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NFL Offseason Schedule

Since there are two months left until actual football is played, I thought it would be a good idea to present a list of Restricted Free Agents that are left out there.  Today is the deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for rest of season if the player is not signed by another club by July 22.  This is also the deadline for old clubs to send tender to their unsigned RFAs or to extend an offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights.  This is what the St. Louis Rams are up against in regards to Safety O.J. Atogwe.  The Rams have been in constant talks with the safety, but if they don't place a high tender or sign him to an extension by midnight, he will become an unrestricted free agent.  

June 1-11 begins all of the Organized Team Activities, while June 15th starts mandatory mini-camps across the NFL.  Late July is when training camps begin, and Preseason starts in August. 

Here is a list of remaining unsigned RFAs team by team:

Ginn Dealt to 49ers

Two days after the trade for WR Brandon Marshall, the Miami Dolphins are back at it again.  The Dolphins have trade the now expendable Ted Ginn to the San Francisco 49ers for a 5th-round draft pick.  The Dolphins, who have been openly disappointed with the receiver, regain a later round pick after they traded away their original one to Kansas City for QB Tyler Thigpen.  Ginn, who has not lived up to his first round draft status, has the opportunity to get a fresh start in San Fran, where they have a fairly young offense as well.  

Obviously, it was not a bad trade for either side... If Ginn can regain his 2008 form, in which he caught 56 passes and 2 touchdowns, he could possibly be a valuable addition opposite Michael Crabtree.  His main problem that he will have to focus on, is his trouble holding onto the football.  This is such a drive killer and self esteem killer, and if he can move past this problem, he still has a chance to become a serviceable slot receiver.  

Marshall Headed to Miami Dolphins

Just a day after rumors that WR Ted Ginn was on the Miami Dolphins' trading block, sources have told ESPN that the Denver Broncos will trade bad boy WR Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins for a 2nd-round pick in this year's NFL Draft, as well as a 2nd-round pick in next year's draft.  

"Marshall is scheduled to fly to Miami to take his physical and, if he passes, sign what will be one of the most lucrative wide receiver deals in NFL history, according to league sources."

Marshall, who is a one of the best receivers in the league, will help this offense greatly.  This might allow the Dolphins to hold on to Ted Ginn and allow him to hold down the slot position, which is a position he is better suited for.  This also makes the AFC East a lot more interesting, because this is a definite answer to the New York Jets' trade for the other troubled WR Santonio Holmes.  

Jason Taylor to the Jets "Close to Done"

According to the Sun Sentinel, a deal between FA LB Jason Taylor and the New York Jets is "close to done."  This deal is just waiting on a few issues that need to be worked out, but Taylor appears likely to be headed to New York.  If this proposal happens, "the deal would be for two years at $3.45 million, the maximum the Jets could pay him under the new rules for an uncapped NFL year," according to the report.  

If this happens, it would be a pretty good deal for both sides... The Jets don't have to worry too much about using a high pick this year to draft the pass rusher they have been missing, which allows them to focus on putting together their offense.  The drafting of a WR might be in order if Taylor does indeed sign.  For Taylor, who is coming off minor surgery, it gives him some security if it's a two-year deal.  Not to mention he has the opportunity to stick it to the Miami Dolphins, who did not show much interest in retaining his services.  
 

2010 NFL Mock Draft

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9)

NT Dan Williams (Tennessee)

With the injury concerns and suspension of NT Jason Ferguson, the Miami Dolphins have a glaring hole in the middle of their defensive line.  Even with the re-signing of Ferguson despite the 8 game suspension, they will make the move for Dan Williams.  Williams is the best NT in the draft, and has the potential to keep the starting spot even after Ferguson returns.   Williams has the ideal size, strength, and athleticism needed to anchor the defensive line, and although OLB is a huge question for the Dolphins, I don't see them reaching at this spot for help.  Throughout college, Williams was able to help anchor the line by absorbing multiple blockers and creating huge lanes for the linebackers.  Expect the same from him at the next level. 

(Vol Nation) 

Why he's good for the Dolphins:

As stated before, there are a lot of question marks on the Dolphins' defense.  With a lot of "tweeners" that aren't worth the reach at the number 12 pick, Bill Parcells will make the move for someone who is more of a sure thing.  With Ferguson recovering from a quadriceps injury that required surgery, I don't know if the Dolphins want to risk not having a back-up plan.  NT Paul Soliai did a decent job filling the void at that position, but he is not the answer to their problems.  

Dolphins Interested in Boldin

According to the Miami Herald, the Miami Dolphins are in the market for a WR.  Sources there are saying that it would be unlikely that they would pursue a trade with the Denver Broncos for restricted free agent, Brandon Marshall,  but that they would be interested in trading later draft picks for Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin.  Since Marshall is a restricted free agent, and would most likely be receive a large qualifying offer, it would cost the Dolphins at least a 1st round draft pick and a 3rd rounder.  This would be too much for the Dolphins to give out, and it is believed that the Dolphins may offer a 3rd rounder for Boldin.  Although, he didn't request a trade as he did last off-season, the chances of him getting traded are more likely greater now that younger WRs have stepped up and shown that they can play in that offense.     

Boldin is a great wide receiver, but I don't really see him on this team much longer.  I think that the Cardinals have more glaring needs than WR, and would love to have more draft picks in order to rebuild their defense.  Offense has never been an issue in Arizona, but in order to win games, they are going to need help on the defensive side of the ball.  Steve Breaston and Early Doucet showed that they have ability to make plays, especially in the postseason this year.  It's time for Boldin to move on and make the money he thinks he deserves.  I also think that Boldin would definitely excel in the Dolphins offense and just presents an even greater threat in the Wildcat offense.  His ability to run and pass creates another option out of that offense and if he is traded there, he has the ability to get this team into the playoffs.