Now the Dolphins are turning their attention to 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, who visited Sunday, and former Jaguar David Garrard, who will visit Monday. The team reportedly has discussed financial terms with Smith.
But Smith, who grew up in California and has a strong relationship with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, would have strong incentive not to make a decision until Peyton Manning decides whether to play for the 49ers.
The Dolphins were not inclined to pay Flynn nearly $9 million per season, as Seattle did. The Dolphins wanted Flynn but did not believe he was that much better than Matt Moore to justify a contract in Seattle’s range, said one source who spoke to Miami’s front office.
“They had a difference in evaluation as to his value,” Flynn’s father, Alvin, said of the Dolphins and Seahawks. “We have so much respect for [Dolphins coach] Joe Philbin. But it obviously didn’t work out. He’s excited that it’s done.”
If Smith signs with Miami, he would be the front-runner to start ahead of Moore. Otherwise, Moore has a good chance to be the starter, though Tennessee’s Matt Hasselbeck could factor in if the Titans sign Manning.
“Looks like Miami is going with Moore again,” former Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson tweeted.
Though the Dolphins privately consider Moore a decent starter, general manager Jeff Ireland last month stressed the importance of “finding a quarterback that can lead us over the hump” and spoke of doing something “bold.” But Ireland does not like to pay players more than what he believes their value to be.
Hasselbeck or Denver’s Tim Tebow, who are both under contract, will become available if Manning signs with the Titans or Broncos, respectively.
If the Dolphins do not sign Smith, they could draft Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill with the eighth pick. But NBC’s Peter King said there is now “a good chance Tannehill won’t last until 8 in the first round. So imagine paying the eighth pick, plus something significant to get a guy with questions marks of Tannehill.”
The Cleveland Browns reportedly might take Tannehill fourth overall.
The Dolphins likely would be a viable option for Smith if Manning signs with the 49ers. Smith, who spent five hours with Dolphins coaches and front office staff Sunday, is “upset” with the 49ers for their pursuit of Manning, according to the Sacramento Bee.
The 49ers have proposed a three-year, $24 million contract, plus incentives, for Smith, but reportedly have not given him a contract to sign because they are waiting on Manning, who also is considering Denver and Tennessee.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/18/2701038/dolphins-lose-out-again-matt-flynn.html#storylink=cpy
But Smith, who grew up in California and has a strong relationship with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, would have strong incentive not to make a decision until Peyton Manning decides whether to play for the 49ers.
The Dolphins were not inclined to pay Flynn nearly $9 million per season, as Seattle did. The Dolphins wanted Flynn but did not believe he was that much better than Matt Moore to justify a contract in Seattle’s range, said one source who spoke to Miami’s front office.
“They had a difference in evaluation as to his value,” Flynn’s father, Alvin, said of the Dolphins and Seahawks. “We have so much respect for [Dolphins coach] Joe Philbin. But it obviously didn’t work out. He’s excited that it’s done.”
If Smith signs with Miami, he would be the front-runner to start ahead of Moore. Otherwise, Moore has a good chance to be the starter, though Tennessee’s Matt Hasselbeck could factor in if the Titans sign Manning.
“Looks like Miami is going with Moore again,” former Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson tweeted.
Though the Dolphins privately consider Moore a decent starter, general manager Jeff Ireland last month stressed the importance of “finding a quarterback that can lead us over the hump” and spoke of doing something “bold.” But Ireland does not like to pay players more than what he believes their value to be.
Hasselbeck or Denver’s Tim Tebow, who are both under contract, will become available if Manning signs with the Titans or Broncos, respectively.
If the Dolphins do not sign Smith, they could draft Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill with the eighth pick. But NBC’s Peter King said there is now “a good chance Tannehill won’t last until 8 in the first round. So imagine paying the eighth pick, plus something significant to get a guy with questions marks of Tannehill.”
The Cleveland Browns reportedly might take Tannehill fourth overall.
The Dolphins likely would be a viable option for Smith if Manning signs with the 49ers. Smith, who spent five hours with Dolphins coaches and front office staff Sunday, is “upset” with the 49ers for their pursuit of Manning, according to the Sacramento Bee.
The 49ers have proposed a three-year, $24 million contract, plus incentives, for Smith, but reportedly have not given him a contract to sign because they are waiting on Manning, who also is considering Denver and Tennessee.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/18/2701038/dolphins-lose-out-again-matt-flynn.html#storylink=cpy
