Morning Free Agency Update: Starks To Return?
By Brian Miller
Dec 22, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Thad Lewis (9) runs around Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Randy Starks (94) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Today will be day two of the NFL’s New Year and unlike the calendar new year you’re not working off a hangover. Late night sleep depravation maybe. Well while you were snug in your bed, the Dolphins continued working the market. Nothing has been done yet but it’s getting there.
According to Jason LaCanfora who has been wrong about 98% of the time, Randy Starks is getting closer to re-signing with the Dolphins on a deal worth around six million per season. I take that with a small granule of salt. Not because I don’t believe it, well, I don’t 100% believe it, because it again comes from LaCanfora. Still, the Dolphins would be smart to bring back the DT who has been to two Pro-Bowls in six seasons with the team. Balance is important and the Dolphins could use some stability on the line where it lost Paul Soliai to a 10 million dollar deal yesterday.
The biggest watch today will be that of Darrelle Revis. He may not sign today although it’s likely that he will make a decision. The New York Jets and New England Patriots are both rumored to have a lot of interest in the shutdown corner and the Cleveland Browns were close to trading for him. The market will be thick for his services and the contract will be the highest ever paid to a CB. Guaranteed.
Revis’ ego is probably the biggest in the NFL and has been for a few years. Last night the Denver Broncos signed Aqib Talib to a mind numbing contract that will pay him 57 million over 6 years with 28 million guaranteed. You can start the Revis contract talk their and move up significantly. Ironically Talib lands in Denver where smoking pot is now legal. He was the one who said that players would smoke it no matter what the NFL said.
While the Revis circus will be the big headline of the day, the Dolphins may want to move quick along a depleting tackle position. The team had interest in NY Jets right tackle Austin Howard but last night Howard signed with the Oakland Raiders. The teams focus reportedly was shifting to Seattle RT Breno Giacomini but now it appears that he will sign with the NY Jets. The Dolphins would be smart to lock down their second tackle position allowing them to focus on the interior of the line come May with the draft.
It’s going to be a long day today.