Miami Dolphins Dump Naane Sign Gaffney

Aug 7, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jabar Gaffney walks onto the practice field during training camp at the teams practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-US PRESSWIRE

Legedu Naane is gone from the Miami Dolphins locker room.  Insert Jabar Gaffney the former New England Patriot in his place.  That loud noise you heard a moment again was thousands of Dolphins fans cheering the best move Jeff Ireland has made since the start of the season.

Naane was the impressive upstart reject from the San Diego Chargers that was brought in as a camp body during the training period, he quickly impressed the coaches with his sure hands and veteran knowledge.  Somewhere though, all of that knowledge became a liability.  In four games thus far in the 2012 season, Naane was targeted five times and caught one ball.  A ball that he immediately turned over to the Cardinals untouched.  Fans immediately began crying for Naane to be released.  It happened today.

No one was sure why Jabar Gaffney, another sure handed WR was still available on the free agent market.  Last season, Gaffney recorded career best numbers in receptions, over 60 and yards, over 900 for the Washington Redskins.  The former Patriot was in camp with the Patriots this off-season but was released during the teams cut to 53.  Many figured he would be brought back.  Dolphins fans however won’t care at this point.  Gaffney is a reliable route runner that will provide rookie Ryan Tannehill with a legit option on the outside to go with Brian Hartline.

Suddenly, after months of ridicule, the Dolphins much maligned WR corp is being noticed.  On Monday, Brian Hartline was claimed off waivers in over 33,000 fantasy leagues according to Yahoo fantasy sports.  He was by far the most claimed player.  Today alone he has been added by another 20,000 teams and in all likelihood that number will increase when normal league waiver claims are processed.  Davone Bess has also seen his name claimed off the waiver wire in leagues that are standard as well.

The move to add Gaffney comes at a time when the Dolphins are becoming more and more confident in their ability to compete.  While the team sits at 1-3 they are two field goals and two late TD surrenders from being the best team in the AFC East at 3-1.  With the Bengals on deck, the Dolphins could emerge as a legit contender if they can find a way to win.  Jabar Gaffney may be one player that can help them get there.