Phins Clear House by Releasing Two Safeties
Phins move on from safeties Parker and Colbert
Last year, Miami Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores continually churned the roster throughout the season and that trend has continued into the 2020 Training Camp. This week the Phins released their 2019 starting safeties, Steven Parker and Adrian Colbert. While these moves were expected at some point because the numbers game didn’t favor many veterans, this release was early… very early.
Miami is now very, very raw at safety. But this isn’t the end of the world by any stretch. The Phins proved in 2019 that they can have a stable top of the defense with marginal talent. This also goes to show that this system doesn’t put a high priority on the Free Safety position. The key players in this system are corners and a safety who can play well in the box and roam. In part, this is why Minkah was being trained to play in the box. As a high-priced Free Safety, he didn’t fix the framework of this system.
Despite Colbert’s solid 2019 snap count of 361 defensive plays, I wasn’t shocked at his release. With all those snaps, he only produced marginal results with 20 tackles and 2 passes defended. I expected him to be the first to get his walking papers and Parker to battle for backup… until the end of camp. I was wrong on both accounts.
Oddly, Colbert was guaranteed to be paid 500k this season, so it was a bit of a financial hit to move on from him. This means either Colbert did something wrong or Miami really likes someone else. Something didn’t go to plan or he was extended as an insurance policy. Check the best Sports Betting Software online.
Parker wasn’t going to even make the 4th safety spot
Parker was solid in 2019 and pulled in 2 interceptions along with steadying influence the top of the defense. He played equal to Bobby McCain, who is expected to be the starter this season. In fact, he was a major upgrade to McCain in the run game. But, McCain did injury his shoulder in the 2019 Preseason, so his ability to tackle was compromised.
Parker’s amazing interception against the Colts excited fans, but it wasn’t enough for Brian Flores to make it through camp. So, thanks for the services and good luck, Mr. Parker. I get the feeling coach Flores was doing Parker a favor, so he could catch on early in camp with another team.
The starters at safety appear to be clear
Rookie Brandon Jones, veterans Bobby McCain and Eric Rowe, and Free Agent Clayton Fejedelem appears odds on favorites with the pay per head services to get the 4 safety spots on the 53 man roster. While the Phins still could find a veteran Free Agent along the way, I think barring injuries, they’ll go with this group into Week 1.
Miami also signed just signed Jeremiah Dinson off waivers from the Lions and have veteran Kavon Frazier as well. They are likely long shots to make the team. Although, Frazier at 6’0” 223 lbs is someone to keep your eye on. He has the build to be a true hybrid player and could find a role as a niche player and on special teams.
Brandon Jones has high football intelligence and the Phins love of young players, so he is the key to this group. If Jones can stay healthy, expect him to start sooner rather than later. Go Phins!!! — How to Find the Cheapest Pay Per Head Software.
undefined
