Thursday, January 24, 2013
Long's chances of a return
By Tim Kavanagh
The negotiations between the Miami Dolphins and impending free agent LT Jake Long will continue to be a big story until he's re-signed or hits free agency and heads elsewhere. While our last post on the subject broke down some of the factors in Miami's decision-making process, we have some new information to pass along on the chances of Long making a return to the Dolphins for 2013 and beyond.
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that the two sides have been in talks for around five months regarding a new deal for Long, and now, both sides are beginning to ponder the after-effects of a split. Salguero also notes that the Dolphins made something of a "low-ball offer" during the season, though it's clear that Long will have to take less than his previous salary in any new deal from Miami, given that his abilities (including the ability to stay healthy) have slipped considerably in recent campaigns.
Though another team could make him one of -- if not the -- highest-paid OT in the league, Miami appears unlikely to do that. Long, then, must decide whether it's more important to entrench his legacy as a Dolphins, or continue to be paid better than most of his peers, albeit fraudulently.
James Walker
Low-ball offer for Long?"That would not be surprising. Miami knows better than any team that Long’s play has been on the decline for two years. I doubt the Dolphins will make him the highest-paid left tackle in the NFL."
