Like most every decision it makes, the NFL’s installation of a 3-day negotiating/non-agreement period prior to free agency created the desired amount of anticipation and excitement from football fans around the world.
4:00 PM Tuesday felt like midnight on Black Friday at every Wal-Mart in America, with a tidal wave of activity and signings around the league. And no team made a bigger splash than the Miami Dolphins.
Within minutes, the team had agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh wide receiver Mike Wallace on a 5-year, $60 million contract that includes $30 million in guaranteed money.
General manager Jeff Ireland made no secret of the need for improved team speed and explosion this offseason. He admitted that he’d screwed the pooch at wide receiver last spring. The Dolphins let it be known that Wallace, arguably the league’s fastest receiver and top deep threat, was their No. 1 target and they intended to break the bank for him.
The tactic seemed to work as Miami encountered little competition and got a deal done in short order, which allowed Ireland to move quickly and aggressively onto other areas of the roster.
About 90 minutes later, the team made a relatively small but important transaction, bringing back incumbent free safety Chris Clemons on a 1-year deal. This ensures that the Dolphins will do no worse at the position in 2013, but in no way prohibits them from their intent to upgrade it. Ideally, Clemons becomes improved depth this season.
Minutes later, Ireland made the first surprise move of free agency, shocking the media and fans alike by securing the services of Baltimore middle linebacker Dannell Ellerbe.
The Ravens had made re-signing Ellerbe, 27, their top priority after locking down quarterback Joe Flacco. But it was Miami who ultimately got a deal done with the Baltimore’s best defensive player, as the sides shook hands on a 5-year, $34.75 million deal, $13 million of which is guaranteed.
The acquisition of Ellerbe was unexpected and completely unforeseen. But Ireland wasn’t done yet.
Just as news of interest in Oakland linebacker Philip Wheeler broke Tuesday night, the Dolphins agreed to terms on 5-year, $26 million deal with the 5-year veteran. Wheeler, 28, will also get $13 million guaranteed money.
As you might imagine, two big contracts for linebackers means changes are a coming.
And that’s exactly what happened, as incumbent middle linebacker Karlos Dansby and weakside linebacker Kevin Burnett were released.
The intent here is to get younger and more game-changing plays out of the position. As Pro Football Focus puts it; “Dolphins defense getting more aggressive. Picked up two of the better blitzing linebackers in the league. Really attack QB with intent.”
Both Ellerbe and Wheeler are entering their prime and coming off the best season of their respective careers. In fact, Dansby and Burnett are each also coming off solid campaigns. But they’re also older (31 and 30 respectively) and more expensive with their best days possibly behind them. The Dolphins saved just over $7 million against the salary cap after shedding their contracts, making the additions of Ellerbe and Wheeler relatively equal on the books this season.
In short, Jeff Ireland saw the opportunity to overhaul the position and took advantage of it.
And while Miami seemed to acquire half the league on Tuesday, they didn’t get everyone they wanted.
The Dolphins were in hot pursuit of speedy Tennessee tight end Jared Cook, who visited team headquarters on Tuesday afternoon. But the four-year vet ultimately rejoined former coach Jeff Fisher in St. Louis, courtesy of a 5-year deal rumored to be in the $7 million per range.
All in all, it was a highly eventful and exciting day in Davie, Fla. Wednesday could be as well, as Miami is believed to have another $20 million remaining in cap space. Realistically, it’s probably closer to $10 million after the incoming draft class and other in-season needs are taken into account. But still enough to add a starter or two to the roster.
Remaining needs include tight end, offensive tackle, defensive end, cornerback and safety.
