The Dolphins should entertain trading Matt Moore

In case you missed it there has been talk that the Dolphins should trade Matt Moore. This after Moore closed out the 2016 season getting the Dolphins to their first post-season appearance since 2008.

That season ending job by Moore has now got some fans talking about trading Moore to a quarterback needy team. Some have even suggest Moore could fetch a 3rd round draft pick as compensation.

Neal is pretty spot on with his assertions and inside knowledge of players values. While I think a 3rd might be a little generous it’s not out of the question given the NFL’s new rules allowing teams to trade compensatory picks. And yes Matt Moore has value.

But starting quarterback value for a QB needy team?

In previous years that might have been easy to answer but this years crop of free agent quarterbacks and more importantly the lack of top quarterback prospects in this years draft class elevates the value of the position. Teams are chasing Chase Daniels and avoiding free agent Colin Kaepernick. Teams are looking in the directions of Josh McCown, Geno Smith, and a few others will starting experience but all of whom are stop-gap quarterbacks.

The Cleveland Browns are QB needy team as is the Houston Texans and both have been linked to trying to trade for New England’s Jimmy Garropolo. That price tag is said to start with a first round pick.

The Dolphins have Moore on a cheap team deal that has one year remaining on his contract. Trading him would not be an easy decision. Since arriving in Miami from Carolina, Moore has established himself as a bona-fide leader in the locker room and on the field and one of Ryan Tannehill’s most trusted friends. In addition, Moore has turned down opportunities to compete elsewhere to stay with the Dolphins. This year he may not have to compete at all.

There is little doubt that Moore’s next stop if he does leave Miami would be a quick two-year trip as he would likely start in 2017 but then be relegated to a back-up role following the season if not lose it towards the end of the season if the team struggles.

Obviously if Moore left the Dolphins would have to replace him and the first name that will pop up is former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler who excelled two seasons ago under Gase. Fans are not particularly fond of the prospect. Miami however would need a veteran back-up familiar with Gase’s offense. Ryan Tannehill’s knee is said to be fine but things can change once he starts running and cutting.

More from Dolphins News

• 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
• Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
• 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
• Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
• The Miami Dolphins should not take a running back in the draft

So should the Dolphins entertain the idea of trading Moore? Absolutely. A back-up quarterback with one year left on his deal is a smart trade to make. There are downsides to the deal and losing that kind of leadership is almost impossible to replace. Moore is reliable as well and that too is hard to find. But if a team is willing to give up a 3rd round draft pick in a deep defensive class where the Dolphins just happen to have major needs. Miami should consider moving him.

Now the reality of all this is that Moore likely won’t go anywhere because there isn’t likely enough teams willing to part with a 3rd round pick. If any. The value may be there but teams don’t seem to be overspending with their draft picks. What would more likely occur is a team would offer to swap picks in a given round or swap day two selections while adding a mid to late round pick. At that point the value declines.

Why are fans talking about moving Moore? Simply put they Dolphins could use more draft picks. Especially after giving up a third and fourth this year for Leonte Carroo last year. It was a bad trade that did not benefit the Dolphins at all. When you start looking at recouping draft picks you start looking at the players on a roster who have value to other teams. For the Dolphins, that’s Matt Moore.

For now all of this is simple social media talk and conversation. It’s a long shot that he goes anywhere. Still, if I am calling the shots in Miami, I am at least answering my phone.