Derrius Thompson - Miami (from Washington)
What Happened: Thompson signed with the Dolphins because he'll have the opportunity to compete for a starting job alongside Chris Chambers on a team that should contend for the Super Bowl. He signed a 3-year deal valued at $3.6 million. Thompson has good size (6'2" and 215 pounds) and was considered a hot commodity last season after an impressive training camp in Washington. Thompson won't be expected to make plays every week, but rather be part of a balanced passing attack that compliments Ricky Williams and the AFC's best running game. It should be noted that Norv Turner, Miami's offensive coordinator, coached Thompson while the head coach of the Redskins.
What It Means: Like so many players, Thompson has the physical tools that make GMs drool. No doubt the Miami coaching staff views Thompson as a diamond in the rough. Whether Thompson becomes the next Joe Horn (afterthought in Kansas City to Pro Bowler in New Orleans) or the next Matthew Hatchette remains to be seen. Presumably, Chris Chambers will be the lead receiver and Randy McMichael should play a larger role, so it's not clear where that leaves Thompson and James McKnight. All this also assumes that Oronde Gadsden isn't resigned. His size, youth and the Chambers' unproven role as top-tier receiver make Thompson an intriguing late round pick potentially. Monitor the situation in camp and don't be afraid to take a flier if it looks like Thompson is slated for a starting nod.
For all offseason WR moves go here:
2003 Off-Season Movement - Wide Receivers
What Happened: Thompson signed with the Dolphins because he'll have the opportunity to compete for a starting job alongside Chris Chambers on a team that should contend for the Super Bowl. He signed a 3-year deal valued at $3.6 million. Thompson has good size (6'2" and 215 pounds) and was considered a hot commodity last season after an impressive training camp in Washington. Thompson won't be expected to make plays every week, but rather be part of a balanced passing attack that compliments Ricky Williams and the AFC's best running game. It should be noted that Norv Turner, Miami's offensive coordinator, coached Thompson while the head coach of the Redskins.
What It Means: Like so many players, Thompson has the physical tools that make GMs drool. No doubt the Miami coaching staff views Thompson as a diamond in the rough. Whether Thompson becomes the next Joe Horn (afterthought in Kansas City to Pro Bowler in New Orleans) or the next Matthew Hatchette remains to be seen. Presumably, Chris Chambers will be the lead receiver and Randy McMichael should play a larger role, so it's not clear where that leaves Thompson and James McKnight. All this also assumes that Oronde Gadsden isn't resigned. His size, youth and the Chambers' unproven role as top-tier receiver make Thompson an intriguing late round pick potentially. Monitor the situation in camp and don't be afraid to take a flier if it looks like Thompson is slated for a starting nod.
For all offseason WR moves go here:
2003 Off-Season Movement - Wide Receivers
