2 Trades and a Free Agent: 3 Moves the Dolphins Could Make Now
By Alex Cuffe
Oct 13, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne (7) hands off to running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
What up guys, so this is the first edition of a new weekly column I’ll be writing up until the trade deadline in a few weeks regarding a few moves the Dolphins should be thinking about. I’ll name the player, why the move should and shouldn’t happen, what price I would pay and the probability of the move or a similar move being made. Hope you enjoy and as always feel free to contact me on twitter @thecuffester
1. Trade for Joe Thomas, LT Cleveland Browns
Jul 25, 2013; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive linesman Joe Thomas (73) during training camp at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Why it should happen?
Do I really need to answer this question? Really? Well, suffice to say the Dolphin’s line has been awful. That’s about as positive an assessment as you’re gonna find.
The Browns have made it pretty clear that they’re willing to trade anyone and you can bet they’re fielding offers for Thomas. The veteran All-Pro Left Tackle is without a doubt one of the best in the league and has played all 16 games in each of his 6 NFL seasons. Furthermore, at 28 Thomas still has plenty of good years ahead of him. The Offensive Line has been a major weakness for the Dolphins and adding Thomas would be a major boost to the entire unit.
Why it won’t?
After Quarterbacks, Left-Tackles are the most valuable positional players in the NFL. Cleveland just received a 1st round pick for Trent Richardson in a market that places far less value on Running Backs. You can bet their asking price for one of the best tackles in the game is going to be far north of what they got for Richardson, a back who they apparently didn’t like all that much.
What would I give?
2014 1st Round Pick
2015 3rd Round Pick
It’s not easy to give up a first rounder ever, let alone in combination with a third round pick, but in this case you’re getting a proven All-Pro Left Tackle, without an injury history. The chances of drafting a guy like that are slim, as Dolphins fans should know well.
Jeff Ireland Probability Meter:
2/10
The Brown’s asking price will be too great for Jeff and Joe to pull the trigger on this one.
2. Trade for Maurice Jones-Drew, RB Jacksonville Jaguars
Aug 17, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) runs the ball against the New York Jets during the first quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Why it should happen?
The Dolphins Running game has been absolutely horrific. Don’t believe me? Take a look at where they stand in the NFL Ranks:
348 Yards 31st
69.6 Yds/game 29th
3.7 Yds/carry 22nd (tied)
Not that great. Granted a lot of blame lies with the offensive line but not all of it. Lamar Miller has shown flashes of brilliance but has had trouble running up the middle and Daniel Thomas has been nothing short of horrific. Rumor has it that the Jags are willing to part with MJD, an impending 2014 Free Agent, at a reasonable price. The three-time all-pro running back has looked rough this year behind a Jags Offensive Line ravaged by injury but he can still make tough runs up the middle. Replacing Daniel Thomas with MJD would make the inside running game much more of a factor and would also allow Lamar Miller some more space to break runs on the outside. The ‘Phins desperately need to establish some semblance of a running game so Tannehill isn’t constantly crushed in the pocket. This move could make a big difference at a low cost.
Why it wont?
He’s 28, 5’ 7”, hasn’t played a full season since 2011 and so far this year he’s averaged only 2.9 yards per carry. Is it the line in Jacksonville? Being behind by 20 points in every game? Or is MJD just wearing down?
What I would give?
A conditional 2014 5th Round Pick
Jeff Ireland Probability Meter:
4/10
A better move than people think, but it won’t happen. Joe and Jeff will hand the full-load to Lamar Miller and see what happens.
3. Sign Antoine Winfield, CB UFA
Dec 16, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield (26) tackles St. Louis Rams wide receiver Austin Pettis (18) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Vikings defeated the Rams 36-22. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Why it should happen?
The Dolphin’s lack of depth in the secondary has been one notable defensive failing so far this season. With injuries to Dmitri Patterson, Jamar Taylor and now Nolan Carroll, the likes of Drew Brees and Joe Flacco have picked apart what’s left of a banged up secondary. In 2012, Antoine Winfield played all 16 games for the Vikings registering 101 combined tackles and 3 interceptions. The former pro-bowl corner was cut by the Seahawks this spring and while he may not be everything he used to, Antoine still has plenty left to contribute, especially in a limited role. The 36 year-old has expressed a desire to return to the NFL as long as he has the opportunity to sign with a contender.
Why it won’t?
Taylor is now back and Patterson should be ready soon, but isn’t the extra depth still worth it?
What would I give?
A one year contract at the veteran’s minimum
Jeff Ireland Probability Meter:
6/10
I don’t see why this would be a bad move. Adding a veteran with a desire to win right away rarely hurts a team’s chances and could do wonders for the Dolphin’s younger defensive players.