Dolphins players try to recruit Joe Haden

The Cleveland Browns cut former Pro Bowler Joe Haden Wednesday morning after failing to find a trade partner. At least a couple of Dolphins players would like to see Haden wind up in Miami.

A trade for Pro Bowl CB Joe Haden is no longer necessary for the Miami Dolphins or any other team now that the Cleveland Browns have decided to cut the longtime veteran. The Browns had put Haden on the trading block prior to cutting him. While Haden is one of the more coveted corners in the league, a trade for him would have come at a steep price. Not only would the Dolphins have had to fork over assets to the Browns, Miami would have put themselves on the hook to pay Haden at least the $11.2 million he was owed this year.

That’s a strong price to pay for a player whose played in just 18 games over the last two seasons. He also plays at a position that the Dolphins are relatively good at it, even with the loss of Tony Lippett for the season. The Dolphins may not have an elite player at corner, but it’s still a strong group between Byron Maxwell, Xavien Howard, and Alterraun Verner. Maxwell has struggled some this preseason, but not enough to warrant any major concern at the moment. Both Howard and Verner have been exceptional thus far. Rookie Cordrea Tankersley has also continued to progress, and could fight for a starting position at some point during the season.

Haden is an exceptional player, however, despite some believing that he is starting to regress. It is puzzling as to why the Browns would part with Haden without compensation when they still have a huge payroll. Then again, it’s not the first time we’ve questioned a move made by the Browns, and it likely won’t be the last.

How much interest the Dolphins management has in acquiring Haden remains to be seen, but there are at least a couple of players who would like to see Haden in a Dolphins uniform. On his Instagram account this morning, Mike Pouncey posted a picture of Haden with a simple caption asking, “South Beach?”

Pouncey properly tagged Haden following his question, clearing indicating that he wants the former Florida standout to consider coming to Miami. The two played together in college, and Pouncey would love for the opportunity to reunite. Ndamukong Suh is apparently on board with the idea as well as he reposted Pouncey’s initial post.

The post by both players got immediate positive reaction from Dolphins fans. How management thinks Haden fits in the organization is a different story, however, that remains uncertain. The Dolphins may not necessarily need Haden’s skill set, but they could definitely use it at the same time. Signing a player of Haden’s caliber could give Miami one of the stronger secondary groups in the NFL.

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The Dolphins should definitely be on the phone with Haden to discuss the possibility, but only at the right price. Miami has roughly $8 million to spend, but Miami should not even come near that amount in an offer to Haden. Haden is still guaranteed $4 million from his contract with the Browns, and it’s likely he’ll want to play for a contender at this point of his career. The Dolphins fit the bill, and could offer him a respectable contract for around the same price, but there are many other suitors that will be interested as well.

Haden would be a great addition for Miami, but it’s important that management doesn’t get into a bidding war for him. No matter how tempting it may be, the Dolphins still have to consider the long-term effect. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t show any interest though. A trade for Haden was not ideal nor necessary, but now that’s he been cut, things just got more interesting.