Dolphins Open Free Agency With A Splash

Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland just did that thing where he tried to cover up mistakes from the past.

This time he actually spent money to do it.

The Dolphins opened up the beginning of the NFL Free Agency period yesterday with a big fat spending bang, signing Steelers star WR Mike Wallace to a whopping reported 5 year, $60 million deal. But Ireland and Phins owner Steve Ross, who apparently let their wives take over for the day rather than their frugal, acorn-loving selves, weren't done, signing blossoming star LB Dannell Ellerbe (a pain in the backside to spell) away from the Super Bowl Champions Baltimore Ravens and 100+ tackle season OLB Philip Wheeler from Oakland.

Of course, this means that Miami spent about 50 bagajillion dollars yesterday, slightly above their reported cap space. So cuts had to be made. Ireland showed no remorse, texting "best linebacker in the league" MLB Karlos Dansby that he was no longer required to be overrated for the Dolphins and also releasing steady but old and slow contributer Kevin Burnett. With these two unexpected LB swaps, the Dolphins got younger, more promising, and more cap room. Sounds like a great move...WAT?

Here's what I say on Wallace--the dude can flat out ball and has averaged EIGHT touchdowns a season over his career. The Dolphins AS A GROUP scored three in 2012. So, yeah. Of course, 65 million and 30 in guaranteed dollars is quite a bit for a sometimes-disgruntled WR, but how can we harp on Ireland for making a risk, realizing his mistakes (the Wallace-Ellerbe signings mirror the 2008 Marshall-Dansby mistakes from Free Agency) and making a statement with these young, in-their-prime, and talented players? Answer: you can't.

We should all be weary of these pick-ups. Nothing is as good as advertised with the Miami Dolphins. We know this. In fact, we will probably draft a fat guy with our 12th overall pick come April. HOWEVER. The Dolphins still have $20 million in cap room with room to create by cutting or restructuring contracts. The team still has glaring holes, particularly at tackle, cornerback, safety, and tight end. But luckily for us, there are particularly talented free agents at each of those positions this year! Plus, the draft (which we shouldn't hang our hats on honestly...).

So look for more big Jeffy Jeffy Jeff Ireland dancing moves in FA this spring. This ain't over bihh.