2007 salary cap so the team clearly will want to restructure that to provide more room beneath the cap. The team has also initiated talks with LT Damion McIntosh about possibly returning next season.
According to the Palm Beach Post, three sources have said that offensive guard is expected to be a top priority of the team heading into the offseason. The team is likely to target a guard like Kris Dielman, since the Dolphins don't know when Jeno James will be healthy again, after suffering knee injuries the past two seasons. James is a potential player whom the front office might ask to restructure his contract. Also, the team has told G Bennie Anderson that he will not be back with the team this season. Seth McKinney, who is set to make $4 million, may also be a cap casualty.
The site also reports that Miami signed RB Jesse Chatman and allocated him to NFL Europe this spring. Chatman is a four-year veteran in the NFL, spending the first three years of his career with the San Diego Chargers before serving short stints with the Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints. The site provides the following description:
During his tenure with the Chargers, the 27-year-old Chatman played in 41 games, all in a reserve role, and rushed for 428 yards and three touchdowns on 79 carries, a 5.4-yard average per attempt. He also caught 10 passes for 115 yards and returned six kickoffs for a 20.0-yard average. He had his most productive season in 2004 when he played in 15 contests and compiled 392 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 65 attempts, a 6.0-yard average per carry. This included a 103-yard, 1-TD rushing performance (11 atts.) on October 10 against Jacksonville.Thus far, the team has allocated three players to NFL Europe: WR P.K. Sam, DT Steve Fifita, and now RB Jesse Chatman.
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In other news, DE Kevin Carter said his agent, Harold Lewis, will meet with the organization this week to discuss restructuring his contract. Carter also said that he fully expects to be with the team again this season. Carter is scheduled to count $6.5 million against the 2007 salary cap so the team clearly will want to restructure that to provide more room beneath the cap. The team has also initiated talks with LT Damion McIntosh about possibly returning next season.
According to the Palm Beach Post, three sources have said that offensive guard is expected to be a top priority of the team heading into the offseason. The team is likely to target a guard like Kris Dielman, since the Dolphins don't know when Jeno James will be healthy again, after suffering knee injuries the past two seasons. James is a potential player whom the front office might ask to restructure his contract. Also, the team has told G Bennie Anderson that he will not be back with the team this season. Seth McKinney, who is set to make $4 million, may also be a cap casualty.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Mueller's Draft Strategies
The Sun-Sentinel posted a nice article talking about the strategies that Mueller uses when considering draft picks. Check that out here. It's very encouraging to see that he places such a high premium on stockpiling young QB talent. Even if it may not be necessary right now, that is a position where it is crucial to have good young talent waiting in the wings.
I also really like his views on taking the best-available player whenever possible instead of reaching for a need-pick. The NFL is far too unpredictable to sacrifice several draft picks just to get a player who is thought to fill a need. Not only is every player in the draft a risk to some extent, but any position that a team thinks it is set at could turn into a position of need with the tear of a ligament or failure of a drug test. Knowing that, it's nice to know that Mueller is not averse to add depth at positions that are seemingly set if the player chosen truly represented the best talent available. One great example that I can think of is the Chiefs' drafting of Larry Johnson when they had Priest Holmes who was playing fantastic. That move was widely questioned at the time, but today it looks to have been a pretty good move taking the talent instead of reaching for a need. Now, I realize that no GM is going to come out in the media and propose "reaching" for a need pick as his strategy, but GMs clearly do publicly distinguish between need picks and best-player-available picks. Mueller is quoted in the article as saying
The article also points out that Mueller places a priority on speed. He also likes pass rushers on defense. And, while he is looking for playmakers on offense, he has not ruled out drafting an offensive lineman with the team's first-round pick. In 1997, while with the Seattle Seahawks, Mueller chose offensive tackle Walter Jones with the sixth overall pick. That is good news, since there is a possibility that Levi Brown may be the best player available when Miami makes its selection.
I also really like his views on taking the best-available player whenever possible instead of reaching for a need-pick. The NFL is far too unpredictable to sacrifice several draft picks just to get a player who is thought to fill a need. Not only is every player in the draft a risk to some extent, but any position that a team thinks it is set at could turn into a position of need with the tear of a ligament or failure of a drug test. Knowing that, it's nice to know that Mueller is not averse to add depth at positions that are seemingly set if the player chosen truly represented the best talent available. One great example that I can think of is the Chiefs' drafting of Larry Johnson when they had Priest Holmes who was playing fantastic. That move was widely questioned at the time, but today it looks to have been a pretty good move taking the talent instead of reaching for a need. Now, I realize that no GM is going to come out in the media and propose "reaching" for a need pick as his strategy, but GMs clearly do publicly distinguish between need picks and best-player-available picks. Mueller is quoted in the article as saying
The ideal situation is to have the most talented guy to be there at a position need for you and when you strike that you have a pretty good fit. I think you get in trouble when need becomes so paramount, you reach and don't take talented and good football players.I think ultimately, with the unpredictable nature of the NFL, that the best-player-available is almost always the correct choice.
The article also points out that Mueller places a priority on speed. He also likes pass rushers on defense. And, while he is looking for playmakers on offense, he has not ruled out drafting an offensive lineman with the team's first-round pick. In 1997, while with the Seattle Seahawks, Mueller chose offensive tackle Walter Jones with the sixth overall pick. That is good news, since there is a possibility that Levi Brown may be the best player available when Miami makes its selection.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Dolphins Re-Sign Holliday
The Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins have reached an agreement with DT Vonnie Holliday on a four-year, $20 million deal. This move prevents Holliday from becoming a free agent on March 2. The contract includes $10 million in bonus money, and Holliday will earn $7 million in base salary and bonuses in the first season. This deal puts Holliday in the top-ten highest-paid defensive tackles in the league.
He finished fourth on the team in tackles with 66 and most impressively notched 7 sacks. Jason Taylor praised Holliday for being an integral part in helping him win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Holliday entered the league in 1998 as a first-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers. Since signing with Miami in 2005, he has played in all 32 games, recording 122 tackles and 12 sacks.
As I wrote about yesterday, this was a tremendous move since Miami prevented Holliday from entering the free agent market, where his price probably would have been significantly higher than what Miami paid. This signing solidifies a position of need going into free agency. While he may seem old at 31 years of age, he still has several good years left in him.
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In other DT tackle news, Manny Wright's father stated that his son fully intends to report to offseason workouts with the Dolphins. This is good news, and it will be interesting to see how he readjusts to life in the NFL and if he meshes better with Cameron than he did with Nick Saban.
Also, Keith Traylor has committed himself to playing another year in the NFL. He will be a free agent come March 2, but he has spoken with the Dolphins. It seems that if he has committed himself to coming back for one more year then Miami has probably expressed some interest in bringing him back. He would be a great addition to the DT rotation, as he is a monster in the run-stopping game.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Countdown to Free Agency Part II: What to Watch for on Defense
In the second part of my review of possible free agency moves available to Miami, I'll look at the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive Line: This will be a very interesting unit to keep an eye on come free agency. The moves that are made will most likely tell a lot about the players currently on the roster. There is no doubt that the defensive line has been a strong point for Miami for some time, but with that expertise has come undeniable age. DTs Vonnie Holliday, Keith Traylor, and Jeff Zgonina will all be unrestricted free agents unless the team re-signs them before March 2. It is uncertain whether Traylor and Zgonina will even choose to come back for another NFL season or hang up their cleats after a long career. If they do decide to come back, it will be a tough decision for Miami whether they want them back. Keith Traylor would be 38 years old and entering his 16th NFL season with recurring knee problems, but when on the field he was such a dominating run-stuffer and lane-clogger at 340 pounds that it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring him back as part of a rotation. Zgonina had much less of an impact, and with his age I would not expect Miami to bring him back. Holliday, on the other hand, finally showed signs of why he was a first-round pick, notching 7 sacks in 2006. Of course, that number will likely attract several suitors willing to pay him the money that Miami simply can't afford. It would be great if Miami can find a way to retain Holliday for a reasonable price. The most important decisions, however, will concern the progress of Miami's bountiful group of youngsters on the D-line. Through free agency, we should get a good sign of whether the coaching staff believes the young talent on the roster will make an impact or if it is necessary to bring in new talent. With guys like Kevin Vickerson, Manny Wright, Rodrique Wright, and Fred Evans, I would think that at least one of these guys can step up and find a way to contribute as part of the rotation. If Miami doesn't go after anyone in free agency, that probably means that Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers is ready to unleash the youth along the D-line and get them more experience. If we do go after some guys that may mean that the young talent has not matured as hoped. So, lacking the insight into these young players' development that is necessary to judge what moves should be made, I will wait until free agency starts to analyze the situation further.
Linebackers: Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder are proven starters, that much is for sure. But with Miami running more 3-4 schemes, at least one more bonafide talent must be added to this unit. Donnie Spragan has been a solid starter, but he tends to get lost in the action, and he certainly has not shown the ability to make the big play. He doesn't seem best suited for the 3-4, so it's probably best to part ways with him. With Lance Briggs being franchised by the Bears, Adalius Thomas is the best LB on the market. His price will be high, but it will be worth it. He brings an unparalleled utility that makes it difficult for opposing teams to game-plan for. I believe that Miami should look seriously into acquiring Thomas. They should also look to pick up a solid depth LB in free agency - someone who can blitz well out of the 3-4, and who could possibly contribute on special teams.
Secondary: After losing his job to Yeremiah Bell, I don't think Travares Tillman will be re-signed by Miami. The play-making ability of Bell was crystal clear once he took over the starting safety gig. That is the kind of game-changer that Miami desperately needs in the secondary. Bell will be a restricted free agent, and Miami should make every effort to retain him. Renaldo Hill was solid opposite Bell, but hopefully this season Jason Allen will prove he deserves Hill's starting role, with Hill transitioning to the nickel or dime package. Corner back is a position of need, although free agents like Nate Clements will be far too overpriced for Miami to consider. It would be better if Miami addressed this position through the draft.
So, come free agency, I expect the Dolphins to make mainly depth acquisitions with hopefully one or two signings of high-end players like Adalius Thomas, or as I talked about yesterday, Kris Dielman. There's no sense in Miami breaking the bank on a mediocre player, who then causes cap woes in subsequent seasons. This is especially true this offseason, since the new labor agreement has produced a glut of money for some teams while the available talent is shallow. Many undeserving players will most likely be overpaid, and the Dolphins should try to avoid following that trend.
Defensive Line: This will be a very interesting unit to keep an eye on come free agency. The moves that are made will most likely tell a lot about the players currently on the roster. There is no doubt that the defensive line has been a strong point for Miami for some time, but with that expertise has come undeniable age. DTs Vonnie Holliday, Keith Traylor, and Jeff Zgonina will all be unrestricted free agents unless the team re-signs them before March 2. It is uncertain whether Traylor and Zgonina will even choose to come back for another NFL season or hang up their cleats after a long career. If they do decide to come back, it will be a tough decision for Miami whether they want them back. Keith Traylor would be 38 years old and entering his 16th NFL season with recurring knee problems, but when on the field he was such a dominating run-stuffer and lane-clogger at 340 pounds that it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring him back as part of a rotation. Zgonina had much less of an impact, and with his age I would not expect Miami to bring him back. Holliday, on the other hand, finally showed signs of why he was a first-round pick, notching 7 sacks in 2006. Of course, that number will likely attract several suitors willing to pay him the money that Miami simply can't afford. It would be great if Miami can find a way to retain Holliday for a reasonable price. The most important decisions, however, will concern the progress of Miami's bountiful group of youngsters on the D-line. Through free agency, we should get a good sign of whether the coaching staff believes the young talent on the roster will make an impact or if it is necessary to bring in new talent. With guys like Kevin Vickerson, Manny Wright, Rodrique Wright, and Fred Evans, I would think that at least one of these guys can step up and find a way to contribute as part of the rotation. If Miami doesn't go after anyone in free agency, that probably means that Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers is ready to unleash the youth along the D-line and get them more experience. If we do go after some guys that may mean that the young talent has not matured as hoped. So, lacking the insight into these young players' development that is necessary to judge what moves should be made, I will wait until free agency starts to analyze the situation further.
Linebackers: Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder are proven starters, that much is for sure. But with Miami running more 3-4 schemes, at least one more bonafide talent must be added to this unit. Donnie Spragan has been a solid starter, but he tends to get lost in the action, and he certainly has not shown the ability to make the big play. He doesn't seem best suited for the 3-4, so it's probably best to part ways with him. With Lance Briggs being franchised by the Bears, Adalius Thomas is the best LB on the market. His price will be high, but it will be worth it. He brings an unparalleled utility that makes it difficult for opposing teams to game-plan for. I believe that Miami should look seriously into acquiring Thomas. They should also look to pick up a solid depth LB in free agency - someone who can blitz well out of the 3-4, and who could possibly contribute on special teams.
Secondary: After losing his job to Yeremiah Bell, I don't think Travares Tillman will be re-signed by Miami. The play-making ability of Bell was crystal clear once he took over the starting safety gig. That is the kind of game-changer that Miami desperately needs in the secondary. Bell will be a restricted free agent, and Miami should make every effort to retain him. Renaldo Hill was solid opposite Bell, but hopefully this season Jason Allen will prove he deserves Hill's starting role, with Hill transitioning to the nickel or dime package. Corner back is a position of need, although free agents like Nate Clements will be far too overpriced for Miami to consider. It would be better if Miami addressed this position through the draft.
So, come free agency, I expect the Dolphins to make mainly depth acquisitions with hopefully one or two signings of high-end players like Adalius Thomas, or as I talked about yesterday, Kris Dielman. There's no sense in Miami breaking the bank on a mediocre player, who then causes cap woes in subsequent seasons. This is especially true this offseason, since the new labor agreement has produced a glut of money for some teams while the available talent is shallow. Many undeserving players will most likely be overpaid, and the Dolphins should try to avoid following that trend.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Dolphins sign two coaches and a punter
I'm trying out a new font and size, since I received some suggestions to make the writing larger. I hope this helps.
The team's official site reports that Miami has signed Terry Shea to be the quarterbacks coach. They also signed Brad Ohrt to be the assistant strength and conditioning coach.
Shea comes to the team with 40 years of coaching experience between the collegiate and NFL levels. Last season, he was the quarterbacks coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. Recently, he has been tutoring Brady Quinn in preparation for the NFL Draft. Should Quinn be available when Miami makes its selection at number 9, the inside information that Shea can provide could prove invaluable.
This will be Ohrt's first NFL experience.
The team also signed P Ryan Flinn. Flinn, 26, played in the final two games of 2005 for the Green Bay Packers. In these two games, he punted 6 times for a 36.3 yard average with a long of 42 yards. This is purely a move to establish depth for camp. Donnie Jones has shown his ability and his spot on the team is secure.
The team's official site reports that Miami has signed Terry Shea to be the quarterbacks coach. They also signed Brad Ohrt to be the assistant strength and conditioning coach.
Shea comes to the team with 40 years of coaching experience between the collegiate and NFL levels. Last season, he was the quarterbacks coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. Recently, he has been tutoring Brady Quinn in preparation for the NFL Draft. Should Quinn be available when Miami makes its selection at number 9, the inside information that Shea can provide could prove invaluable.
This will be Ohrt's first NFL experience.
The team also signed P Ryan Flinn. Flinn, 26, played in the final two games of 2005 for the Green Bay Packers. In these two games, he punted 6 times for a 36.3 yard average with a long of 42 yards. This is purely a move to establish depth for camp. Donnie Jones has shown his ability and his spot on the team is secure.
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