3/2/08 Week In Review: Part One, Free Agency

Friday was the start of free agency. The Dolphins must have thought it was the start and finish of free agency for how much they were involved. The following is a list of players that have officially been acquired by Miami, and my thoughts.

Justin Smiley, G: This was the first signing occurring shortly after midnight. The Dolphins didn't appear to make any attempt at Alan Faneca because he has a large price tag (record large, actually). Smiley was still expensive but will be a valuable piece in our offensive line. He will replace Rex Hadnot at RG and hopefully give our backfield lot's of holes to run through.

Justin Ferguson, NT: He was acquired via trade with Dallas. We gave up our 6th round pick in 2009 (Also, we will swap 6th rounders this year). He's the oldest of the new players but still only 33. This move makes it pretty clear we are going to play a 3-4 defense and he will be the NT. This was a small price to pay for a big (literally) need. He has the prototypical size for a NT that no one currently on the roster has.

Reggie Torbor, LB: I love this signing. Torbor was a backup for the New York Giants but started the last nine games (including the Super Bowl) due to injuries. He filled in nicely and has earned this payday. He will have to compete for a starting job but will be the favorite to earn the other ILB spot alongside Channing Crowder. He is young and has the size that Parcells likes.

Randy Starks, DE/NT: He has high upside but hasn't shown a lot yet. I'm not quite sure if he will split time with Ferguson at NT or if he is versatile enough to play the DE spot. We will probably have to wait until training camp and the preseason to see how he will be used. Once again, he has the youth, size, and potential that the seems to be the theme of our pickups

Ernest Wilford, WR: I am content with this. Miami couldn't afford to spend big money on a receiver with so many other needs, so paying medium range for an average player is fine with me. We need a big physical receiver to go along with Ginn and Wilford can provide that. I'd still like to see us address this position in the draft, however.

Josh McCown, QB: He is no Daunte Culpepper or Trent Green. We won't expect him to come lead the franchise. He is getting paid the amount backup quarterbacks make and is not a huge investment. He will compete for the starting job with John Beck and a draft pick to be named later (He's actually probably the favorite to win, this year).

Charlie Anderson, LB: He was cheap and has some upside. He played on the outside for Houston but could probably play anywhere in a 3-4. He won't start but will definitely see the field some. At least he upgrades our special teams unit, which we really needed.

Sean Ryan, TE: Jeff Ireland drafted him in 2004 in Dallas. He has spent tha last two years on the Jets and hasn't really much. He has some potential but will have to compete to earn a spot. The Dolphins will probably run a lot of two tight end formations so if he can block well he should make an impact.

As of right now the only free agent that played for the Dolphins in 2007 that has signed elsewhere is Cleo Lemon. He joins Jacksonville as their backup quarterback and it seems like a good fit. He is an upgrade over their previous reserve Quinn Gray.