The NFL trading market appeared to get a bit more interesting on Friday when it was reported the Miami Dolphins were preparing to shop their 2013 No. 3 draft pick, Dion Jordan. Once that rumored surfaced, Mike Wallace and Cameron Wake were also being reported as tradeable in the offseason. However, now team sources are denying any player is available in trade in the offseason.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported that Jordan was up for grabs after an unimpressive rookie season. The lineman has no clear cut position in the defensive system that Kevin Coyle runs. He failed to make an impact in the 4-3 scheme after excelling in Oregon's 3-4 scheme where he was a premier edge rusher. Jordan found himself buried in the depth chart and sometimes not active at all. Were the Dolphins ready to move on?
La Canfora went on to say that because of salary cap implications, Wallace and Wake would also be available in certain trade offers. Wallace was the Dolphins' big free agent acquisition last offseason, but he failed to show any chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, putting up season-low numbers across the board. Wake is a pass-rushing king, but a big salary cap hit. The Dolphins are dealing with a depleted offensive line and other free agents, meaning these players could be sent packing.
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports the Dolphins are not trading anyone despite the reports. Team sources are denying all claims that Jordan, Wake or Wallace are available for dealing. The team is committed to all three players despite having plenty of other needs to deal with this offseason.
So while Jordan, Wallace and Wake might not be available for the taking, the Dolphins are setting their sights on other big free agents. The team has hosted free agent safety Louis Delmas who was a cap casualty from the Detroit Lions. The two-time Pro Bowler has dealt with injuries, but can still make a different in the team's secondary.
The Dolphins are making all kinds of moves that do not involve trades. They agreed to terms with cornerback Brent Grimes, avoiding using their franchise tag on the defensive star. Grimes has signed a deal that the NFL Network reports is a four-year, $32 million deal with $16 million in guaranteed money. That contract takes a lot of pressure off the Dolphins' offseason. The team was concerned a franchise tag would hurt their salary cap options.
The Dolphins intend on being buyers this offseason and not sellers. They have plenty of needs and money to work with meaning most players should be safe from trades.
