Is Jake Long still in Miami's long-term plans?

[ThomasTomasz]

Only three seasons ago, Dolphins left tackle Jake Long was considered one of the best in the league, and it appeared that Miami, by drafting him No. 1 overall in 2008, had found its long-term solution protecting the quarterback's blind side.

But he struggled in 2011, and his play was even more spotty in 2012. Pro Football Focus ranked him the No. 46 tackle in the league this season before Long suffered a season-ending triceps injury in December.

The Dolphins responded by moving 2012 second-round pick Jonathan Martin (ranking No. 76 according to PFF) from the right side to left tackle to replace Long and protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The question now: Is that a permanent move?

Long is a free agent heading into the offseason. Though the two sides have discussed a new deal, it sounds like those talks cooled off lately. According to the Miami Herald, “the sides now are seriously considering what a break from one another really means and whether that is truly what everyone wants.”

Earlier this week, Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland was asked if Long was still an elite player, and he responded by saying, “I think Jake can still play in this league for sure.” By not answering that question, Ireland kind of answered that question, right?

Ireland might not want to say Long is an “elite player” because that means Long would expect to be paid like one. And there's little chance that Miami wants to shell out that much money for a guy who is having a tough time staying healthy (Long now has finished the past two seasons on injured reserve).

Miami Herald reporter Armando Salguero writes that the team already has low-balled Long in contract talks. That probably didn't sit well with Long's camp.

“So the team has to guard against paying a steep price for a player that is declining and showing signs of falling apart,” Salguero writes. “Balance that against the idea that Long, when healthy, is still solid. [He] doesn't suck. He's good. He's not as great as he once was, but he's still good. And letting good players walk is painful, particularly when the team has so many other holes it needs to address.”

But if the price to pay is too much for a guy who used to be elite but no longer is, it might be best to let Long walk away.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/e...-lt-jake-long-still-in-miamis-long-term-plans

Talk about a short peak. Given that very few offensive tackles make it to FA, I could see Long cashing in on a nice contract but think it could be a mistake for the team signing him. Any thoughts from the Dolphins fans here?

 

[f16harm]

Not really new news, but CBS thinks so because it is the offseason for most teams now. This was talked about since maybe week 4 or so. Been a story all year since his play has dropped off the last two years and his body is breaking down. His career seems to be going similar to Tony Boselli. I'd say maybe only a handful of Dolphins fans want Long back. And even then, it's only if he plays for $5 million a year or less. Which aint gonna happen. Long has been a solid leader in Miami, but his ego as being paid as one of the best hasn't caught up to reality.

I don't see Miami resigning him, I think they are going to use their money on WRs. I wouldn't be surprised if they sign 2 of the big ones out there. Some other team will give Long the big bucks and I think they'll eat it.

 

[Gonzo]

ThoughtRoss gave him support publicly about bringing him back. May be wrong.

 

[f16harm]

Miami Herald is reporting Jake Long wants "at least $10 million a year."

...good luck with that Jake. I'd like to move Jonathan Martin to LT, and sign Sebastian Vollmer from the Pats to play RT.


What's VSNs thoughts on this:

--Word is surfacing that Brian Hartline wants $5-6 million per year.
--Sean Smith's agent feels Jason McCourty's 6yr / $43million contract is a legit starting point for negotiations to resign Smith. (Smith is one of those tall corners who people keep talking about to turn the corner, yet hasn't after 4 yrs. Still drops a lot of INTs, hates tackling, always finds a way to get burnt when we need a stop)

 

[ThomasTomasz]

Miami Herald is reporting Jake Long wants "at least $10 million a year."

...good luck with that Jake. I'd like to move Jonathan Martin to LT, and sign Sebastian Vollmer from the Pats to play RT.


What's VSNs thoughts on this:

--Word is surfacing that Brian Hartline wants $5-6 million per year.
--Sean Smith's agent feels Jason McCourty's 6yr / $43million contract is a legit starting point for negotiations to resign Smith. (Smith is one of those tall corners who people keep talking about to turn the corner, yet hasn't after 4 yrs. Still drops a lot of INTs, hates tackling, always finds a way to get burnt when we need a stop)

Hartline is an extremely valuable receiver I think. The Dolphins do need to find a deep threat to stretch the field, but with Bess and Hartline, they've got the ability to move the chains without much help from the rushing attack.

Sean Smith, that's laughable. Teams really want those CB's who are taller and more physical, but Smith doesn't scream elite to me. But after the contracts given to DB's last off-season, it's very possible that he cashes in despite an average season.