INDIANAPOLIS — A slew of Dolphins news and notes after listening to
Jeff Ireland and
Joe Philbin speak at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday morning, starting with some QB items:
1) Ireland said he and his staffers talk about the Dolphins’ plans at quarterback for next year “almost on a daily basis, especially the last couple of days.” Team sources have made it clear over the past two months that
Peyton Manning is
Stephen Ross’ top target, and Ireland said of his quarterback, “I don’t think it has to be a long-term solution.” But Ireland added that the Dolphins could get “both” – a short-term answer (Manning) and a long-term answer (a rookie such as
Ryan Tannehill). “That’s my job, to build the team for today and the future, and Joe’s responsibility is to try to win right now.”
2) Ireland said he would consider trading for a quarterback, if that’s what it takes. We
wrote last night that
Matt Flynn may only be available via trade if the Packers give him the franchise tag. “Hey, we’ll use every avenue available to try to get the best player for every position,” Ireland said.
3) Ireland was asked how he evaluates a quarterback who hasn’t played much (i.e. Flynn), and joked, “Watch the tape over and over again. … But there’s not much you can do. If you like him you go get him and if you don’t, you don’t.”
Jeff Ireland says the Dolphins will use "every avenue available" to find a QB this offseason / Ben Volin, Post staff
4) Philbin said that finding a quarterback will be a collaborative effort. “I think it’s important that we all share a vision of how that player is going to function within the organization,” he said. “It’s important I have a voice in that, it’s important our offensive coordinator
Mike Sherman has a voice in that, important that our general manager has a voice in that, and our personnel staff. Let’s face it, they spend more time learning about prospects that we do, so I think it’s important everyone has a voice in the direction we’re going to head there.”
5) But Ireland was also very complimentary of Matt Moore, who is under contract for one more year. Ireland reached out to Moore last week, and said “he’s going to be a big part of our team. … Last nine games of the season he went 6-3, and shoot, that’s pretty good.” Ireland said the Dolphins will “try to continue to help him as a player,” which includes helping him improve his footwork and his reads as a passer. Ireland didn’t say it, but it goes without saying that the Dolphins will still try to strike it big with Manning or Flynn this offseason and go with Moore only as a backup plan.
