Look ahead to 2004...

[ZOD]

The Dolphins walked the Cap tightrope with what seemed to be ease this past year but "Clumped's" latest little thread on the 2004 cap just got me wondering about a couple of things...

Don't get me wrong, next year is next year...I'm just pondering the roster because we are in the middle of a dull month...

First of all let me ask, "who will actually see their remaining contract?"...I'll list next year's age beside the name followed by their salary in millions...

Defense
Madison age 29 2004 6.3 2005 6.7 2006 7.3 2007 7.4
Taylor age 29 2004 5.5 2005 5.7 2006 6.2
Surtain age 27 2004 5.4 2005 5.4 2006 5.8
Thomas age 29 2004 2.8 2005 3.5 2006 4.9 2007 5.7
Seau age 35 2004 2.5 2005 3.0 2006 4.0
Bowens age 31 2004 2.2 2005 3.1 2006 3.5
Marion age 33 2004 1.6 2005 1.5 2006 2.5
Chester age 28 2004 1.5 2005 1.8 2006 1.5

As we all know, that's alot of money allocated to one of the most "stacked" defenses in the NFL. A couple of thoughts...

I don't know the Cap hit of cutting Marion prior to 2004 but he is getting old and I don't think he's worth the money..

Will Surtain or Madison "take one for the team" in salary ?

Will Seau actually play at age 35 ?

Just my two cents about speculation....Bowens will see 2004 in a Dolphin uniform at his salary...

Offense
Williams age 26 2004 2.6 2005 2.6 2006 3.5
Ruddy age 31 2004 2.2
T Perry age 33 2004 1.2 2005 1.2
Mcknight age 31 2004 1.8 2005 1.9

We know Fiedler or Griese will get THE contract next year. No need to discuss that one.

Assuming in 2003 the players have the same performance as 2002 (except injuries of course), I would like to see the following...

Offensive line
Ruddy-Released
T Perry-Released

Mckinney-start
Nails- new contract
Dixon-guard

The Dolphins need two new Tackles...

These linemen are free agents..I didn't look to see if they were restricted or not but does it really matter from a starter standpoint?

Greg Jerman, Todd Wade, Troy Andrew

Mcknight-No 1000 yard season=released

Do you want the team to enter 2004 with the same monetary philosophy ?

When the 2002 season ended Wannestadt promised "wholesale changes" in roster terms...I wanted to see "wholesale changes" on the offense but I didn't see any...In hindsight, I think they made the right decision...Passion clouds my judgement and this team deserves one more shot...

My final two cents (in this thread)....The two new tackles may have to come from the defense in a monetary sense and I wouldn't mind that much at all...

 

[dolphan39]

IMO, T Bo, Brock and at least one of JT, Sam or Pat will have to re-negotiate. I would expect Ruddy to be gone. Most importantly, Jay and / or Griese would be forced to re-negotiate; unless we win the SB with one of them as the starter :D

 

[BuffBillsMan90]

:couch:

 

[P4E]

You, -- behind the davenport! Get out here and share your thoughts.

If we don't like them we can always say rotten things about your team later.

 

[BuffBillsMan90]

Cap Jail

 

[Danny]

Why do we need 2 new tackles on tyhe o-line? I think Smith could be starting next year and even Provost could get some playing time there too.

Ozzy rules!!

 

[ZOD]

Okay...

Let's ponder that idea...

Seth Mckinney is entering his second year..He has said that playing one month in the NFL gave him needed experience to improve...At this time, I am glad he got that experience...But in December of 2002 I would have rather had an actual starter in there...Based on his performance last year, Seth Mckinney is still an unknown to average commodity..

Smith and Provost...A third and sixth round pick...

Barring injury, these two players will not see the field in 2003...

I feel real good about putting these two on the corners in 2004 up against the Jevon Kearse's, the KGB's, and the John Abraham's of the NFL...

Here.....Let's ask Clump what his biggest fear is next year with that young offensive line...Could it be they proved themselves to be good "road graders" but failed to demonstrate the ability to keep Bledsoe off his back ?

With the exception of Ruben Brown none of Buffalo's starting offensive line had more than 5 years of experience...

Pass protection is the defining contribution of an NFL lineman...It's the reason that even our best veteran lineman (Mark Dixon) struggled last year to be an average LT....

If we want to be consistant in 2004, we need two new tackles....

 

[Danny]

Well, I think Smith will see some playing time this coming year and I also think that Wade will be back in 2004. I see Seth as an average guard at best, but I think he'll be a fine center. I know is better to have veterans in that o-line but we'll have to do with what we have and that means some young players.I'll look at the positives. They probably won't be getting hurt as much as Dixon and Nails.

Ozzy rules!!