Finsmob Unleashed

As you all probably know already, the Dolphins made some cuts yesterday, not reporting this, just recapping what’s happened. One of the bigger surprises was cutting DT Akeem Spence who we picked up last year from Detroit for a conditional 2019 7th RD pick. Also somewhat a surprise was cutting safety T.J. McDonald. Not surprising was parting ways with OL Will Holden (Not to be confused with actor William Holden). We also waived OT Jordan Mills who when we first picked him up after Buffalo released him I thought he may be our starting RT this season. The way he performed for us in practice and in the preseason made it clear that wasn’t going to happen. Also waived were LB Chase Allen, and veteran TE Clive Walford.

Now to the big news. The Dolphins met with Jadeveon Clowney yesterday, although Clowney did not deem the Miami Dolphins originally as a potential suitor. He preferred the Seattle Seahawks, but after meeting with Dolphins HC Brian Flores, his opinion may have changed. At the moment, it actually seems as if the Dolphins are the team most likely to land Clowney, but at what price? Keep in mind, the price is two-fold. We have to trade talent to the Texans in exchange for Clowney, and then we have to pay Clowney. He signed a 1 year deal worth just under $16M, but what happens after this season? Therein lies the rub . . .

I had to drive from one office to another yesterday and I had the pleasure of catching some good dialogue between NFL Radio hosts Pat Kirwan and Jim Miller. Pat Kirwan is not the foremost authority on everything NFL, but as a former HC and NFL GM, he’s well respected in NFL circles. Kirwan was very much against the Dolphins acquiring Clowney and made some excellent points. He was saying that Clowney hasn’t been a premier player while playing with J.J. Watt. This reminds me of tha situation the Dolphins had years ago. Flash back to the year 2002 when the Dolphins had Jason Taylor and Adewale Ogunleye. That year, Taylor had 18.5 sacks, Ogunleye chipped in with 9.5 sacks. This is a similar situation, it really is. Clowney having the benefit of possibly the most disruptive defensive player in the game hasn’t ever achieved double digits in sacks. BTW, Ogunleye only achieved double digit sacks once with CHI, and only once (10) in 2005. Granted, Watt hasn’t been able to stay healthy, but I’m loathe to give Clowney a huge contract when he’s never been a game changer. He’s young, he’s only 26, but where’s the beef? Understood he was injured his 1st season in 2014, and maybe had a hangover from that injury in 2015. Where’s the explosive stats after that? 24.5 sacks in 3 seasons. Sure, it’s better than what we have, but is it worthy of trading top talent away and then backing up a Brinks truck and paying him handsomely after too? I wouldn’t do it. 2015 Watt had 17.5 sacks and FIFTY QB hits. Clowney?4.5 sacks, 8 QB hits.

To me this more about getting a name than production, and as Naples mentioned, all too similar to acquiring Ndamukong Suh. I know we need help at DE, I’d rather run with the young guys who have shown some promise than really overpay twice to get Clowney, one in trade compensation and two having to pay some exorbitant contract for him over the next few years. I don’t think he’s worth it. Nothing wrong with kicking the tires, but don’t please don’t make the purchase!