The Dolphins Make Me Cry.com - Forums

Adam Schefter, of the NFL Network, reports free agent PK Mike Vanderjagt has met with the Miami Dolphins.



Talk about under the radar.

Wow.... if we can get him for less than what we're paying Olindo Mare, I'd pull the trigger.  This guy is much more accurate on field goals. 

yes, he's a better FG kicker, but he's weak on kickoffs, whereas Olindo is one of the best at that

Good point. Remember, Indy always kept an extra kicker on the roster for kickoffs. Is Vanderjagt really worth having an extra roster spot used on a kicker?

Well, let's see what Donnie Jones' "cannon leg" is good for.  If that's the case, maybe he can handle the punting and the kickoff duties. 

I don't have a problem with Mare....he's a great kickoff guy, as stated, and one of the best at specialty kicks: onside, squibs, etc.

Vanderjagt also has some off the field issues, and I'm not sure I want to have to worry about that crap with my kicker.

Besides, he won't be cheap.

I thought we were trying to become a playoff team? If so, what the hell do we want Vanderjagt for? Hell, Wannstedt's only playoff win was because of Vanderjagt.

     Apparently, they want Mare to take a pay cut.

Source: Mare on the outs


Kicker given ultimatum; Colts' Vanderjagt visits

By Harvey Fialkov
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Posted March 14 2006

 
While the Dolphins still search for a quarterback, they may have to add a kicker to their wish list. According to a source, Pro Bowl kicker Olindo Mare has asked to be released or traded after recently being told to take a substantial pay cut.

"They told him he was overpaid and not worth the money, and to take a pay cut or they'll trade him,'' the source said. "He said, `Are you kidding me? Release me now to give me a chance to find out my market value.' He was shocked.''
 
Mare, 32, who is signed through 2009, is slated to earn $1.4 million this season. Mare, a Hollywood native who attended Cooper City High and lives in Davie, couldn't be reached for comment. Mare's agent Drew Rosenhaus denied a trade ultimatum was given.

"Olindo has a contract with the Dolphins. He would love to stay with Miami. If it doesn't work out, he'll be a coveted guy as a free agent,'' Rosenhaus said. "But he would love to stay. If the Dolphins decide to go in another direction, he will be thankful for the 10 years he's had here. But that's their decision and Olindo will be fine. We understand the speculation. That's part of the business. We're taking things one day at a time."

According to Mike Vanderjagt Sr., the father of Colts free-agent kicker Mike Vanderjagt, his son dropped by Dolphins headquarters Monday morning to meet with special teams coach Keith Armstrong and General Manager Randy Mueller. Vanderjagt has a second home in Marco Island and owns a sports bar with his former teammate Edgerrin James, called Vandy's With An Edge.

"It was nothing official, just a how do you do, a few people shaking hands,'' said Vanderjagt Sr., from the bar. "It was just a walk-through to see if the Dolphins might be interested. Seven teams have called for Mike, but being in Marco it would be good.

"It all depends if Mare is traded. It would be good for business.''

Vanderjagt, 34, the NFL's all-time most accurate kicker at 87.5 percent, had a much-publicized row with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning after the 2004 season. This year, the two-time Pro Bowl (2000 and '03) kicker fell into disfavor with Colts fans and management after missing a last-second, 46-yard field goal in Indianapolis' 21-18 playoff loss to eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Vanderjagt just completed a five-year, $7.75 million contract, which at the time made him the highest-paid kicker.

After three down years in a row, Mare rebounded with his best season since 2001, as he converted 25 of 30 field goals, and added the 11th fourth-quarter winning kick of his career when his 32-yarder with four seconds left beat Carolina 27-24 in Game 3.

Mare, originally signed by the Giants, has spent his entire nine-year career with the Dolphins, and is the franchise leader in field goals, points and accuracy.

The Dolphins were unavailable for comment.

Staff writer Alex Marvez contributed to this report.

What I heard on the radio this morning...

Ths Fins asked MAre to take a cut, Mare said "no chance"

Vanderjagt visited Dolphins' camp on his own accord.  They did not "bring him in" for a visit.

Olindo Mare is not worth the money.
He had, like the report says, three down years in a row.  This season he finally comes alive, if you even wanna call it that.  While Vanderjagt choked it off huge time, that was one of his only missed FG's in the last two years, if not the only missed FG.

Vanderjagt >>> Mare

     I'm not sure about Vanderjagt.  He's been consistent during the regular season, but, when it matters the most, he can't get it done.  Vanderjagt would probably cost more money than we're already paying Mare, (which is rather high, for a kicker anyway).  I'd feel safer drafting a dual role kicker in the draft with one of our three seventh round picks, than bringing in Vanderjagt.