Whats The Bess Move For The Dolphins?

Nov. 15, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive back Justin Rogers (26) watches as Miami Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess (15) makes a catch during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo defeats Miami 19 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

When Davone Bess finished up his junior season as a wide receiver at the University of Hawaii, he had the expectation that he would be drafted by a team that could use his speed and quickness to their advantage. Unfortunately for Davone, he was overlooked heading into the draft. In fact, Davone was overlooked by all 32 National Football League teams, including the Miami Dolphins. His dream of being drafted was quickly shattered as he turned into an undrafted free agent. When you’re an undrafted free agent, you have to work your tail off in order to make a NFL roster. Fortunately for Bess, the Miami Dolphins decided to take a chance after they signed him to a contract. For Bess, he got his opportunity and for the Dolphins, they got a tremendous football player.

Over the past five seasons, the Miami Dolphins and their fans have been blessed with the opportunity of watching Davone Bess grow into a fantastic wide receiver. Although he isn’t the biggest and he certainly isn’t the best, Davone has turned into arguably one of the most reliable slot wide receivers in the entire NFL.

Bess quickly showed us what he could do if given the chance. In his rookie season, Bess was targeted 75 times, while catching 54. His 54 receptions put him in third place among rookie regular season receptions that season, behind Eddie Royal and DeSean Jackson. After his rookie season, Bess continued to develop into one of, if not the best, receivers on the team. Over the next two seasons, Bess was targeted 238 times, while reeling in 155 of those. Not only was he targeted on a regular basis, he was the go to guy on third down. In his first three seasons, Bess caught 120 first downs.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-sound-efx/0ap1000000066714/Sound-FX-Simply-the-Bess

Unfortunately, this great story might come to a close, sooner rather than later. Now, I am not reporting any news, I am just simply putting my thoughts. Personally, I don’t think Davone Bess will be back with the Miami Dolphins next season. Over this past offseason, the Miami Dolphins re-signed Brian Hartline to a good sized contract, they signed Mike Wallace for a humungous deal, and they also signed Brandon Gibson to a multi-year contract. The new overhaul of receivers might not be over yet. With the draft coming up within the next few weeks, you’d have to wonder if the Dolphins will also draft another receiver. Regardless of what they do in the draft, you have to question where Bess will fit in with this receiving group.

As much as I love Davone Bess, I think it is time that he and the Dolphins go their separate ways. If the Dolphins do decide to release Davone, they will save $2.7 million in cap space. If the Dolphins do release Bess, you would have to think a hand-full of teams would show immediate interest, which is why they should trade him. They could easily get a mid-round draft pick or picks for Bess.

Bess, who is only 27 years old, still has a lot more good years ahead of him. As much as I don’t want this to happen, I think it would be in the best interest for the Miami Dolphins to move on from Bess. If the Phins do end up doing something with Bess, I would have to imagine it would be via trade. Bess has clearly proven himself in this league and a majority of people throughout the league know that. It will be interesting to see what happens with Bess within the next couple of months. My guess is he will be in a different jersey to start off his sixth season in the National Football League.

I would love to see your thoughts below on what the Dolphins should do with Davone Bess.

Thanks for Reading!