That's just posturing at this point... he is REALLY waiting for Ronnie and the others to sign, because of the HUGE raise that Smith got over last year. Everyone is taking a wait an see approach for the next to sign.
The Dolphins are likely in no hurry because they anticipate #3 and #4 will sign for significantly less than the raise #1 got. So, they are hoping they will see a signing there, and then will slot Ronnie in based on that. #3 and #4 are waiting for Ronnie to sign... hoping he will get a huge increase like Smith did, and then have justification for big $$$ of their own.
So, at this point it is players vs. teams, with everyone waiting for someone else to make a move.
Like someone else said... the next signing or two will make a domino effect. But, I have a feeling #2-#4 are going to be in for a rude awakening, because none of them are players that the team absolutely NEEDS, like the 49ers did Smith, and they will be willing to wait it out. The longer the signing takes to happen the less likely the players are going to get a blockbuster deal. (Unless it's a completely backloaded paper-deal, that is for the sole purpose of bragging rights for the agent.)
********** This is all further reason during CBA negotiations, that I beleive the league should push HARD for rookie contract slotting. This is rediculous that rookies that have never played a down in the NFL are getting contracts bigger than some veteran pro-bowlers, and will impact their teams caps and therfor future for years to come if they fail. I think 1st rounders should get paid well, because more often than not they turn out to be major contributors, but these numbers are getting rediculous. They should limit signing bonuses... and in it's place give them-incentive heavy deals based on playing time, stats, and their rankings among players at their position league-wide. Perhaps make the initial rookie contract fairly short (3-4 years,) so that players that succeed have a chance to make that big payday early in their career.
