FearTheBeard
FearTheBurke
Dolphins’ offseason:
In the event that we miss out on Peyton Manning and the front office chooses to make a pass on Matt Flynn this is the direction I would take with our offseason.
Salary Cap:
We are about $4.5 million under the cap, with an additional rollover of $9 million that we may choose to use from savings the prior season. . We also receive $1.5 million from the penalizing of the Cowboys and Redskins. That leaves us with about $10 million in cap space following the 5 or so million allotted to draft picks Cutting Bell, McDaniel, Garner, Cook and Trusnik frees up an additional 11 million. Sign Long to a long-term deal that lowers his cap hit about 1 million this year, restructure Dansby and rework a deal or 2 and that can free up another 4 million.
That leaves us with about $25 million dollars to work with on resigning players and bringing in free agents.
Restructure:
OT Jake Long: (6yr/72mil): Cap hit would be 11.2 million in the final year of his deal, make the contract slightly back heavy and saves us about 3 in year 1. (8 in 2012)
ILB Karlos Dansby: Lower cap hit about 2 million.
Move around some contracts to open up a little more space and it should give us about 5 million extra in space ideally.
Cuts:
OL Nate Garner (save 1.4 mil)
OL Ryan Cook (save 1.35 mil)
OT Marc Colombo
DL Tony McDaniel (save 3 mil)
LB Jason Trusnik (save 1 mil)
S Yeremiah Bell (save 4.3 mil)
Frees up 11 million.
Pending Free Agents:
QB Chad Henne: Let Chad walk, he needs a new opportunity and Matt Moore is under contract for another year and is a high end back-up who I still believe has a future in the league.
QB J.P. Losman: Let him walk...shouldn't have to break this one down.
RB Lex Hilliard (RFA): Let Clay fill the void when we need a FB and use Messam in short yardage situations.
RB Steve Slaton: With the addition of Messam there's no room on the roster for him.
TE Jeron Mastrud: Let him go, hasn't shown much in his time on the roster with such little depth at the position.
OL Vernon Carey: Carey underperformed and if it were up to me I would've kept him at tackle last season. I think his market is going to be light but still too rich for a player on the downswing of his career. 2.5 Mil/max per year if , but not likely to come that cheap.
OT Lydon Murtha (RFA): Bring him back for depth to back up the tackle spots. (1yr/1.927mil)
DE/OLB Ikaika Alama-Francis: Hasn't shown much, let him go somewhere else.
DL Kendall Langford: Let Langford walk, he had a very average season and I think he loses effectiveness with more 4-3 looks.
DL Phillip Merling (RFA): Bring him back cheap, we need depth (1yr/1.26mil)
NT Paul Soliai: He's valuable but not worth the amount he's going to get on the open market, move on. Could pack it in with a big payday anyway.
CB Will Allen: Let him walk and give the money to a new DB.
S Tyrone Culver: Average but offers depth and flexibility in the secondary, bring him back (2yr/1.5mil)
Free Agents Retained: Lydon Murtha, Phillip Merling, Tyrone Culver
Roughly $4 million.
Soliai's the big fish in all this, but his contract is going to be too rich, especially with a shift to a defense with more 4-3 looks. Langford also loses value in a 4-3. Murtha provides depth at both tackle sports and Merling will get another shot at a defense that will likely suit his strengths better, I envision him kicking inside on passing downs and being a rotational strong-side end in our defense. You can never have enough defensive backs and Culver provides flexibility. Keep an eye on Slaton, I'd consider bringing him back for training camp, he had his breakout rookie season in a similar blocking scheme.
Free Agent Signings (Predicted Value):
OL Anthony Collins (CIN) (4yr/12mil)
Has been stuck behind two solid tackles in Cincinnati but when called upon has performed admirably and was a solid prospect at Kentucky. He can play either guard or tackle and new DC Coyle had an opportunity to coach against him everyday.
OL Geoff Schwartz (CAR) (1yr/1mil)
Could be one of the bargains of the offseason and would be my Plan B at RT. Can also provide solid pass protection inside and battle Incognito.
OG Chilo Rachal (SF) (1yr/2mil)
Had a solid 2010 but fell out of favor with Coach Harbaugh in a new system. A cheap option whose a mauler in the run game but is sub par in pass protection.
DE Jeremy Mincey (JAC) (4yr/24mil)
Mincey came on in a big way last season as part of an underrated defensive line in Jacksonville. He'll be a bargain and excels in both pass rushing and run defense. He's young and opposite Wake will present a formidable duo in a league where pass rush reigns supreme.
DE/OLB Everette Brown (SD) (1yr/750k)
Loved him out of Florida State, shocked at his ineffectiveness but would provide versatility and if Maybin can make a return to relevance so can Brown.
DT Derek Landri (CAR) (2yr/3mil)
Graded out as one of the top run defending defensive tackles last year, as well as being a very quality pass rusher and would offer us a quality 4-3 tackle at a low price.
SLB David Vobora (SEA) (2yr/1.5mil)
Vobora had put up quality numbers in the '09 and '10 seasons before barely seeing the field in Seattle. The former Mr. Irrelevant would provide us with depth at compete with Misi on the strongside (unless he's moved to the middle, then Vobora would take over as the starter on the strongside.
FS Jim Leonhard (NYJ) (3yr/7.5mil)
Although there seems to be a perception that Leonhard is over the hill, he still graded out as the 6th best cover safety in the NFL. This is a huge need for our secondary and we need a guy who can be position to make plays and limit big plays, Leonhard does that. He will also come cheaper than Reggie Nelson while offering similar value.
Roughly 16 million.
Other Potential Options:
WR Reggie Wayne (IND) (2yr/6mil) - Wants to play here but I'd rather give Hartline the opportunity to breakout opposite Marshall.
TE Martellus Bennett (DAL) (2yr/7mil) - Bennett offers similar value to Fasano, he's the best blocking tight end in football and offers more athleticism, but he is inconsistent in the passing game. Stick with Fasano for at least one season and pair him with an elite athlete. Wouldn't be opposed to bringing on Bennett though.
RT Eric Winston (HOU) (4yr/26mil) - One of the best right tackles in football who was a surprise cap casualty, will likely command too much money for a right tackle.
OG Evan Mathis (PHI) (4yr/20mil)
Graded out as by far the best run blocking guard in the NFL last season, plug him in between Long and Pouncey and you have one of the best run blocking left sides in the game. Allows us to move Incognito to the right side. Quietly had an unbelievable season at the age of 31 and could be a bargain. Unfortunately as much of a bargain as he is with this squad I'd rather go young and cheap. Love Mathis as an option though.
OG Ben Grubbs (BAL) (5yr/35mil) - A quality guard but will likely net a contract to rich for my taste.
OG Steve Hutchinson (MIN) (3yr/12mil) - Getting up there in age Hutchinson still provides solid pass protection and is no slouch in the run game.
OG Montrae Holland (DAL) (1yr/2mil) - Provided solid value as a blocker as a starter for Dallas this past offseason, a cheap alternative.
DE/OLB Kamerion Wimbley (OAK) (5yr/37.5mil) - Wimbley would be one of my top free agent targets but I think there's cheaper alternatives who offer similar value. Wimbley has the flexibility to play both as a 4-3 strong-side backer and a 3-4 pass rusher and is just an all around effective football player. I'd be very happy to bring him on board but I think he's going to end up being to expensive.
DE Mark Anderson (NE) (3yr/15mil) - Played solid for New England this past season but is getting up there in years and wouldn't be my first choice.
DE William Hayes (TEN) (2yr/3mil) - Could provide solid depth at either end spot.
DT Brodrick Bunkley (DEN) (4yr/24mil) - An elite run defender that could fill the void left by Soliai, I think Starks can fit the role adequately though and at this cost it's more of a luxury then anything.
DT Aubrayo Franklin (NO) (1yr/3.5mil) - Met with surprisingly little interest on the open market this past offseason, Franklin was miscast with the Saints in a 4-3. He could provide us with a quality nose and a low price.
DT Antonio Garay (SD) (3yr/12mil) - Another option at the nose, Garay has been a quality cog in the Chargers run defense.
MLB Dan Connor (CAR) (4yr/18mil) - A two down backer that could remind some of Zach and fill the void in the middle of our defense. I'd rather plug Dansby in there.
SLB Manny Lawson (CIN) (3yr/9mil) - I like Lawson, he was solid in his transition to a 4-3 under Coyle, would be a quality option.
CB Cortland Finnegan (TEN) (5yr/47.5mil) - Finnegan would be great as Sean Smith has struggled mightily, but the cost is just too great.
CB Terrell Thomas (NYG) (3yr/13.5mil) - Resigned with NYG (4yr/28mil)
CB Chris Carr (BAL) (3yr/10.5mil) - Has been an adequate corner with Baltimore.
CB Aaron Ross (NYG) (3yr/10.5mil) - With the resigning of Thomas, Ross will hit the open market but has been a below average corner with the Giants. Still an upgrade over Smith.
FS Dwight Lowery (JAC) (1yr/1mil) - A corner/safety hybrid, has some potential.
Draft
Trade down and acquire another 6, pretty regular occurrence. (Never know, might have a supplemental pick anyway)
1. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
2. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
3. Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
4. Brandon Brooks, G/T, Miami (OH)
5. Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma3
6. Cordarro Law, DE/OLB, Southern Mississippi
6. Jerrell Young, FS, South Florida
7. Ronnie Hilman, RB, San Diego State
Depth Chart
QB: Moore, Tannehill**, Devlin
RB: Bush, Thomas, Messam, Hillman*
FB: Clay
WR: Marshall, Hartline, Bess, Gates, Moore, Wallace
TE: Fasano, Green**
LT: Long, Murtha
LG: Rachal*, Brooks**, Feinga
C: Pouncey
RG: Incognito, Schwartz*
RT: Collins*, Jerry
4/3
DE Mincey*, Merling
DT Odrick, Landri*
DT Starks
DE Wake, Brown*, Law**
WSLB Burnett, Lewis**
MLB Dansby
SSLB Misi, Vobora*
CB Davis, Smith, Wilson, Gilmore**, Carroll
FS Leonhard*, Culver, Young**
SS Jones, Clemons
K Carpenter
P Fields
LS Denney
Feedback? Thoughts?
In the event that we miss out on Peyton Manning and the front office chooses to make a pass on Matt Flynn this is the direction I would take with our offseason.
Salary Cap:
We are about $4.5 million under the cap, with an additional rollover of $9 million that we may choose to use from savings the prior season. . We also receive $1.5 million from the penalizing of the Cowboys and Redskins. That leaves us with about $10 million in cap space following the 5 or so million allotted to draft picks Cutting Bell, McDaniel, Garner, Cook and Trusnik frees up an additional 11 million. Sign Long to a long-term deal that lowers his cap hit about 1 million this year, restructure Dansby and rework a deal or 2 and that can free up another 4 million.
That leaves us with about $25 million dollars to work with on resigning players and bringing in free agents.
Restructure:
OT Jake Long: (6yr/72mil): Cap hit would be 11.2 million in the final year of his deal, make the contract slightly back heavy and saves us about 3 in year 1. (8 in 2012)
ILB Karlos Dansby: Lower cap hit about 2 million.
Move around some contracts to open up a little more space and it should give us about 5 million extra in space ideally.
Cuts:
OL Nate Garner (save 1.4 mil)
OL Ryan Cook (save 1.35 mil)
OT Marc Colombo
DL Tony McDaniel (save 3 mil)
LB Jason Trusnik (save 1 mil)
S Yeremiah Bell (save 4.3 mil)
Frees up 11 million.
Pending Free Agents:
QB Chad Henne: Let Chad walk, he needs a new opportunity and Matt Moore is under contract for another year and is a high end back-up who I still believe has a future in the league.
QB J.P. Losman: Let him walk...shouldn't have to break this one down.
RB Lex Hilliard (RFA): Let Clay fill the void when we need a FB and use Messam in short yardage situations.
RB Steve Slaton: With the addition of Messam there's no room on the roster for him.
TE Jeron Mastrud: Let him go, hasn't shown much in his time on the roster with such little depth at the position.
OL Vernon Carey: Carey underperformed and if it were up to me I would've kept him at tackle last season. I think his market is going to be light but still too rich for a player on the downswing of his career. 2.5 Mil/max per year if , but not likely to come that cheap.
OT Lydon Murtha (RFA): Bring him back for depth to back up the tackle spots. (1yr/1.927mil)
DE/OLB Ikaika Alama-Francis: Hasn't shown much, let him go somewhere else.
DL Kendall Langford: Let Langford walk, he had a very average season and I think he loses effectiveness with more 4-3 looks.
DL Phillip Merling (RFA): Bring him back cheap, we need depth (1yr/1.26mil)
NT Paul Soliai: He's valuable but not worth the amount he's going to get on the open market, move on. Could pack it in with a big payday anyway.
CB Will Allen: Let him walk and give the money to a new DB.
S Tyrone Culver: Average but offers depth and flexibility in the secondary, bring him back (2yr/1.5mil)
Free Agents Retained: Lydon Murtha, Phillip Merling, Tyrone Culver
Roughly $4 million.
Soliai's the big fish in all this, but his contract is going to be too rich, especially with a shift to a defense with more 4-3 looks. Langford also loses value in a 4-3. Murtha provides depth at both tackle sports and Merling will get another shot at a defense that will likely suit his strengths better, I envision him kicking inside on passing downs and being a rotational strong-side end in our defense. You can never have enough defensive backs and Culver provides flexibility. Keep an eye on Slaton, I'd consider bringing him back for training camp, he had his breakout rookie season in a similar blocking scheme.
Free Agent Signings (Predicted Value):
OL Anthony Collins (CIN) (4yr/12mil)
Has been stuck behind two solid tackles in Cincinnati but when called upon has performed admirably and was a solid prospect at Kentucky. He can play either guard or tackle and new DC Coyle had an opportunity to coach against him everyday.
OL Geoff Schwartz (CAR) (1yr/1mil)
Could be one of the bargains of the offseason and would be my Plan B at RT. Can also provide solid pass protection inside and battle Incognito.
OG Chilo Rachal (SF) (1yr/2mil)
Had a solid 2010 but fell out of favor with Coach Harbaugh in a new system. A cheap option whose a mauler in the run game but is sub par in pass protection.
DE Jeremy Mincey (JAC) (4yr/24mil)
Mincey came on in a big way last season as part of an underrated defensive line in Jacksonville. He'll be a bargain and excels in both pass rushing and run defense. He's young and opposite Wake will present a formidable duo in a league where pass rush reigns supreme.
DE/OLB Everette Brown (SD) (1yr/750k)
Loved him out of Florida State, shocked at his ineffectiveness but would provide versatility and if Maybin can make a return to relevance so can Brown.
DT Derek Landri (CAR) (2yr/3mil)
Graded out as one of the top run defending defensive tackles last year, as well as being a very quality pass rusher and would offer us a quality 4-3 tackle at a low price.
SLB David Vobora (SEA) (2yr/1.5mil)
Vobora had put up quality numbers in the '09 and '10 seasons before barely seeing the field in Seattle. The former Mr. Irrelevant would provide us with depth at compete with Misi on the strongside (unless he's moved to the middle, then Vobora would take over as the starter on the strongside.
FS Jim Leonhard (NYJ) (3yr/7.5mil)
Although there seems to be a perception that Leonhard is over the hill, he still graded out as the 6th best cover safety in the NFL. This is a huge need for our secondary and we need a guy who can be position to make plays and limit big plays, Leonhard does that. He will also come cheaper than Reggie Nelson while offering similar value.
Roughly 16 million.
Other Potential Options:
WR Reggie Wayne (IND) (2yr/6mil) - Wants to play here but I'd rather give Hartline the opportunity to breakout opposite Marshall.
TE Martellus Bennett (DAL) (2yr/7mil) - Bennett offers similar value to Fasano, he's the best blocking tight end in football and offers more athleticism, but he is inconsistent in the passing game. Stick with Fasano for at least one season and pair him with an elite athlete. Wouldn't be opposed to bringing on Bennett though.
RT Eric Winston (HOU) (4yr/26mil) - One of the best right tackles in football who was a surprise cap casualty, will likely command too much money for a right tackle.
OG Evan Mathis (PHI) (4yr/20mil)
Graded out as by far the best run blocking guard in the NFL last season, plug him in between Long and Pouncey and you have one of the best run blocking left sides in the game. Allows us to move Incognito to the right side. Quietly had an unbelievable season at the age of 31 and could be a bargain. Unfortunately as much of a bargain as he is with this squad I'd rather go young and cheap. Love Mathis as an option though.
OG Ben Grubbs (BAL) (5yr/35mil) - A quality guard but will likely net a contract to rich for my taste.
OG Steve Hutchinson (MIN) (3yr/12mil) - Getting up there in age Hutchinson still provides solid pass protection and is no slouch in the run game.
OG Montrae Holland (DAL) (1yr/2mil) - Provided solid value as a blocker as a starter for Dallas this past offseason, a cheap alternative.
DE/OLB Kamerion Wimbley (OAK) (5yr/37.5mil) - Wimbley would be one of my top free agent targets but I think there's cheaper alternatives who offer similar value. Wimbley has the flexibility to play both as a 4-3 strong-side backer and a 3-4 pass rusher and is just an all around effective football player. I'd be very happy to bring him on board but I think he's going to end up being to expensive.
DE Mark Anderson (NE) (3yr/15mil) - Played solid for New England this past season but is getting up there in years and wouldn't be my first choice.
DE William Hayes (TEN) (2yr/3mil) - Could provide solid depth at either end spot.
DT Brodrick Bunkley (DEN) (4yr/24mil) - An elite run defender that could fill the void left by Soliai, I think Starks can fit the role adequately though and at this cost it's more of a luxury then anything.
DT Aubrayo Franklin (NO) (1yr/3.5mil) - Met with surprisingly little interest on the open market this past offseason, Franklin was miscast with the Saints in a 4-3. He could provide us with a quality nose and a low price.
DT Antonio Garay (SD) (3yr/12mil) - Another option at the nose, Garay has been a quality cog in the Chargers run defense.
MLB Dan Connor (CAR) (4yr/18mil) - A two down backer that could remind some of Zach and fill the void in the middle of our defense. I'd rather plug Dansby in there.
SLB Manny Lawson (CIN) (3yr/9mil) - I like Lawson, he was solid in his transition to a 4-3 under Coyle, would be a quality option.
CB Cortland Finnegan (TEN) (5yr/47.5mil) - Finnegan would be great as Sean Smith has struggled mightily, but the cost is just too great.
CB Terrell Thomas (NYG) (3yr/13.5mil) - Resigned with NYG (4yr/28mil)
CB Chris Carr (BAL) (3yr/10.5mil) - Has been an adequate corner with Baltimore.
CB Aaron Ross (NYG) (3yr/10.5mil) - With the resigning of Thomas, Ross will hit the open market but has been a below average corner with the Giants. Still an upgrade over Smith.
FS Dwight Lowery (JAC) (1yr/1mil) - A corner/safety hybrid, has some potential.
Draft
Trade down and acquire another 6, pretty regular occurrence. (Never know, might have a supplemental pick anyway)
1. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
2. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
3. Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
4. Brandon Brooks, G/T, Miami (OH)
5. Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma3
6. Cordarro Law, DE/OLB, Southern Mississippi
6. Jerrell Young, FS, South Florida
7. Ronnie Hilman, RB, San Diego State
Depth Chart
QB: Moore, Tannehill**, Devlin
RB: Bush, Thomas, Messam, Hillman*
FB: Clay
WR: Marshall, Hartline, Bess, Gates, Moore, Wallace
TE: Fasano, Green**
LT: Long, Murtha
LG: Rachal*, Brooks**, Feinga
C: Pouncey
RG: Incognito, Schwartz*
RT: Collins*, Jerry
4/3
DE Mincey*, Merling
DT Odrick, Landri*
DT Starks
DE Wake, Brown*, Law**
WSLB Burnett, Lewis**
MLB Dansby
SSLB Misi, Vobora*
CB Davis, Smith, Wilson, Gilmore**, Carroll
FS Leonhard*, Culver, Young**
SS Jones, Clemons
K Carpenter
P Fields
LS Denney
Feedback? Thoughts?