Navigating Free Agency

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Hearing that Kenny Stills contract could be close to $12 million per year makes me wonder how Miami will navigate free agency. I like Stills, but figured he'd end up in the $7 million per year range. That's almost twice what I think his value is.

How much does that mean Jarvis Landry will get on a long-term deal if the team decides to lock him up? I would think the starting point there would be $15 million per year. How much will someone like Melvin Ingram get? I was thinking $15 per year for him, but now are we talking $25?

I know there are a few teams with a lot of money to spend. San Francisco and Cleveland come to mind. I think the Dolphins are in a position where they have to look for the bargains and really be successful in the draft. A splash type move just doesn't seem like it would be in the cards if the top players are going to be in the $20 million range.

So if the word on Stills contract is accurate, how do you think the team will approach free agency?

 

[Michael Scott]

If Stills gets 12/year then Landry is going to guarantee 15/year. And Landry is an absolute keeper at any cost, IMO. Bad situation looming, because people really underestimate the value of Kenny Stills in this offense. He's not just a deep threat; he has developed big time chemistry with Tanny. We have the perfect trio at WR for the first time since the early 90s. Shame we're gonna lose Stills and likely won't be able to replace him this year.

 

[DuderinoN703]

If Stills is gone in FA then Miami will need to sign/draft a WR. Parker hasn't proven that he can remain healthy so you have to make sure a backup option is selected.

 

[artdnj]

it's the nature of the current game. These salaries are so fat you have to win with what you have or deal with losing players. It shows to importance of drafting well and signing guys who are valuable to long term deals when you can. Easier said than done though.

 

[oasis]

it's the nature of the current game. These salaries are so fat you have to win with what you have or deal with losing players. It shows to importance of drafting well and signing guys who are valuable to long term deals when you can. Easier said than done though.

Exactly. Drafting well doesn't just mean drafting guys who will eventually be successful in the NFL. Now it means drafting guys who will contribute early and while they are cheap.

 

[mithga13]

On the flipside. If Stills gets 12 mil, keep Landry on his rookie contract and then just tag him next year if he doesn't sign a long-term deal. Therefore you still get great cap savings for one more year.

Teams are going to be tagging a lot this year to keep those high end players from getting big bank on the free market during the year they are free. Short term for the next 2-3 years, it'll work, if the cap # stagnates it will cost the teams that paid 8-10th best guys as first or second best at their position.

Another way of looking at it....Tannehill in 2 years could be a legit top 7 or 8 QB and be getting paid in the bottom 7 or 8 salaries as a QB.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

If Stills gets 12/year then Landry is going to guarantee 15/year. And Landry is an absolute keeper at any cost, IMO. Bad situation looming, because people really underestimate the value of Kenny Stills in this offense. He's not just a deep threat; he has developed big time chemistry with Tanny. We have the perfect trio at WR for the first time since the early 90s. Shame we're gonna lose Stills and likely won't be able to replace him this year.

Agree with you on Stills value and the chemistry he developed with Tannehill, but I don't see how Miami can keep him. I just don't see it as a good move if the money is that high. Hopefully with the addition of Thomas that will help the offense a bit and the team will need Carroo or Grant or both to step up.

It's possible the team looks to draft a wide receiver, but with all the needs on defense I think that will have to be middle rounds.

 

[Etuoo33]

Armando sez 12 mil, and so how often ids he right? How often is he even close? How does he even have a job? But I digress, Stills is more like 6-7, but even if he gets a BIG contract,(remember those dropped TD's early in the year, most teams won't forget them) we may already have our replacement. Jakeem Grant..

 

[Eesti]

Los Angeles Chargers - Melvin Ingram, LB (Non-Exclusive) [citation needed]
Arizona Cardinals - Chandler Jones, LB (Non-Exclusive)
Carolina Panthers - Kawann Short, DT (Non-Exclusive)
New York Giants - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE (Non-Exclusive)
Pittsburgh Steelers - Le'Veon Bell, RB (Exclusive)

Could have used 4 of the 5 but cross these guys off your list. 4 of the best DL off the market means this years draft will be pretty well picked over for DL by the time we get to 22.

and it probably drives the demand up for the remaining DL'men. (Nick Perry)

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Los Angeles Chargers - Melvin Ingram, LB (Non-Exclusive) [citation needed]
Arizona Cardinals - Chandler Jones, LB (Non-Exclusive)
Carolina Panthers - Kawann Short, DT (Non-Exclusive)
New York Giants - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE (Non-Exclusive)
Pittsburgh Steelers - Le'Veon Bell, RB (Exclusive)

Could have used 4 of the 5 but cross these guys off your list. 4 of the best DL off the market means this years draft will be pretty well picked over for DL by the time we get to 22.

and it probably drives the demand up for the remaining DL'men. (Nick Perry)

Good point. That plus how much DE's get on the open market makes that an even higher priority for teams.

I keep hoping that Barnett will get to Miami, but I don't think that's realistic. Maybe Harris, who is probably initially a pass rush specialist.

 

[Mr. Day]

Armando sez 12 mil, and so how often ids he right? How often is he even close? How does he even have a job? But I digress, Stills is more like 6-7, but even if he gets a BIG contract,(remember those dropped TD's early in the year, most teams won't forget them) we may already have our replacement. Jakeem Grant..

If you think Stills dropped balls, wait until you see how many Grant will drop. Grant will not even get off of the line of scrimmage against physical corners.

 

[SF Dolphin Fan]

Armando sez 12 mil, and so how often ids he right? How often is he even close? How does he even have a job? But I digress, Stills is more like 6-7, but even if he gets a BIG contract,(remember those dropped TD's early in the year, most teams won't forget them) we may already have our replacement. Jakeem Grant..

I didn't realize that came from Armando. Not sure where he's getting the information, but have to believe he's more on top of it than fans. That number seems extremely high to me, though.