HERALD: Reasons the Miami Dolphins want to re-sign Dion Sims and still add another TE

[Perfect72]

There are, based on my use of calculus and complex math theorems, approximately 27 unsigned tight ends on the precipice of NFL unrestricted free agency when it opens next month.

The Miami Dolphins had three free agent tight ends in the group until Marqueis Gray re-signed with the team just before the end of the season, and so now the Dolphins have two on this list of folks who are paid to block and, of course, catch touchdown passes in the red zone.

Jordan Cameron is unsigned.

Dion Sims is unsigned.

For our purposes today, we’re forgetting about Cameron. Indeed, for our purposes of covering the 2017 Dolphins, it would be smart to forget about Cameron. He’s moving on after two seasons that didn’t deliver anything but a lot of frustration and missed games due to injuries -- mostly after a concussion in 2016.

Cameron may or may not retire. The Dolphins are moving on regardless.

Good luck to a good guy.

As for Sims, the Dolphins want him back. They want to re-sign him. And my guess is that because he has an outstanding and smart agent in Jason Chayut, who understands Sims has carved a niche for himself with the Dolphins, and the team is trying to retain as many of their own as possible, there will be a deal eventually.

(That’s my opinion based on a snapshot several weeks from the start of free agency March 9 and the start of league-wise and legal “tampering” between agents and all teams March 7. So I reserve the right to report differently if the facts change).

Anyway, that’s not the point.

The point is even if the Dolphins re-sign Sims, --adding him to Gray and Thomas Duarte and Dominique Jones (who is a restricted free agent) -- the team will nonetheless be tight end shopping this offseason.

Why?

Let’s start out with the offense. Coach Adam Gase’s offense is something of a godsend to a pass-catching tight end.

In 2013, for example, the first year Gase became an NFL offensive coordinator, 25-year-old Julius Thomas caught 65 passes for 788 yards (12.1 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns for the Denver Broncos.

The next year, NFL defenses tried to stop the bleeding a little bit and paid more attention to Thomas. And it worked. He caught 43 passes for 489 yards (11.4 per catch). But he added 12 more touchdowns for the Broncos in Gase’s offense.

Twelve.

More at LINK: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article133062634.html

Your thoughts?

 

[fansinceGWilson]

There are, based on my use of calculus and complex math theorems, approximately 27 unsigned tight ends on the precipice of NFL unrestricted free agency when it opens next month. The Miami Dolphins had three free agent tight ends in the group until Marqueis Gray re-signed with the team just before the end of the season, and so now the Dolphins have two on this list of folks who are paid to block and, of course, catch touchdown passes in the red zone. Jordan Cameron is unsigned. Dion Sims is unsigned. For our purposes today, we’re forgetting about Cameron. Indeed, for our purposes of covering the 2017 Dolphins, it would be smart to forget about Cameron. He’s moving on after two seasons that didn’t deliver anything but a lot of frustration and missed games due to injuries -- mostly after a concussion in 2016. Cameron may or may not retire. The Dolphins are moving on regardless. Good luck to a good guy. As for Sims, the Dolphins want him back. They want to re-sign him. And my guess is that because he has an outstanding and smart agent in Jason Chayut, who understands Sims has carved a niche for himself with the Dolphins, and the team is trying to retain as many of their own as possible, there will be a deal eventually. (That’s my opinion based on a snapshot several weeks from the start of free agency March 9 and the start of league-wise and legal “tampering” between agents and all teams March 7. So I reserve the right to report differently if the facts change). Anyway, that’s not the point. The point is even if the Dolphins re-sign Sims, --adding him to Gray and Thomas Duarte and Dominique Jones (who is a restricted free agent) -- the team will nonetheless be tight end shopping this offseason. Why? Let’s start out with the offense. Coach Adam Gase’s offense is something of a godsend to a pass-catching tight end. In 2013, for example, the first year Gase became an NFL offensive coordinator, 25-year-old Julius Thomas caught 65 passes for 788 yards (12.1 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns for the Denver Broncos. The next year, NFL defenses tried to stop the bleeding a little bit and paid more attention to Thomas. And it worked. He caught 43 passes for 489 yards (11.4 per catch). But he added 12 more touchdowns for the Broncos in Gase’s offense. Twelve. More at LINK: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article133062634.html Your thoughts?

This is my focus on TEs. NOT the seam threat (although Miami needs one), but the big-bodied target in the RZ. *IF" Parker could be more productive in the RZ and Miami could get that big productive TE, the RZ efficiency would be MUCH better and pts/gm much better. Twelve TDs? Sounds good.

 

[The Ghost]

Which is why OJ Howard is so enticing. Not just the redzone threat but the added blocker will help Ajayi and OL score more TDs. Parker, Howard, Ajayi and Sims inside the 20 should be destructful.

 

[Phinatic8u]

I bet OJ Howard is higher on Miami's board than some of the LBs were all clamping about.

 

[hoops]

absolutely

sims primary in line gray h back ? seam

add.that.piece.

 

[AllFinsAllDay]

Anybody know what Armando was talking about Bennett? As long as the current administration was running the team?

 

[AL R]

Anybody know what Armando was talking about Bennett? As long as the current administration was running the team?

I dont think Gase was a fan of his while in Chicago, which is fine with me since he said 'he expects to get overpaid since they won the SB' and would rather draft or sign a younger player.

Here from an older article on Gase/Bennett.

Well, that second question is easier to answer than the first: Bennett wore out his welcome with all the Chicago coaches apparently, including Gase. It started when he wanted a new contract and continued when he regularly complained about his role in Gase’s offense.

https://www.google.com/amp/www.sun-...ots-did-20160317-story,amp.html?client=safari

 

[Snoop]

I just can't get on board with using the first pick on a TE. Almost all the great TE's in this league were midrounders, Graham, Gronk, Reed, Kelce ... even the lesser guys like Ertz, Julius Thomas, Martellus Bennett, Delanie Walker was 6th round, Packers found Jermichael Finley in the 3rd. Jordan Cameron had at least one elite year, in freaking Cleveland at that...4th round. Aaron Hernandez same. We know how late we found Clay. Some of the all time greats, Witten was 3rd, Gates undrafted. Not saying there haven't been excellent 1st rounders, Tony G, Olsen and Eifert today....but my point is you can find good to great talent at the position a bit later.

Me personally I'm drooling over Bucky Hodges!

 

[Phinatic8u]

I just can't get on board with using the first pick on a TE. Almost all the great TE's in this league were midrounders, Graham, Gronk, Reed, Kelce ... even the lesser guys like Ertz, Julius Thomas, Martellus Bennett, Delanie Walker was 6th round, Packers found Jermichael Finley in the 3rd. Jordan Cameron had at least one elite year, in freaking Cleveland at that...4th round. Aaron Hernandez same. We know how late we found Clay. Some of the all time greats, Witten was 3rd, Gates undrafted. Not saying there haven't been excellent 1st rounders, Tony G, Olsen and Eifert today....but my point is you can find good to great talent at the position a bit later.

Me personally I'm drooling over Bucky Hodges!

You can find good to great talent at any position durning any round.

 

[matt11390]

This is the draft for Miami. The Dolphins need lots of defensive help and need a TE. The draft is loaded with both. This is the draft Miami needs about 14 picks! I hate that they gave 2 away for Carroo. Those two picks would have netted opportunities for some good players seeing how those picks were a 3 and 4. Please FO lets add some picks and not trade any away this draft.

 

[Snoop]

You can find good to great talent at any position durning any round.

Yea but I just wanted to point out that the overwhelming majority of the elite talent at this position was taken outside of the 1st round, unlike say the QB position.

 

[dnr3131]

If Miami does not pull off a trade for Julius Thomas (Jags) or sign Thomas via free agency (released by Jags) I still feel that they need to focus on a LBer or DE at pick 22. .Hold off and grab your TE later in the draft. One player in particular would be Adam Shaheen of Ashland. He is projected to go in the 4th-5th round range. Big kid (6'6), a Gronk clone, needs to adjust to upper echelon competition and become a better blocker. A former college basketball player that has excelled as a TE and would be a great red zone target. He would be a steal in the 5th round.

I would like defense and go the Shaheen route, but if we end up with Howard or Njoku I would not be disappointed. Free agency should give us better idea of our first round pick.

 

[Phinatic8u]

Yea but I just wanted to point out that the overwhelming majority of the elite talent at this position was taken outside of the 1st round, unlike say the QB position.

I agree, but not every TE in the NFL is as freaky as the 2 coming out this year

Howard and Njoku are freaks of nature. Easily the most athletic TE's to come out aince Vernon Davis IMO.

 

[Eesti]

I saw some growth in Sims last year towards the end of the year. I think he is on the cusp of becoming a much more productive player. 4 TD's in 5 weeks at the end of the season.

 

[67Stang]

I am still interested in seeing what Duarte can do as well. He had a knack for the endzone in college and is a smooth receiver. I believe he caught a TD in preseason. I know he needs to work on his blocking ability, but he would be a seam threat!