On Friday the team signed G/C Joe Berger.
Berger (6'5", 315 lbs.) will soon be 27 years old. He's previously played for Miami during the 2005-2006 seasons. He has since played for the Dallas Cowboys and is familiar with Tony Sparano and Bill Parcells.
He has appeared in 7 NFL games, with no starts.
Some reports are saying that Berger will challenge Samson Satele for the starting center spot, but I'm not buying it. At this point, Berger is going to have to fight just to lock up a spot on the team as a backup.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Reader Mailbag: CB in FA?
As free agency kicks into gear, let's look at a reader question:
I have to believe that Miami will sign at least one cornerback in free agency, although at this point, they may wait out the big money period and try to find a cheap third tier kind of player.
I'd love to see them sign Leigh Bodden to replace Andre' Goodman, but he's visiting the Patriots today and they are apparently very high on him. Not to mention that he will probably command at least $6 million annually. That may be a bit too high for Miami to commit after signing Gibril Wilson and re-signing Bell, Crowder, and Carey.
Bryant McFadden, Ronald Bartell, and Jabari Greer are other possibilities, but again, they want big money that I'm not sure they are worth.
It is always a possibility that Andre' Goodman could return to Miami if he finds the market isn't as high on him as he thought it would be, but I am not comfortable with Goodman being the starter for this team again. I think last year was much more a late career fluke than something to expect on a consistent basis from Goodman.
Young CB options include Ralph Brown, Chris Carr, Daven Holly, Karl Paymah, and Stanley Wilson.
Now, I'm not saying that any of those guys are great options. Heck, they might not even be good options. But if this team is just looking to fill up the depth chart, rather than sign a starter quality CB in free agency, then these guys might be where they look.
Do you think the Dolphins will pick up a corner? I'm thinking Leigh Bodden.
I have to believe that Miami will sign at least one cornerback in free agency, although at this point, they may wait out the big money period and try to find a cheap third tier kind of player.
I'd love to see them sign Leigh Bodden to replace Andre' Goodman, but he's visiting the Patriots today and they are apparently very high on him. Not to mention that he will probably command at least $6 million annually. That may be a bit too high for Miami to commit after signing Gibril Wilson and re-signing Bell, Crowder, and Carey.
Bryant McFadden, Ronald Bartell, and Jabari Greer are other possibilities, but again, they want big money that I'm not sure they are worth.
It is always a possibility that Andre' Goodman could return to Miami if he finds the market isn't as high on him as he thought it would be, but I am not comfortable with Goodman being the starter for this team again. I think last year was much more a late career fluke than something to expect on a consistent basis from Goodman.
Young CB options include Ralph Brown, Chris Carr, Daven Holly, Karl Paymah, and Stanley Wilson.
Now, I'm not saying that any of those guys are great options. Heck, they might not even be good options. But if this team is just looking to fill up the depth chart, rather than sign a starter quality CB in free agency, then these guys might be where they look.
Tuna, keep Marvin Harrison the hell away from this team!!!
PFT has reported that there are strong rumors of WR Marvin Harrison possibly being signed by the Dolphins.
That...is...garbage.
This is probably the first time in some while that I have been really disgusted by a speculated free agent signing.
Harrison has nothing to offer this team.
Age? A geriatric 36.
Health? Played only 20 games the past two years; has balky knees.
Size? Only 6'0", not the big guy we need.
Character? Oh yeah, that gun case in Philly is real enticing.
I used to respect Harrison. He always seemed like the quiet player who just did his job day in and day out. That is until this gun case came up, and it came out that his quiet personality is pretty much just a cover for severe antisocial actions.
And everyone needs to quit spewing this trash about bringing in a veteran WR to mentor the guys that are already here. No, you know who needs to mentor them? The WR coach and Chad Pennington. We don't need a surrogate coach who takes up a spot on the roster. We need a WR who can actually play. Harrison is no longer that guy.
I will be pretty furious if this rumor turns out to be true.
That...is...garbage.
This is probably the first time in some while that I have been really disgusted by a speculated free agent signing.
Harrison has nothing to offer this team.
Age? A geriatric 36.
Health? Played only 20 games the past two years; has balky knees.
Size? Only 6'0", not the big guy we need.
Character? Oh yeah, that gun case in Philly is real enticing.
I used to respect Harrison. He always seemed like the quiet player who just did his job day in and day out. That is until this gun case came up, and it came out that his quiet personality is pretty much just a cover for severe antisocial actions.
And everyone needs to quit spewing this trash about bringing in a veteran WR to mentor the guys that are already here. No, you know who needs to mentor them? The WR coach and Chad Pennington. We don't need a surrogate coach who takes up a spot on the roster. We need a WR who can actually play. Harrison is no longer that guy.
I will be pretty furious if this rumor turns out to be true.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Yeremiah Bell signs 4-year deal
Well, it seems like newly signed Gibril Wilson will indeed be moving to free safety.
That's because the Dolphins were able to re-sign SS Yeremiah Bell to a 4-year contract worth $20 million, $10 million of which is guaranteed.
According to Armando Salguero, the team told Bell that he will continue to play SS. It will be interesting to see then how active Wilson will be in run support, his obvious strength, since the free safety is generally in coverage a bit more than the strong safety. That was particularly true with Miami last year, as Bell seemed to live in the box for much of the time.
I think retaining Bell is a smart move though, and Miami shouldn't have to worry about it's deep secondary for a few years (although, it'd be nice to get a late-round pick in the fold to start developing now).
This move probably means the team will not be trying to re-sign Renaldo Hill, unless he comes very very cheaply.
That's because the Dolphins were able to re-sign SS Yeremiah Bell to a 4-year contract worth $20 million, $10 million of which is guaranteed.
According to Armando Salguero, the team told Bell that he will continue to play SS. It will be interesting to see then how active Wilson will be in run support, his obvious strength, since the free safety is generally in coverage a bit more than the strong safety. That was particularly true with Miami last year, as Bell seemed to live in the box for much of the time.
I think retaining Bell is a smart move though, and Miami shouldn't have to worry about it's deep secondary for a few years (although, it'd be nice to get a late-round pick in the fold to start developing now).
This move probably means the team will not be trying to re-sign Renaldo Hill, unless he comes very very cheaply.
Gibril Wilson signs 5-year deal
The Dolphins didn't wait for the official opening of free agency to start bolstering the defense.
The team signed S Gibril Wilson to a five year contract worth $27.5 million. That includes $8 million guaranteed, and the deal pays out $16.5 million in the first three years.
Wilson (6'0", 210 lbs.) is 27 years old.
He is incredibly active from the safety spot, and he is one of the best blitzing safeties in the league.
His acquisition is a bit curious though, since all reports seemed to point towards Miami re-signing Yeremiah Bell. Of course, they still could sign Bell, but then either Bell or Wilson would have to move to free safety. I think that is plausible, and would love to see Bell brought back on a short contract.
The team signed S Gibril Wilson to a five year contract worth $27.5 million. That includes $8 million guaranteed, and the deal pays out $16.5 million in the first three years.
Wilson (6'0", 210 lbs.) is 27 years old.
He is incredibly active from the safety spot, and he is one of the best blitzing safeties in the league.
His acquisition is a bit curious though, since all reports seemed to point towards Miami re-signing Yeremiah Bell. Of course, they still could sign Bell, but then either Bell or Wilson would have to move to free safety. I think that is plausible, and would love to see Bell brought back on a short contract.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Crowder agrees to 3 year deal
Channing Crowder seemed long gone from the Miami Dolphins, destined to hit the market when free agency opens on Friday morning.
Certainly, of the 2008 starters set to become free agents, Crowder seemed least likely to re-sign.
And yet, after Vernon Carey, Crowder becomes the second player of the group to re-sign with the team. Today he signed a new three year contract. Terms of the deal are unknown.
I'll reserve judgment on the move until I see the money that was given to Channing, but I like the fact that it's a three year deal. That's shorter than normal, which provides some protection to Miami in case his knees cause him problems over the next few years.
A lot of people have been down on Crowder ever since it seemed like he wasn't going to return to the team, and I've certainly criticized him for his lack of big plays. But as far as our ILBs go, Crowder wasn't really the problem. I'd much rather see Akin Ayodele be the ILB replaced in the starting lineup, and now that may happen.
Amazingly, Crowder is still only 25 years old since he came out of college so young, and he has a leg up on this system over anyone else who would have been brought in to replace him. I'd much prefer Crowder to a guy like Bart Scott, who truthfully isn't that much better than Crowder, especially when you consider the money that he is going to demand and that he is three years older than Channing.
According to Crowder, the coaching staff put in place last offseason had a huge impact on his decision to stay:
Stay tuned for details on the contract.
Certainly, of the 2008 starters set to become free agents, Crowder seemed least likely to re-sign.
And yet, after Vernon Carey, Crowder becomes the second player of the group to re-sign with the team. Today he signed a new three year contract. Terms of the deal are unknown.
I'll reserve judgment on the move until I see the money that was given to Channing, but I like the fact that it's a three year deal. That's shorter than normal, which provides some protection to Miami in case his knees cause him problems over the next few years.
A lot of people have been down on Crowder ever since it seemed like he wasn't going to return to the team, and I've certainly criticized him for his lack of big plays. But as far as our ILBs go, Crowder wasn't really the problem. I'd much rather see Akin Ayodele be the ILB replaced in the starting lineup, and now that may happen.
Amazingly, Crowder is still only 25 years old since he came out of college so young, and he has a leg up on this system over anyone else who would have been brought in to replace him. I'd much prefer Crowder to a guy like Bart Scott, who truthfully isn't that much better than Crowder, especially when you consider the money that he is going to demand and that he is three years older than Channing.
According to Crowder, the coaching staff put in place last offseason had a huge impact on his decision to stay:
"Not to bad mouth any other coaches, but if another coach had been here, I don't know whether I would have stayed,'' Crowder said. "I've talked to George Edwards everyday for the past two weeks about this."
Stay tuned for details on the contract.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Reader Mailbag: Next biggest need; Harvin at 25?
Time to dive into another reader-submitted question:
Re-signing Carey definitely clears up what could have been a huge mess this offseason, and the team's biggest needs now no longer reside along the offensive line, in my opinion.
There are three big areas of need as I see the situation right now - the secondary, the inside linebackers, and the receivers.
As you are all aware, the only starter in the secondary under contract for 2009 is Will Allen. Miami is going to have to re-sign at least one of the remaining three, or else they will likely find themselves overpaying in free agency. Luckily, it looks like the team is adamant about re-signing Yeremiah Bell. Hopefully they get it done before free agency begins. But even if the team can't re-sign Renaldo Hill or Andre' Goodman, it's not going to kill the secondary. As long as Bell and Will Allen remain starters, the team should be able to find new starters to fill the two open spots. Now, whether they should do that or not is another question, but as long as Bell re-signs I'm not overly worried about the secondary.
The inside linebackers are another substantial problem because, as of right now, there is a good chance that Channing Crowder will not be back, and even if he does return, this team lacks any playmaking ability from the two ILBs. If Crowder leaves, that means Akin Ayodele will take his spot, and I'm not sold that he can be an every-down type of player in this defense. Miami needs at least one ILB who can rush the passer and cover running backs, not a guy who does one or the other.
But the most pressing need, at this point, looks to be the receiving corps. Greg Camarillo did a tremendous job acting as the No. 1 WR on this team this season before he got hurt, but on a good offense he's probably a No. 3/borderline No. 2 receiver. Likewise, Ted Ginn's ceiling, in my estimation, is a No. 2 guy. This team lacks anything even approaching an elite wideout, and they should be planning for the future (aka Chad Henne's arrival) by getting a potentially elite wideout on board now.
I think Brandon London has a lot of upside, but there is absolutley nothing guaranteeing that he'll even sniff that potential. I for one am not okay to just stay content with what we currently have and hope that one of these guys rises to another level.
I'd like to see the team invest a high draft pick in a WR, but Parcells is notorious for picking his wideouts from the scrap heap. It's great to try and find diamonds in the rough, but I can't get behind a strategy that simply ignores skill position players in the first couple of rounds. If a WR is the best available player when Miami makes its picks on day one of the Draft, I hope they don't pass over him just because they think they can fill those needs with rookie free agents.
And that brings us to the possibility of selecting Florida WR Percy Harvin with the 25th pick. Harvin is probably the 3rd best WR in the draft, following Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin. He is an elite talent in the mold of Ted Ginn, but Harvin is heavier (192-195 lbs.) and his height/BMI combo place him into the elite "Short" body-type category. (For more explanation on this, see this previous column I wrote).
Like Ginn, he is electrifyingly fast and has great hands, but unlike Ginn he already has shown sharp route-running skills. The problem, of course, with being such a similar player to Ginn is that...well...we already have Ted Ginn. But should that stop us from taking Harvin if, as I think, his ceiling is much higher than Ginn's? I'm not sure it should.
That being said, there are several huge red flags when it comes to Harvin. Namely, his durability. Any team will be taking a huge risk by paying a lot of money to Harvin since he has proven to be so fragile already in his career. If Miami was already an established powerhouse, like the Colts for example, they could justify taking the risk on Harvin. But as Miami is in a rebuilding process, they have next to no room for error with their top picks. It's absolutely necessary that they get a return on all their top investments.
Another risk with Harvin is that he comes from an offense that has failed to produce many successful NFL-level WRs.
I like Harvin, I really do. And I wouldn't be upset if Miami selected him at 25. I think he can be much better than Ginn. But there are several other players I'd rather see Miami take over Harvin if they are still on the board when Miami picks. Also, I'd rather see Miami target a tall/thickly built WR to complement what they already have, rather than bringing aboard more of the same.
Now that the Dolphins have signed Vernon Carey to a contract where is the most pressing need? Is Percy Harvin worth the Dolphins 1st round pick?
Re-signing Carey definitely clears up what could have been a huge mess this offseason, and the team's biggest needs now no longer reside along the offensive line, in my opinion.
There are three big areas of need as I see the situation right now - the secondary, the inside linebackers, and the receivers.
As you are all aware, the only starter in the secondary under contract for 2009 is Will Allen. Miami is going to have to re-sign at least one of the remaining three, or else they will likely find themselves overpaying in free agency. Luckily, it looks like the team is adamant about re-signing Yeremiah Bell. Hopefully they get it done before free agency begins. But even if the team can't re-sign Renaldo Hill or Andre' Goodman, it's not going to kill the secondary. As long as Bell and Will Allen remain starters, the team should be able to find new starters to fill the two open spots. Now, whether they should do that or not is another question, but as long as Bell re-signs I'm not overly worried about the secondary.
The inside linebackers are another substantial problem because, as of right now, there is a good chance that Channing Crowder will not be back, and even if he does return, this team lacks any playmaking ability from the two ILBs. If Crowder leaves, that means Akin Ayodele will take his spot, and I'm not sold that he can be an every-down type of player in this defense. Miami needs at least one ILB who can rush the passer and cover running backs, not a guy who does one or the other.
But the most pressing need, at this point, looks to be the receiving corps. Greg Camarillo did a tremendous job acting as the No. 1 WR on this team this season before he got hurt, but on a good offense he's probably a No. 3/borderline No. 2 receiver. Likewise, Ted Ginn's ceiling, in my estimation, is a No. 2 guy. This team lacks anything even approaching an elite wideout, and they should be planning for the future (aka Chad Henne's arrival) by getting a potentially elite wideout on board now.
I think Brandon London has a lot of upside, but there is absolutley nothing guaranteeing that he'll even sniff that potential. I for one am not okay to just stay content with what we currently have and hope that one of these guys rises to another level.
I'd like to see the team invest a high draft pick in a WR, but Parcells is notorious for picking his wideouts from the scrap heap. It's great to try and find diamonds in the rough, but I can't get behind a strategy that simply ignores skill position players in the first couple of rounds. If a WR is the best available player when Miami makes its picks on day one of the Draft, I hope they don't pass over him just because they think they can fill those needs with rookie free agents.
And that brings us to the possibility of selecting Florida WR Percy Harvin with the 25th pick. Harvin is probably the 3rd best WR in the draft, following Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin. He is an elite talent in the mold of Ted Ginn, but Harvin is heavier (192-195 lbs.) and his height/BMI combo place him into the elite "Short" body-type category. (For more explanation on this, see this previous column I wrote).
Like Ginn, he is electrifyingly fast and has great hands, but unlike Ginn he already has shown sharp route-running skills. The problem, of course, with being such a similar player to Ginn is that...well...we already have Ted Ginn. But should that stop us from taking Harvin if, as I think, his ceiling is much higher than Ginn's? I'm not sure it should.
That being said, there are several huge red flags when it comes to Harvin. Namely, his durability. Any team will be taking a huge risk by paying a lot of money to Harvin since he has proven to be so fragile already in his career. If Miami was already an established powerhouse, like the Colts for example, they could justify taking the risk on Harvin. But as Miami is in a rebuilding process, they have next to no room for error with their top picks. It's absolutely necessary that they get a return on all their top investments.
Another risk with Harvin is that he comes from an offense that has failed to produce many successful NFL-level WRs.
I like Harvin, I really do. And I wouldn't be upset if Miami selected him at 25. I think he can be much better than Ginn. But there are several other players I'd rather see Miami take over Harvin if they are still on the board when Miami picks. Also, I'd rather see Miami target a tall/thickly built WR to complement what they already have, rather than bringing aboard more of the same.
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