With NFL training camp just around the corner, teams are exploring options of roster additions to help determine roster depth for the 2014 season. There are still several big names sitting on the free agent market waiting for injuries or lack of production to peak interest. Jermichael Finley is well aware that if it had not been for a mid-season injury last year, he would have already signed a large contract this offseason, but not he and Dustin Keller are competing for a handful of roster spots.
Finley is starting to see interested around him heighten after sitting around much of the offseason while his health was being questioned. According to USA Today, the tight end is scheduled to undergo another round of testing to determine if his surgically repaired neck is stable enough for play. Finley is hoping to get positive results to show all 32 NFL teams in hopes of getting signed prior to training camp starting.
USA Today is reporting the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers have extended offers to the tight end that will be held until his medical results come in. It is also being reported that the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots are very interested to see how Finley's health is progressing.
Keller is in the same boat. According to the tight end's agent, he has been medically cleared to play football again after a knee injury ended his season early last year. Keller is a savvy veteran that could help anchor a receiving group, but his future will likely be dictated by what happens to Finley in the coming weeks. Any team that misses out on Finley will look to Keller next. There is a catch with Finley that could help Keller. The tight end has a $10 million tax free disability insurance policy waiting if he cannot play football again. Any team willing to give him a contract must forgo the $10 million.
The Dolphins could show the most interest in Keller considering he already has a minor grasp of their offensive attack. The team is still toying with trading either Brian Hartline or Brandon Gibson due to their salary cap hits which would make room for the tight end. The Miami Herald reported early in the offseason that both receivers have cap hits no too kind to the Dolphins and team might opt to trade one in favor of a cheaper play. The success of Mike Wallace will determine if that is seen through or not.
