Can't get rid of Long just yet.

[Pappy13]

As PFF shows below while Long has slipped, he's still head and shoulders ahead of Martin. I don't see Martin just sliding over to the left Tackle spot and playing as well as Long if he's gone. Long is at #21, Martin is at 55.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/11/28/sig-stat-snapshot-pass-blocking-efficiency/

[EKnight]

Completely agree. All season, I've heard how Long and Bush shouldn't be resigned because thier replacements are already on the roster and cheaper. There's a reason these guys are paid more- they're better players. You start getting rid of all your talent to save money, what does it get you? A receiving corp with no wideouts (ie, what they currently have), an O line that gets your QB killed, and a running game that can't move the ball. Yeah, that's what a team ranked 23rd in the league in scoring needs. Even with the defense ranked 9th in points allowed, the offense is STILL scoring less than what the team gives up- not a time to downgrade at ANY positions on that side of the ball. The idea that you're going to get equal performance for less money with Long is silly. Of the 20 guys ahead of him, who is going to be available for less money? -EK

[Fins4ever]

The question is if Jake would be willing to take #21 money. Right now he is top 3 or 4.

Also, hard to see Martin at 55. He is better than that. JMO

[fyo]

Also, hard to see Martin at 55. He is better than that. JMO

Martin has certainly given up his share of sacks and pressures this season (not unusual for a rookie, though) and he's been HORRIBLE in run blocking, with Miami league worst in runs behind him -- and it's not even close. Basically, runs ANYWHERE but behind Martin gain at least an extra yard. That's HUGE and is truly part of the reason Miami have struggled to run at times.

[MikeO]

The question is if Jake would be willing to take #21 money. Right now he is top 3 or 4.

Also, hard to see Martin at 55. He is better than that. JMO

exactly!

[Fins4ever]

Keep in mind Jake will be looking for a long term contract, most likely 4 yrs. with a high gaurentee. Tough decision. It will come down to money and what they think they can do with his health and the extra money that they could do with the picks and FA's.

I look for Ireland to put a value on him and stick to it.   

[EKnight]

What has Martin done to make you think he's better than 55th? The actual numbers might surprise you. According to Pro Football Focus, the Dolphins have had their most success running directly behind Incognito (5.1 yards per carry) and Pouncey (4.5 to his left, 4.3 to his right). Conversely, the Dolphins are averaging 3.3 yards per rush behind Jerry, 2.7 behind Martin and 2.2 to the right edge on Martin’s side.  By far, the worst run-blocking on the team.

He's also allowed four sacks and 28 quarterback hurries, among the highest totals among tackles. I think he's lucky to be at 55. -EK

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/24/3110909/miami-dolphins-offensive-line.html#storylink=cpy

[MikeO]

They will probably Franchise Tag Long. Pay him big for 1 year (they have the cap space). If his play declines you let him walk. If it doesn't you can then offer him a shorter term deal come 2014 or let him walk and you just bought yourself another offseason to work on replacing him.

[fyo]

The problem with using the franchise tag on Long is that his cap hit this year is so large making the franchise number for him just over $15 million (while the "left tackle" franchise tag is expected to be just shy of $10 million).

[MikeO]

The problem with using the franchise tag on Long is that his cap hit this year is so large making the franchise number for him just over $15 million (while the "left tackle" franchise tag is expected to be just shy of $10 million).

The organization has already stated if forced they will use the franchise tag on Long before they use it on Sean Smith

[Fins4ever]

The organization has already stated if forced they will use the franchise tag on Long before they use it on Sean Smith

Sean Smith?? Are we that desperate we franchise an average player?

If I used the tag, it would probably be on Starks. Surprised?

To EK. I suppose you are right on Martin. The times I have watched him he looked like he was having a decent year, although I have seen some blunders. Let's hope for improvement.

[MikeO]

Sean Smith?? Are we that desperate we franchise an average player?

If I used the tag, it would probably be on Starks. Surprised?

It will be hard enough to find 1 decent CB next offseason to put opposite Smith, you want to be in the market for 2 CB's and let Smith go? Smith on the open market will demand (and get) big money. Some of you really don't watch much NFL outside the Fins games. Smith while not elite or great is a very good CB these days and would get a huge deal. He's Miami's #1 offseason priority and the organization has even stated such (if you listen to the Finsiders)

[EKnight]

Smith is surprisingly better than people think. According to PFF, Sean Smith had allowed four touchdowns through 8 games. Opposing QBs have a 76.9 rating when throwing to his receiver, and he's 17th among CB's. Maybe not great, but better than anyone they can get to replace him. -EK

[BigDaddyFin]

^^^ That's just what it boils down to though.  Smith is a #2 corner at best, can you get a #2 corner in the draft.  If they can, then Smith's days in Miami are numbered.  They'll need that money to resign Starks and Long, unless you let Long go and get another LT in the draft which I don't see how they can let Jake Long go, and come out on the winning end.

[Fins4ever]

Smith is surprisingly better than people think. According to PFF, Sean Smith had allowed four touchdowns through 8 games. Opposing QBs have a 76.9 rating when throwing to his receiver, and he's 17th among CB's. Maybe not great, but better than anyone they can get to replace him. -EK

Surprising? How about shocking. I have watched every game and Smith has not looked good and made very few plays. Still, Mike O is correct. Re-signing Smith should be a priority, but a franchise tag? WOW!