2 Trades and a Free Agent: Part Two
By Alex Cuffe
Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) takes the field prior to the start against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Yo guys, the trade for Bryant McKinnie was a solid one for the Phins, but it’s still very possible that Jeff and Joe are in talks to make another move before the deadline. Here’s another 3 moves I would be thinking about in this weeks edition of 2 trades and a free agent. Hope you enjoy and as always feel free to contact me on twitter @thecuffester
1. Trade for Asante Samuel, CB Falcons
Dec 30, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) makes an interception during second half of the game at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports
Why it should happen?
The situation was the same over and over. The Dolphins defense would make two solid stands of 1st and 2nd down, leaving the Bills facing 3rd and long, only to give up a 10-12 yard pass for the 1st down on the next play. This happened far too much on Sunday and while some of the blame should lie with Kevin Coyle for playing excessive amounts of zone, the secondary is still an area of weakness for the Phins. Adding Asante Samuel who has been one of the best zone cover corners in the NFL throughout his career would be a huge boost for Miami. Samuel has been very effective during his time in Atlanta and has one year left on his team-friendly contract after this season.
Why it won’t?
Despite their disastrous start, the Falcons are still in the playoff hunt and may not be willing to give up on one of their greatest defensive assets. Additionally the price they might demand could be too great for Ireland to justify pulling the trigger
What would I give?
A 4th round pick
Jeff Ireland Probability Meter:
2/10
2. Trade for Brent Celek, TE Philadelphia Eagles
Sep 9, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek (87) makes a catch and runs for a touchdown over Washington Redskins safety Bacarri Rambo (24) during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Why it should happen?
Charles Clay has been one of this season’s best stories, but the Dolphins could still sorely use a true Tight End to open up the passing game and provide more options for Mike Sherman. Brent Celek is a great route runner with excellent hands who, in my humble opinion, has been greatly underutilized in the Eagles offense. He is particularly effective down the seam, and on third downs has often served as Mike Vick’s safety valve. There is no question Celek would be a sizeable upgrade over Dion Sims and at 28 years old he has several good years left in him. Philadelphia recently drafted Stanford TE Zach Ertz and have been vocal about expanding his role in Chip Kelly’s offense. The Dolphins might have an opportunity to snap up Celek on the cheap
Why it wont?
Philbin and Ireland are notoriously stingy with draft picks and having given up a late round pick for Bryant Mckinnie, would they be willing to do so again?
What I would give?
A conditional 6th round pick
Jeff Ireland Probability Meter:
5/10
3. Sign Max Starks, OT UFA
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Max Starks (78) in action against Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Why it should happen?
Look, we need to try something different on the Offensive line and with Tyson Clabo presumably being shown the door, adding Starks would be an interesting move. The 6’ 8” 345 lbs. Offensive Tackle was released by the Rams on October 1st to make room for starting linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar but last year played in all 16 games for the Steelers. Starks would bring 10 years of NFL experience and acumen to a line that sorely needs depth and at 31; he’s not among the NFL’s senior citizens. I’d take a shot if I were Jeff Ireland.
Why it won’t?
We already took a chance on one veteran lineman cast off by his former team, who says Starks will be any better than Clabo? Plus, the coaching staff will want to see how the line looks with the addition of Bryant Mckinnie (another veteran lineman, over the age of 30)
What would I give?
A one year contract at veteran’s minimum
Jeff Ireland Probability Meter:
5/10