Free Agency Rumors: Carson Palmer and 10 QBs the Miami Dolphins Should Consider
If the owners and the NFLPA settle their differences and install a new CBA, the Dolphins will go into overdrive trying to acquire a quarterback to either provide competition or dethrone Chad Henne.
Unfortunately, this is a terrible year to be in the market for a quarterback. The Dolphins pick too late to get their hands on this year's elite crop of rookie QBs, and there are no big names slated for free agency. However, there is still a lengthy list of names capable of at least temporarily curing the team's quarterback woes.
No. 10 Vince Young
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A legendary collegiate career coupled with two mildly successful seasons in the NFL has created a cloud of undeserved hype around Vince Young. Although Young enjoyed a successful rookie season in 2006 and helped resurrect the Titans 2009 season, he has compiled an extremely unimpressive stat line and has continually struggled with off the field issues.
At separate junctures of his career, Young has reportedly contemplated suicide and retirement, and publicly blasted Jeff Fisher, forcing Tennessee's long time head coach out of town. Meanwhile, Young has a measly career quarterback rating of 75.7, has never thrown for more than 12 touchdowns in a season and has never started 16 games in one season.
Young's career has been marred by instability, which is the exact trait that has plagued the Dolphins quarterback rotation for the past decade. His mobility and past flashes of success make Young a superficially enticing option, but in reality, Miami will steer clear.
No. 9 Kevin Kolb
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If the hype machine has been working for Vince Young, it has been working overtime for Kevin Kolb. According to Peter King, at least three teams have called the Philadelphia Eagles to inquire about Kolb's services, which will reportedly cost a first round pick.
But isn't a first round pick a little but much for a quarterback with a 1-1 record as a starter? Kolb has only one game on his resume worth bragging about—a 23-29, 326 yard, three touchdown performance against the Falcons last season. But do not overlook the other games he played primarily roles in 2010: Lost to the Redskins, narrowly beat the 49ers, blown out by the Titans, threw three interceptions in a loss to the Cowboys.
All that being said, there is a scenario in which the Dolphins pursue Kolb. Quarterback is Miami's biggest need, and in theory, Kolb is more proven and likely better than any signal callers the 'Fins could acquire with the 15th pick. So while the Dolphins could potentially ship the 15th pick to Philly in exchange for Kolb, his unconvincing play combined with Miami's shortage of draft picks and long list of needs makes it very, very unlikely.
No. 8 Alex Smith
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The only reason Alex Smith is a candidate to compete for the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback job is because of his connections to the team's current defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan. Nolan began his head coaching career with the San Francisco 49ers in 2005, and drafted Smith with the first overall pick in that year's draft.
Smith's career has since been hindered by San Francisco's comical offensive coordinator woes. The team has shuffled through five different coordinators over the past five years. Although Smith's own inconsistency is also to blame, he is only 26 and a change of scenery might be all that is necessary to resurrect his sometimes-promising career.
Although Nolan has no say in the team's offensive personnel moves, it will be interesting to see if he tries to get his old quarterback onto his new team.
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No. 7 Dennis Dixon
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While Ben Roethlisberger served a suspension at the beginning of the 2010 season, Dennis Dixon beat out veterans Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich for the right to serve as Big Ben's temporary replacement. Dixon was hardly spectacular, but he did lead the Steelers to a Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Although he is yet to prove he can be an effective full-time starter, Dixon has performed extraordinarily well in the handful of games he has played in. His durability is also a concern (torn ACL senior at Oregon; injured in Week 2 last season), but if the price tag is right, Dixon could make for a bargain, low risk/high reward pick up.
Dennis Dixon is not the atypical quarterback we expect to see this regime roll with. But then again, maybe it's time to stray from that old formula because it's not working anymore.
No. 6 Marc Bulger
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As noted in the introduction, the Dolphins do not necessarily need a stud right now. They need a kind of stopgap; a bridge until they get their hands on a player they truly feel can carry this team and replace Dan Marino. Although these veteran, short term experiments have failed in the past (Trent Green), they have also succeeded (Gus Frerotte). All this guy needs to do is keep this team competitive.
Marc Bulger sat behind Joe Flacco on the Baltimore Raven's depth chart last year, but his name is beginning to surface as a potential cure for teams with quarterback woes, such as the Dolphins.
However, Bulger is a much bigger risk than meets the eye. His last great year was in 2006. Since then, he has compiled a 5-30 record as a starter, but much of that can be blamed on lackluster St. Louis Rams teams. Still, he is a proven quarterback, who could, at the very least, provide some stability to Miami's quarterback rotation, and possibly keep the team competitive.
No. 5 Kyle Orton
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When Tim Tebow took the reigns of the Denver Broncos offense at the end of the 2010 season, Kyle Orton's name became consequential subject to trade talk. Naturally, the Dolphins became a speculated landing spot. According to reports that surfaced earlier this offseason, Denver would ask for a second round pick in exchange for Orton.
But since John Elway joined the Broncos staff as their new V.P. of Football Operations (same position Bill Parcells had with the Dolphins), a trade seems increasingly unlikely. Elway publicly questioned Tebow's football maturation, so parting with Orton ultimately makes no sense for Denver. Orton presents an ideal solution for the Dolphins, but unless the Broncos budge, they will not be able to get their hands on him.
No. 4 Matt Hasselbeck
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Conflicting reports over Matt Hasselbeck's status with the Seahawks have surfaced since the March 3rd CBA cutoff. Pete Carroll told reporters that negotiations "came down to the final day," but more recent reports suggest the two sides were never so close.
Seattle is rumored to be in the market for Kevin Kolb, and if they make a move for him, then it is safe to assume Hasselbeck will hit the open market. In that scenario, the Dolphins might be in play for the oft-injured 35-year-old.
Although age and durability issues lessen Hasselbeck's value, that could work in the Dolphins' favor. He may come at a somewhat discounted price, and if he can consistently play at the level he did in the playoffs, Miami will have a bargain.
No. 3 Tarvaris Jackson
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If the Dolphins decide to avoid big name, big money quarterbacks, Tarvaris Jackson could be the perfect player to provide competition for Chad Henne. Jackson's career has been marred by disappointment and disrupted by Brett Favre, but his struggles are overblown.
In 2007, Jackson's only season as a true starter, he led the Vikings to an 8-4 record and a playoff berth. Although his stats were unimpressive, he had virtually no offensive weapons at his disposal. Since then, Favre has robbed Jackson of any potential opportunities to build off of his one promising season.
Jackson has already voiced his desire to leave Minnesota, and the Dolphins make a mutually great fit. He could come into camp with a great chance at seizing a starting job, and Miami would likely only have to pay him a small contract.
No. 2 Donovan McNabb
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Donovan McNabb is 34 and just struggled through the worst season of his career, but do not disregard him. He might be the Dolphins best option.
Everybody loves to hate McNabb, but consider that he literally had no weapons at his disposal last year. The Redskins offense may have been the worst in the league. He was forced to rely on the likes of Anthony Armstrong and the league's 30th ranked rushing attack to produce, yet he was cast as a scapegoat when the 'Skins began to collapse. Keep in mind, McNabb threw for over 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns just two years ago.
Washington has made their desire to unload McNabb public. So, if he costs a fourth or fifth round pick, the Dolphins should make a move. Bringing in McNabb at such a bargain price outweighs placing complete trust in Chad Henne or an untested rookie.
No. 1 Carson Palmer
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His play has been in straight decline since he suffered a devastating ACL tear in 2005, and his price tag might be too high for the Dolphins, but Carson Palmer is the best potential solution to Miami's quarterback woes.
Palmer, like Donovan McNabb, has been cast as a scapegoat for much of the Cincinnati Bengals struggles even though they boast an offensive nucleus of aging, overrated stars. He is still to blame for many of their struggles, but Palmer has unjustly criticized.
Palmer has been dragged down by Chad Ochocinco, and the Bengals Week 16 victory over the Chargers is perfect evidence. With Ochocinco and T.O. sidelined, Palmer tossed four touchdowns to the likes of Jerome Simpson and Jordan Shipley en route to a rather shocking upset that knocked San Diego out of playoff contention.
Palmer will have to deal with Brandon Marshall in Miami, however, Marshall has been a saint thus far and he has plenty of experience dealing with divas. Also, he is only 31- his best football may still lie ahead. If the Bengals lower their demands for Palmer and Armando Salguero's report that he is atop the Dolphins' quarterback wish list is valid, then he could take his talents to South Beach this summer.
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