Thursday News Notes

There's a few new updates floating around. Let's check them out:

- The trade that Miami made with Denver, giving the Broncos DT Dan Wilkinson in return for a sixth-round pick, seems to be in jeopardy. Wilkinson must take his team physical in Denver no later than this Friday (03/16). If he fails to do so, the trade will be voided. On March 7, he told The Denver Post that he had "issues that need to be addressed" before he would discuss his future in Denver. Neither the Broncos nor the Dolphins have been able to get in contact with Wilkinson.

- Free agent DE David Bowens, a member of the Dolphins for the last six seasons, remains in contact with Miami even though he is visiting other teams.

- The team has made a contract offer to LB Donnie Spragan, who has played for Miami the last two seasons.

- There are reports that the team likes G Joe Toledo and have discussed letting him compete for a starting job.

- The organization is interested in meeting with QBs JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn, who are the top rated QBs in the upcoming NFL Draft. They could be brought to Miami as part of team's annual college player visits.

"The reason the Dolphins want to talk to both players could be telling: They could be considering a scenario where they trade up to the No. 2 overall pick, where Detroit is listening to offers. The interest also shows Miami's uncertainty over the status of Daunte Culpepper and his future with the team."

- Contrary to previous reports, no grievances were filed and no rules were broken in the Wes Welker trade. The NFL Players Association was simply seeking the details of the trade and not questioning its legality.

- There's a blog entry at Sun-Sentinel which talks about a new tactic the Dolphins may pursue this offseason:

"As the offseason unfolds, look for the Dolphins to lock up their top young players like Channing Crowder, Vernon Carey, Rex Hadnot and Matt Roth.

This is something the Dolphins haven't done much of in recent years.

But expect the new brass to identify good, young talent and sign them to contract extensions despite having to pay more for a second- or third-year player than they normally would have."

I think this is a great idea, and long overdue. The ability to lock up the team's young talent is vital for it's long term success. And it's better to do it now while the cap is inflated. We may pay them more in the short term, but will likely save on them over the long term. It's essential that the team is able to keep the talent that it grooms, and Crowder, Carey, Hadnot, and Roth have certainly shown they deserve to stick around.