Phins Don't Trade But Make A Move & Other Notes
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins have not officially announced it yet, but their trade deadline deal was not a trade at all, in fact it was simply more of the same. Sign a guy off waivers, release a guy you signed off the waivers. Safety Brannon Condren who was released by the St. Louis Rams, has joined the team. At 6’1, the 205 pound safety will be used, for now, exclusively on special teams. Apparently that means all special teams.
To make room for Condren, the Dolphins released Tyrone Culver the CB they picked up off the waiver list from Green Bay. Condren is a Pensacola native and is looking forward to getting back to Florida saying that Miami was one of the teams he had hoped would claim him after his release from the Colts. The Rams picked him up instead.
Channing Crowder had one of his best games as a pro. CC registered 13 tackles. The problem is that like most of CC’s tackles he lacks that game changing play ability. Steady and consistent but rarely seen making that tackle for a big loss. His status and future with the Miami Dolphins is up in the air right now. His contract with the team expires after the season making him a free agent and so far the sides are not talking about a renewal.
Crowder was considered a steal in the 2005 draft being taken in the 3rd round. An injury history in college and off-field problems had dropped him out of first round consideration. While he has been “good” he has not become the player many thought he would be.
This year the new front office team have spent no time discussing contracts with Crowder or Phins right tackle Vernon Carey about extensions while RB Ricky Williams, who scored his first touchdown since 2005 has been extended. For Crowder, it is obviously a wait and see what we are getting type situation and his salary is obviously on his mind.
Following the Houston game, CC made two references to his contract. The first was when asked about TE Owen Daniels and the 2nd about the final play call of Gary Kubiak. In both cases he said they “Probably make more than me”. While likely a tongue in cheek comment, any public conversation or reference to a salary situation, CC will make 1 mill base this year, is not nescessarily the smartest thing to say.
The Dolphins are doing their homework on all of their guys and it is not out of the question to a heavy dose of change coming next off-season as well when the team looks to begin shoring up it’s WR’s and secondary. Channing Crowder’s 13 tackle performance is all well and fine, but where is the impact of those tackles, and how much are they worth?
For those of you who were clammoring for the 27 year old Roy Williams out of Detroit, well are you sure you still want him after the lopsided blockbuster deal Dallas made? A 1st round pick, a 3rd rounder, a 6th rounder, and a report that a 7th rounder was also included as well. Roy Williams is good, but Roy Williams is not that good. Should be interesting to see what happens with the Dallas Cowboys’ new found plethora of WR’s. The signed Patrick Crayton to a contract extension last year and have a young budding star in Miles Austin. There are not likely enough balls for Williams and Owens let alone anyone else.