Friday Updates

This will be the Friday update page.  Patrik Nohe, AJ, Shane, and myself will keep you updated all day long.  Simply look at the top UPDATE to keep on top of things.

Update 18: It’s official, Chad Pennington returns to the Miami Dolphins with a one year deal worth 2.5 million. Originally the parties had hit a snag on the no-trade clause, but after AJ Feeley signed with the Rams it seems as though Pennington lost leverage and had no choice but to agree to the contract. Miami’s QB situation looks good for the first time in years…

Update 17: The Broncos, in continuing a tradition started last season, have signed (now-former) Dolphins cornerback Nate Jones. Jones was solid as the nickel-back for Miami the past two seasons but was going to run into issues on the depth chart with the return of Will Allen. If last year was any indication expect Gibril Wilson to sign with Denver shortly…

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE (Update 16):  DOLPHINS SIGN DANSBY! The Miami Dolphins have signed Karlos Dansby to a 43 million dollar deal that will span 5 years with a 22 million dollar guarantee.

UPDATE 15:  Anquan Boldin has been traded to the Ravens.  Boldin and a 5th round pick this year goes to Baltimore and the Ravens send AZ a 3rd and 4th this year.

Update 14: According to Armando Salguero, Karlos Dansby has finally arrived in Miami.  If true, then a deal will be very close because the two sides have negotiated all day and this will be the meet and greet and sign.  Had the two sides not been close Dansby would have headed to Washington instead.  The Dolphins also entertained no other FA’s today.

HOT UPDATE 13: The Phins have officially cut Joey Porter and LB Akin Ayodele.  The Ayodele release offers a glimpse that the Phins have a deal with Karlos Dansby.  Dansby will likely play inside for now and Crowder will move into Ayodele’s position.  The Phins could still draft an ILB and move Dansby to the outside but the cut seems to indicate a Dansby deal is imminent.

UPDATE 12: (Brian)  The Patriots reportedly have backed out of the Boldin race.  While some believe that it was simple posturing, I believe that with 3 teams vying for his services, the cost went up into the 2nd round where the Pats have 3 and they said no.  Let’s hope it stays that way.

UPDATE 11: (Brian) According to Omar Kelly the Dolphins may show interest in FS Darren Sharper.  The Phins are almost completely out of the Antrelle Rolle scene and the Ryan Clark scene isn’t looking much better.

UPDATE 10: (Brian) Adam Schefter is reporting that the New England Patriots are entering the Anquan Boldin arena and could be the favorites to land the WR.  With Randy Moss likely gone next year, Boldin would fit in as the teams next number 1.  Baltimore is also said to be in the hunt as well.  The Miami Dolphins are reportedly interested in the WR but it’s more a tepid interest.  The team is expected to speak with former Buc’s WR Antonio Bryant.  A bad move IMO.

UPDATE 9: The Phins have officially released Gibril Wilson.  FA Safety Antrelle Rolle is nearing a contract with the NY Giants.  Julius Peppers contract is for 6 years with the Bears.

Update 8: (Pat) Adam Schefter is reporting that, though an announcement may not be made for a little while, Julius Peppers is now a Chicago Bear. This has implications for Miami as other teams willing to spend big money, namely the Washington Redskins, will now turn their attention to the next most attractive free agent option, Karlos Dansby. Let’s hope Miami can hammer out a deal before Dansby leaves today or else the odds of him signing with the Fins may have diminish considerably. Dansby’s next trip is reportedly to Washington.

Update 7: (AJ) It seems the Dolphins have some interest in free safety Ryan Clark. If  the team is unable to sign Antrel Rolle we would need to sign a free safety with the current release of Gibril Wilson, unless of course the team believes Chris Clemons is the answer or they believe they can draft a starter.

Update 6: (Patrik) The Dolphins have reversed course and released Gibril Wilson. Wilson was signed last year to a 5-year 27.5 million dollar contract after being released by Oakland. This opens the door for Miami’s pursuit of Antrel Rolle as it frees up money and signifies Miami’s intention to let Rolle start. As of now this is unconfirmed but an increasing number of media are reporting it and the information initially came from Alvin Keels, Wilson’s agent. It is however strange considering the comments made by Jeff Ireland about the team’s confidence in Wilson.

UPDATE 5: (Shane) PFT is reporting that Kyle Vanden Bosh has signed a four year $26m deal with the Detroit Lions. IMO this could help fuel the rumored trade with Miami and Detroit for Cliff Avril.

UPDATE 4: (Patrik) While the Dolphins wait on Dansby, the New England Patriots are starting to make some noise.  It’s being reported that they have reached out to the agent for Julius Peppers and have made him an initial offer.  While many teams are still in the hunt for his services, the addition of the Patriots is somewhat surprising.  If Peppers is signed before Dansby, you can rule out Miami landing the LB as his price and the interest in him will escalate.

Update 3: (Pat) Still awaiting news on Karlos Dansby, though at just 11 AM it’s unlikely any news will come for several hours. One development we haven’t updated you on is the possible resigning of Chad Pennington. Last night Edgar Thompson reported this was basically a done deal, then Peter King backed up the report before later backtracking on the point and finally Armando Salguero reported the rumors premature (and in such a condescending ‘Mando-knows-best’ tone). As of right now Miami has the groundwork laid for a one-year, 2.5 million dollar contract, however the two parties have reached a sticking point on a no-trade clause that Pennington would like as insurance for being the odd-man out in Miami’s four-man QB race. So right now there really is no update, but there may be an official one soon so we’ll keep you posted.

UPDATE 2: (Brian) Free agent CB Nate Jones is scheduled to visit the Denver Broncos.  Last year, the Broncos signed 3 of Miami’s free agents.  Jones was a standout on special teams for the Phins but was allowed to leave for FA.

UPDATE 1: (Brian) The Dolphins are apparently finalizing their first offer to LB Karlos Dansby.  According to a report by his agent, Dansby has put all visits on hold so that he can work with the Dolphins.  He is visiting today and is expected to negotiate a deal.  IF the two sides can not come to an agreement, then Dansby will move on but there will NOT be bidding war as they are dealing specifically with the Dolphins.  Of course that can change at any time.