B/R NFL Debate: Cameron Wake's Absence from Workouts Makes DE Top Priority

The Miami Dolphins needed a defensive end or outside linebacker even before defensive end Cameron Wake failed to show up to the team's offseason workout program.

But if the holdout gets ugly, they'll be desperate.

So what should they do? Is it now a necessity for the team to target a defensive end or outside linebacker early in the draft, or can they afford to wait?

To debate the topic, we bring in B/R Dolphins featured columnist Alex Miglio, who can also be found on Twitter.

You're the guest, so I'll let you lead us off.

Alex: It seems like Jeff Ireland wants to get some heat off Ozzie Guillen.

We may not know why he has not offered an extension to Cameron Wake yet, but it is certainly becoming a problem. As you have detailed, Wake is responsible for over 25 percent of Miami's quarterback pressures.

The thing is, Miami was going to look hard at drafting another pass-rusher before Wake became disgruntled. While Tannehill is the popular pick for them at No. 8, there is a very real possibility they will go with Quinton Coples or Melvin Ingram instead. The Wake issue could force their hand.

This could be a big issue for them. There are whispers that Miami might try to trade Wake for a high draft pick, but I don't see that happening. Miami has to get its cap in order—right now, they are $6-$7 million under the cap, most of which will be eaten up by rookies. Maybe extending Jake Long will provide some cap relief.

Erik: The need at defensive end/outside linebacker was already a point of interest for most Dolphins fans and writers. Those who weren't fixated on Ryan Tannehill were likely fixated on one of the draft's top pass-rushers.

With the recent turn of events, though, those who were fixated on Tannehill may have to readdress their priorities. Wake was such a big part of the Dolphins defense last year that it makes almost no sense to do anything but bring him back. The only problem I see is that he's already 30 years old, but for that reason, a short-term deal of a few years seems like the best option.

In terms of cap space, I like your logic. Extending Jake Long seems like the smartest thing to do. He's accounting for over $11 million on Miami's salary cap in 2012—that's almost 10 percent of their money in one player, albeit one of their best players.

That, in turn, would give them the ability to re-sign Wake and still have enough money to pay their rookies this year.

Alex: The problem with Long is that an extension may not save them much money this season—he is asking for big money. As a perennial Pro Bowler, I cannot disagree, though he was not himself last season because of injuries.

A few of other big cap hits who could be in line for a restructure or cut are Anthony Fasano ($3.6 million), Dan Carpenter ($2.5 million) and Richie Incognito ($3.3 million, with $4 million committed in 2013). Personally, I do not see the value in keeping Incognito at such a high price tag. He is decent at his job, but restructuring him would be ideal, if not cutting him. Of course, that would create a bit of a depth issue at guard.

At any rate, the Dolphins must find a way to keep Wake. Even if he is 30, he is easily this team's franchise player, and using the franchise tag on him next season would be far more costly than re-signing him to a long-term deal.

Erik: Of the three that you mentioned, Fasano should be the one looking over his shoulder. He seems like the most likely candidate to either restructure or be cut. The Dolphins don't have many other options at tight end, and although Fasano has flashed potential at times, specifically in 2008 and even last year, he is a bit rich for a tight end at his current price.

Losing Incognito would certainly hurt their depth, but it may be for the best. The Dolphins are looking for more of the smaller, quicker offensive linemen now with Joe Philbin's offensive scheme being rolled in. Incognito is more of a plodder, but who steps in behind him? Perhaps they draft a mid- or late-round guard, but you can't depend on that type of player to come in and contribute.

Looks like the Dolphins are stuck in this scenario. Do you think there's a realistic possibility they could trade Wake?

Alex: Well, like I said, there are whispers about trading Wake, and anything is possible. Were it to happen, I would really like Miami to get a high draft pick—a late first-rounder or second-round pick. Anything less would be utter failure, though I would argue having to trade him would be a failure in and of itself.

I disagree on Fasano; I have long thought he has been underutilized. He is an underrated tight end who has flashed his potential at times with the Dolphins. I think Philbin could really get the most out of him, and he is not terribly expensive for a potential seam threat, in reality.

Erik: We agree that Fasano has flashed potential. Where we don't agree is the dollar sign. Perhaps the fact that he's been underutilized is why he's only flashed at times, and not more frequently. We have seen what Philbin can get out of a tight end in Jermichael Finley, and if Fasano can develop in a similar mold to that, he'll be worth the current price.

It doesn't make sense for the Dolphins to get anything less than a first or second-round pick for a player of Wake's talent level, especially since the new team will have free reign to negotiate a deal with him. The Patriots have multiple picks to spend and could use a player like Wake, but I think the Dolphins learned from their lesson with Wes Welker. Still, there will be teams with which Wake would be a fit, but as you said, it would be really disappointing for the Dolphins if they had to let him go

And with that, it appears our debate has drawn to a close. Thanks for joining me in yet another Dolphins debate, Alex. We've made this a weekly ritual, and at this point, there's no reason to get rid of a good thing.

For the readers, be sure to check at the AFC East blog every day for a new debate over AFC East-related topics.

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