Another Hole To Fill For Miami
By Matt Patrick
As if the Dolphins needed another hole to fill, they just created one more. This one happens to be huge and very difficult to completely fulfill. Miami recently traded WR Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears for two third round picks, one this year and in 2013. Wow, this sounds like the Dolphins were victims of Grand Larceny. Regardless, this move just created the biggest need on this team; WIDE RECEIVER. I’m not trying to take up for Marshall in this article. I just want to point out that now the Dolphins have ANOTHER HUGE need to address this offseason.
Prior to 4:00p.m, the Dolphins had major needs at quarterback, right tackle, defensive line, and safety positions. By now, I was hoping Miami would sign any combination of Matt Flynn, Peyton Manning, Reggie Nelson, Carl Nicks, or Mario Williams. Any one of these players would help solidify the deficiencies the Dolphins currently have at these positions. We could use the draft to fill the remaining holes the Dolphins didn’t address in free agency. But trading away Marshall, arguably the league’s most explosive receiver, just created a new number one priority for Jeff Ireland and the Dolphins, outside of a quarterback.
Right now, every cornerback and safety on the Bills, Jets, and Patriots are screaming for joy and thanking the Dolphins front office for this move. After all, who really wants to cover a 6’4” 230 pound “beast” who can practically out jump any defensive back in the league going up for a pass? Yeah, I realize he led the league in dropped passes this year and I’m aware of his off the field issues that can sometimes be a distraction to the team. But I’m also aware of his ability to make plays and dictate the way teams play defense against the Dolphins.
Free agency just began a few hours ago. Outside of signing our next quarterback, the Dolphins now need to focus on who can catch 81 passes for 1,214 yards next year like Marshall was able to do in 2011. The Dolphins already had issues scoring in the red zone and this move certainly won’t help the team improve. As of right now, when it’s third and goal from the seven yard line, our next quarterback will just have Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, Anthony Fasano, and Clyde Gates to throw to. This is definitely not an intimidating group.
As a diehard fan, I do not want to rely on drafting a receiver and crossing my fingers on a rookie to fill the shoes of Marshall. In my opinion, the Dolphins MUST pick up a receiver in free agency now and soon! Time is running out and the Washington Redskins have already picked up three receivers since the start of free agency; Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, AND Eddie Royal. Stay tuned, Miami could be interested in signing Reggie Wayne to take the place of Marshall. This could lead to potential other signings from former Indianapolis Colts.