September 23, 200521 yr The dolphins could be big players in the FA market next year. They are projected to be around 25 million under the cap. This doesnt even consider releasing of Howard or David Bowens. I think there is a good chance of Booker or Jeno James getting traded too, to give more cap room. This could be very interesting, I am sure there is plenty of solid FA next year, specially at the offensive line (would love to get a jones from seattle or another like that). Posted on Fri, Sep. 23, 2005 R E L A T E D C O N T E N T OPTIMISTIC: 'I see how they're setting up the team to succeed,' Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas said, referring to the management under coach Nick Saban. JOE RIMKUS JR. / HERALD STAFF OPTIMISTIC: 'I see how they're setting up the team to succeed,' Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas said, referring to the management under coach Nick Saban. R E L A T E D L I N K S ? TV extension granted DOLPHINS Room for growth on the horizon Miami could be $25 million under the salary cap after this season, allowing the team to pursue top-tier free agents. BY JASON COLE jcole@herald.com Linebacker Zach Thomas can clearly see the future of the Dolphins, and he knows it's very promising. ''I see how they're setting up the team to succeed,'' Thomas said, referring to the management under coach Nick Saban. ``They are doing all the right things so that when we get over the hump, we're going to be good for awhile.'' The Dolphins are making an interesting transition this year from a team that battled the salary cap the past five years to one that could be swimming in cap space by next season, able to sign a couple of top free agents or spend whatever it needs with relative ease. Or as a source with knowledge of the Dolphins cap situation put it this week: ``The rebuilding of this team could be really fast.'' The Dolphins could be approximately $25 million under the salary cap for next season without losing too many prominent players or investing too much in aging players. That money could go a long way in the free agent market, where the list of prominent players figures to include quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, offensive tackle Jeff Backus, cornerback Charles Woodson and linebacker Julian Peterson. According to NFL Players Association figures, the Dolphins have approximately $95 million in salaries and other figures committed for the 2006 season. The salary cap is projected to be approximately $90 million for 2006. While that means the Dolphins are a projected $5 million over the cap, that figure includes a number of bloated contracts that will either be cut or reworked. The most obvious is safety Tebucky Jones, who is scheduled to count $6.8 million against the salary cap next season. There also is the contract of defensive end/linebacker Jason Taylor, who currently counts for $11.3 million against the cap in 2006. Of that, $7.75 million is made up of base salary ($5.25 million) and a roster bonus ($2.5 million). By simply guaranteeing that money, which seems logical given Taylor's importance to the team, the Dolphins would save approximately $5.5 million. Put Jones and Taylor together and you have a maximum of $12 million. Then there's quarterback A.J. Feeley, who could be let go to save $2.3 million, or linebacker Junior Seau, who might retire and save the Dolphins $2.1 million. The Dolphins could be loaded with cap money in a hurry. That's on top of the $3.7 million the Dolphins have under the cap for this season. The team fully intends to use that cap room, perhaps to extend a player such as tight end Randy McMichael, or find a way to carry that money over for next season. Not that any players are particularly interested in knowing that right now. For now, the focus is on this season. ''I don't want to get caught up in all of that,'' Thomas said. ``I don't look at that because I'm all about right now.'' Defensive end Kevin Carter said the notion of being good next year wasn't part of the conversation when he spoke with Saban about playing for the Dolphins in March. ''He was talking about winning now,'' Carter said. 'He said, `I'm building my team for now.' He wasn't talking about way down the line. But if you're talking about getting a team in order quickly, that's not a bad thing.'' http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sport...ll/12719192.htm
September 23, 200521 yr Author Anyone know if a top-tier C or LT will be available? offensive tackle Jeff Backus He is a solid upper area tackle. He isnt top tier like Ogden and all. But he is right behind there. He would help the line alot. In the draft there is two top left tackles, Winston and Fergusean(sp). Both are them project to be franchise tackles. There is a few other solid offensive linement coming out including a few good centers and Guards (big need for us bigger then tackle I think). We should pick up one in the 2nd or 3rd rounds I bet of the draft. I am still curious if SD takes brees back and trades Rivers or keeps Rivers and lets brees walk.
September 23, 200521 yr Winston? The same one that was getting blown by in the FSU and Clemson games? I'd rather have a turnstile. D'Brickashaw Ferguson is the only LT that really intrigues me in this draft. If we suck this year and pick in the top 5-10, I pray we get him.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.