While re-signing Randy Starks is a good move, the big story in this deal is the future of Jake Long.
It was anyone’s guess as to who Miami were going to use the franchise tag on, and as deadline day approached, the media were still unsure, with the favourite being wide receiver Brian Hartline.
Well Monday those questions were answered as the Dolphins went with defensive tackle Randy Starks, according to NFL.com.
The big story of this though is that offensive tackle Jake Long, who they selected with the first overall pick in 2008, will now be out of contract and free to hit the free agent market.
The offensive tackle will draw huge initial interest from a whole host of franchises. A chance to sign an elite left tackle to a long-term contract would be making huge strides in improving an offence.
That interest may then wain once they learn his asking price, which is believed to be $11m a year according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.
There is absolutely no reason to suggest that Miami would be unable to re-sign the 27 year old. This could just be a way of being able to negotiate against other teams and use their enormous cap space they have.
If the do re-sign the tackle, it will be a huge coup for the franchise moving forward, but this is a big chance for another team in dire need of offensive line help to bolster the unit.
Teams such as San Diego, Pittsburgh, Chicago and Green Bay all have questionable starters at the position, and Long would be a great addition to the team, but obviously at a very high price.
fanatix prediction: San Diego Chargers
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