More big names surface in Dolphins’ free agency frenzy

By Hugo Guzman  |   Thursday, March 01, 2007  |  Comments( 5 )

Miami Dolphins
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This week, we've spent a lot of time discussing the potential movers and shakers in this year's free-agent market. But we're not done yet. The Miami Dolphins are rumored to have placed two more starters on the "restructure or release" list.

The biggest name to pop up on Wednesday was kicker Olindo Mare. The team will reportedly ask him to restructure his deal, and if he doesn't, the 10-year veteran will be cut loose.

Frankly, don't be surprised if the Dolphins simply skip the restructuring process and let Mare go. When you consider that Miami signed a fairly capable young kicker in Matt Prater earlier this month, Mare's gigantic $2.1 million cap number is just too big to effectively whittle down, and he was arguably the worst field goal kicker in the league last year. Therefore, it would seem as if the 33-year-old's release is becoming a foregone conclusion.

Dolphins fans and insiders should know for sure within a matter of days, if not hours.

And Mare wasn't the only recipient of the "restructure or release" mandate. Starting right guard Jeno James is facing the same situation. James came over from the Carolina Panthers back in 2004 and was touted as a fierce blocker who would help revitalize the entire offensive line. Since arriving in Miami, though, James has been average at best. The seven-year man will count $4 million against the cap next year under the current terms of his contract, so there will have to be some adjustments made in order for him to remain with the Dolphins.

If James is indeed released, the offensive line will be set for a comprehensive makeover. Damion McIntosh is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Friday and reserves Bennie Anderson and Seth McKinney are both slated to be released. That would leave only center Rex Hadnot (who may be in line for a demotion or a shift to guard), tackle/guard L.J. Shelton and right tackle Vernon Carey along with a handful of untested youngsters.

The idea of an O-line makeover might actually be exciting for Dolphins fans, because it would signal a true change in philosophy in how to properly build an offense. Then again, that's exactly what head coach Cam Cameron said he would do; and if these rumors are true, he's following through on his word.

Original Miami Dolphins offseason analysis, courtesy of RealFootball365.com
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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CommentsComments: 5  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Derek Movalli		10:31 AM
03/01/2007
no big lost if Mare goes, in fact I prefer it. He has been less than average at best (except for kickoffs) for a couple years.
No.2
BC		11:48 AM
03/01/2007
Why would Hadnot be in line for a demotion? He is a good young center. Jeno James never lived up to salary- team didn't miss...
No.3
Dave		12:22 PM
03/01/2007
Are you #$%*&@# kidding me? What about the conventional wisdom of "an offensive line needs time to play together to get better"?...
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