Didn’t it feel like once again, the Dolphins needed to be the March Off-Season Champions, and show that they can make the biggest splash? Then again, so far at least, maybe it didn’t.
First, they made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles to acquire Cornerback Byron Maxwell and Inside Linebacker Kiko Alonso for what was originally undisclosed late round draft picks, but ended up to be a swap first round draft picks with the Eagles.
Then they signed Mario Williams to a 2yr, prove it, deal worth $17 Mill.
Then they rescinded Vernon’s Transition Tag making him a free agent, all but signaling his departure. considering what Vernon got from the Giants, it was the perfect move.
Then the trade with Eagles goes sideways for an hour, before it was back on.
Then Miller bolts to the Texans for $6.5 mill a year.
Then Miami signs former Lion free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus
I was very up beat about what Tannenbaum was doing till Byron “I can’t do a push up” Maxwell unexpectedly came up limp.
But, now that Maxwell and Alonso are coming for only a five spot downgrade in the first. I can understand it – with two caveats: one they make the right choice at 13 and they don’t miss out on a superstar at #8-12.
I get the trade, a chance to get a player or two who, if they rebound, can be very good players. It’s a chance. It’s a gamble that even the best sportsbooks might balk at, but if even one pans out then Miami has won. If both do, then they will prove to brilliant.
Their is a chance – for you jaded skeptics, I admit it’s slim- they kill it at #13 and have both players return too form and Mario plays with a fever of pride. If that’s the case then Tannenbaum will get kudos and the Dolphins will take a big step forward.
It is a BIG if! And it still leaves Miami without guards, a running back, linebackers and a legit starting corner. Free Agency has just started and the draft is months away. It could end up being the “same old” Dolphins, but then again maybe not!
