Believe it or not, this toasting of Dolphins CB Sean Smith was not one of the ones bad enough to warrant mentioning in today’s article… Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE

The Kansas City Chiefs have landed their second ex-Miami Dolphin signing Sean Smith to a deal this afternoon.  Smith has been rumored to be “visiting” other teams but no one knew exactly with who.  In fact, Smith had no official visits with any team after the free agency period began.

Smith was thought to be a big target for K.C. after former Dolphin Vontae’ Davis tweeted that Smith had already spoken with the Chiefs prior to the 3 day legal tampering period.  The tweet led to obvious speculation of tampering that forced the Smith camp to quickly deny the notion that he had in fact spoken with the team.

Today, after visiting no other teams, the Chiefs got the CB they wanted.  He will join a formidable secondary.

Another Dolphins free agent is still speaking with the St. Louis Rams.  Jake Long spent all day Wednesday…and I do mean “all day”, taking a physical.  Today he is reportedly discussing contract details and is expected to sign.

As for Smith, he made it clear that he wanted to go to the highest bidder and that attitude may have attributed to a lack of interest league wide.  Both Philadelphia and San Francisco were rumored to have interest but both never met with the player.  Perhaps as a result of his contractual demands.  Smith’s contract with Kansas City will guarantee him 11 million on a 3 year 18 million dollar deal.

Jonathan Brownfield-US PRESSWIRE

Last year Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland and his staff made a critical error in judgement when it came to adding a receiver to replace traded Brandon Marshall.  Had the Dolphins had a three day window prior to the start of free agency, it’s likely they would have landed a top WR.  And overpaid.

This year, it looks like the Dolphins will indeed land their top WR they desperately seek.  And will overpay.  According to various rumors, the Miami Dolphins are leading the charge for Mike Wallace‘s services who is reportedly seeking a deal that will pay him 11-12 million per season.  According to other rumors the Dolphins have already laid out an offer that will meet that demand.

The Dolphins still have plenty of cap space and very well could add Mike Wallace and more.  Rumors persist that the Dolphins are also pursuing RT Eric Winston who was recently let go by the Kansas City Chiefs.  The Dolphins passed last season on Winston but according to a report is back on the Phins radar.  Winston is represented by Drew Rosenhaus who was recently in Miami working deals for the Dolphins own free agents.

Another free agent that the Dolphins apparently will let walk, Sean Smith, has received a lot of interest on day one of the tampering season.  From Philadelphia to Washington and Tampa Bay to New England, Smith has had his name mentioned the most today around the web in terms of early interest.  It does not however look as though Smith will choose a winning franchise over money.  He made it clear he expects and wants to get paid.

The Dolphins have also been linked to rumors surrounding WR Brandon Gibson (they declined to tender Marlon Moore today) and NY Giants TE Martellus Bennett.  There has been scant news on the Dolphins making any additions or showing interest on the defensive side of the ball.

December 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) runs after a pass reception as Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Manny Lawson (left) defends during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Cincinnati Bengals won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Word on the street (by street I mean NFL.com)  is the Miami Dolphins will not be coveting their “perfect match” at wide receiver come March 12th. While it would make the most sense for the Dolphins to grab WR Greg Jennings in FA, Jeff Ireland’s favorite is actually Mike Wallace out of Pittsburgh. Whether or not you’re on team Jennings or team Wallace or were on team Bowe (he is a Chief for good now), the fact of the matter is we can expect to see Miami be active in Free Agency this year. However, as we’ve learned from the past (Orton, Manning, Flynn), that doesn’t necessarily mean Miami will do something for sure. Nobody knows exactly what Ireland and the front office plan to do. All we can do is speculate and make hypotheses.

One thing that does seem inevitable is Miami parting ways with CB Sean Smith. Ireland made the right choice in slapping the franchise tag on DT Randy Starks, a proven asset to the Fins D. It seemed as though Miami may use the tag on Smith, which would have given me nightmares for week. I am not saying Smith wouldn’t be nice to have on the roster, but he is demanding much more than he is worth. Miami is in a prime position. They have what other teams want (or think they want): a big, physical corner. The Dolphins themselves are looking for help in the secondary, they are just convinced it won’t come from Smith. I am hoping they can round up a draft pick or two for Smith so they can ultimately find his replacement in a couple months.

The NFL Free Agency is my favorite time of year, second only to the actual NFL season and March Madness. It is exciting to see what teams take a risk and go for that special player. It’s fun to see who shells out the big bucks, and whose investment turns into gold and whose disappears into thin air. I think GM Jeff Ireland has done a good job so far, he has used the franchise tag on a reliable veteran player in Starks. Only time will tell if he has truly succeeded. As fans, we have to hope he strikes gold.