Can Our Dolphins Contend This Year?

[So Be]

Many have different thoughts on what contending means, from being in the Wild Card chase at the end of the year to winning a Super Bowl. For the sake of this thread, let's define contending as a team you believe can at least win a playoff game.

It makes a big difference in how you approach the upcoming FA. IF you believe we can contend, signing or keeping older players for substantial to big contracts makes sense.

IF not, it's a much better idea to go with younger players who will be in their prime a year or two from now, when you have a legit shot.

Tuff choice here, with many variables like the relatively weak AFC overall, and Tannehill coming of age, etc.

 

[NYNCDOLFAN]

Impossible to comment on till after free agency and draft.

 

[TheMageGandalf]

At this point in time, no. In fact I feel as if we will be worse next season. Of course, that is as of right now. We'll see moving forward and how this Offensive Line is put together. However, if they go cheap and low ball (like Aponte Likes to do) and we get a patch work Oline it'll be over before it started.

 

[So Be]

Impossible to comment on till after free agency and draft.

It's really not. Hickey has to do it now, as it does matter who we go after in FA.

 

[Geforce]

At this time last year people were asking the same questions. It wasn't until after we signed a few free agents that the people thought we had a chance to contend. This year will be no different.

 

[So Be]

At this point in time, no. In fact I feel as if we will be worse next season. Of course, that is as of right now. We'll see moving forward and how this Offensive Line is put together. However, if they go cheap and low ball (like Aponte Likes to do) and we get a patch work Oline it'll be over before it started.

That's the question of being able to contend this year. If the FO thinks we can, they really want Grimes, a high priced LT, Starks, Soliai, etc. If not, you are re building a bit and looking to next year. No one will say that but it is true.

 

[So Be]

At this time last year people were asking the same questions. It wasn't until after we signed a few free agents that the people thought we had a chance to contend. This year will be no different.

I was hoping for more of a forum GM type response than a wait and see approach. I also think that Philbin has to be in the playoffs this year but, not sure on Hickey. Will they go for a gotta win now?

 

[fishfanmiami]

i think next year will be a lot like last year. We'll be in the mix and it will come down to winning a few critical division games late in the season.

The only rebuilding going on will be the O line.

 

[So Be]

i think next year will be a lot like last year. We'll be in the mix and it will come down to winning a few critical division games late in the season.

The only rebuilding going on will be the O line.

Do you believe that we need to keep/sign a few older players and big contracts to do this or, would we do the same with younger. mid-range signings?

 

[JTC111]

Do you believe that we need to keep/sign a few older players and big contracts to do this or, would we do the same with younger. mid-range signings?

I don't mind signing older vets if we're getting bargains, but I'd rather not see us tie up money in guys whose skills are in decline or soon will be. I'm hoping we're approaching this with a long term plan in mind.

 

[dlockz]

If u mean winning a playoff game I don't think we will contend. Its possible we make right signings and contend for playoff spot.
The really bug issues are the linebackers which I think will still be quite bad and the oline which will probably be a work in progress.
I personally don't think we have a good coach and he will hold us back down the line. I do think Tannehill might make him look better than he is.
We are not winning the division this year because Belichek will once again coach his team up to their max potential and injuries cannot be as bad as last year

---------- Post added at 12:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:58 PM ----------

Do you believe that we need to keep/sign a few older players and big contracts to do this or, would we do the same with younger. mid-range signings?

as long as the older players are not washed up Mckinnie and sir let the defense though Clabo Im ok.

 

[So Be]

I don't mind signing older vets if we're getting bargains, but I'd rather not see us tie up money in guys whose skills are in decline or soon will be. I'm hoping we're approaching this with a long term plan in mind.

Guys like Grimes, Starks, Soliai, Albert or Monroe are gonna be very far from bargains, and I'm leaning the same way you are.

 

[fishfanmiami]

Do you believe that we need to keep/sign a few older players and big contracts to do this or, would we do the same with younger. mid-range signings?

Hopefully a mixture of both. I'd get at least one high price vet lineman in free agency and at least one higher draft pick guy. Fill in the rest with good players that don't break the bank like Brenner.
After they lose Richie and Martin's contract they'll have a few bucks to spend on these.

 

[So Be]

Hopefully a mixture of both. I'd get at least one high price vet lineman in free agency and at least one higher draft pick guy. Fill in the rest with good players that don't break the bank like Brenner.

Then we come to older, high priced guys like Grimes, Starks, and Soliai? For me, these are tuff choices, and can see Hickey passing on all three.

 

[dlockz]

Then we come to older, high priced guys like Grimes, Starks, and Soliai? For me, these are tuff choices, and can see Hickey passing on all three.

grimes earned a contract although I wouldn't go crazy on years. Starks will be hard to sign because we franchised him. Solai's agent goes from one extreme to the other. One year he is asking for outrageous money and the next he takes a reasonable contract.

We have cap space try to sign all three to 2 year contracts.If we have to choose between Starks and Solai, I take Starks he has been a better player overall as a dolphin.