Dolphins new logo CONFIRMED, details on uniform changes leak out as well; Ireland inks G Lance Louis

By now you all have probably seen/analyzed/bashed/approved the Miami Dolphins new logo.

If not, here it is:

This logo was originally supposed to be unveiled next month, as I reported last week, however, Nike allegedly screwed the pooch on this one, as a picture was uploaded to twitter last week with the new logo:

CEO Mike Dee has now confirmed that this is the new logo.

Initial thoughts?  Personally, I like it.  It's a more modernized version of the classic Fins logo, got rid of the dreaded helmet with an "M" on it, and toned down the color scheme, which grew darker and darker over the years.

Speaking of color schemes, details of the new uniform look have been leaked out as well. According to the Miami Herald, the Fins will go to an all white face mask this season, abandoning the aqua face mask they've traditionally used.

Speaking of aqua, the Fins will reportedly go back to the original, more faded aqua and orange look in their new uniforms. Much like the logo, the colors had grew darker over the years. Their will also be no orange alternate jersey anymore, white and aqua will be the primary jersey colors.

The complete unveiling of the uniforms will take place on April 25th, the day of the NFL Draft.

OTHER NEWS:

GM Jeff Ireland has begun to solidify the offensive line, as former Bears guard Lance Louis has been signed to a deal, according to reports.

Louis started 11 games with the Bears a season ago before suffering a season ending MCL injury. He was ranked 47th best OG by Pro Football Focus, and was the Bears best lineman before going down with the injury.

Louis probably won't be ready for OTA's in May, but is expected to be healthy for training camp in July. I'd suspect he will replace John Jerry at RG, as the team has been noncommittal on Jerry.

This is a solid move by Ireland, but don't be surprised to still see the offensive line addressed more this offseason, whether through the draft or another signing.

New logo, new (old?) color scheme, new RG? Big day for the Fins today. Who says March is a slow month?

That's all for now.

Dolphins GM Ireland back at it, "close" to reeling in another Jet; other news

General manager Jeff Ireland took a couple days off to attend the annual NFL owners meeting in Arizona.

Well, he's now back in Miami.  And he's making it known.

According to sources, New York Jets OG Brandon Moore is in Miami today and "there is a strong chance" that the Fins sign him.  Moore, 32, has started every game for the Jets since 2005.  According to Pro Football Focus, Moore played 1,086 snaps last season and ranked as one of the top players at his position.

Personally, if the Fins can steal Moore from the Jets it would be way more of a crushing blow than the Keller signing last week.  Not only has he been a staple on that offensive line since 2002, but he's a solid veteran on a team that severely lacks any leadership.  Moore would almost definitely replace John Jerry, which would seriously bolster the front five for the Fins.

One more note on Moore: You've unknowingly watched him every Friday for the last 15 weeks on Sportscenter, as he is famously the "butt fumbler" lineman that Mark Sanchez runs into.

OTHER NEWS:

• OT Eric Winston is Miami as well.  The Fins have been in talks with Winston for a couple days now, especially after Jake Long bolted for St. Louis.  Jeff Ireland has wanted Winston for some time now, in-fact, he was nearly a Dolphin last season.  Winston has made it known that Miami is his desired landing spot (he went to the University of Miami), and this may just come down to money.  Again, much like Moore, if Ireland can ink Winston the Fins offensive line would be severely improved.   

• DE Osi Umenyiora was in Atlanta today on his first visit.  No signing has been made, however, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.  The Fins have showed interest in the defensive end, as I reported to you yesterday.  We'll keep you updated on any happenings with the former New York Giant.

Dolphins looking at DE Umenyiora; Ross, Ireland speak to media

USA Today's Mike Garafolo has reported that the Dolphins and Detroit Lions, among others, have expressed interest in free agent defensive end Osi Umenyiora.  It's presumed that teams are waiting for Umenyiora's initial asking price to drop down before pursuing the 31 year old ex- New York Giant.

The Fins have been searching for someone to compliment pro-bowler Cameron Wake on the right side of the line for some time now, and a veteran like Umenyiora makes sense at the right price.

We'll keep you posted on this.


OTHER NEWS:

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and GM Jeff Ireland spoke today at the owners meeting in Arizona.

Some quotes:

• "We're younger. We're faster and its the type of team Joe [Philbin] wants to build upon and put into his system." -Steve Ross.
• "Its a continued development." -Jeff Ireland.
• "If you don't think that's what are goal is you're nuts. When its going to happen we don't know." -Steve Ross on winning a Super Bowl.
• "He was a class act. Great guy. He did a great job in Miami." -Steve Ross said of Jake Long.
• "The player acquisition period is not over. ... We’re still trying to upgrade this football team." -Jeff Ireland.
• "We knew where we were if we lost Sean. We’re not panicking. We’ve got a great plan in place." -Jeff Ireland on the loss of Sean Smith.
• CEO Mike Dee also confirmed today that the new logo and color scheme would be unveiled next month: "It will be a spectacular unveiling." The date is set for April 18th.  It is expected that, along with a new logo, the uniforms and color scheme will have slight modifications as well.

Thats it for now, stay tuned.

BREAKING: Jake Long agrees to deal with Rams

Its late, so I'll make this short.

4-yr, $36 million.  Long leaves the Fins for the money in St. Louis.  Can't blame him on this one, but can't say that I'm not surprised.

In two years, the Rams have won Jeff Fisher, Jake Long, and Jared Cook from the Dolphins.  The Fins have won Brandon Gibson and a game in October.

There are three starting OTs still available in free agency: Andre Smith, Sebastian Vollmer, and Eric Winston.

Expect the Fins to push hard for one of these three.

More tomorrow.

BREAKING: Dolphins and WR Brandon Gibson agree to terms

Jeff Ireland is back at it today.

Just hours after signing TE Dustin Keller, the Fins GM has inked former Rams WR Brandon Gibson. The terms of the deal are not yet known.

Ironically, Gibson's best game last year came against the Fins in Sun Life Stadium, where he caught 7 passes for 91 yards.

The Fins receiving core now has a deep threat (Mike Wallace), two solid possession receivers (Brian Hartline and Gibson), and one of the best slot receivers in football (Davone Bess). Not to mention a legitimate TE in Dustin Keller.

Not to bad. However, not done yet.

More to come.

BREAKING: Dolphins, TE Dustin Keller agree to deal

This one has been three days in the making.

In-fact, Keller left Miami yesterday UNSIGNED.  Sources blamed this on Keller wanting a multiple year deal, while GM Jeff Ireland refused due to his injury plagued year a season ago.

Well, like he has most of this offseason, Ireland won again just moments ago.

According to multiple sources, Keller and the Dolphins have reached a one year, $4.25 million deal.

Keller, 29 in September, has 241 catches in the 72 NFL games he's played the past five seasons. He was the New York Jets first round draft pick in 2008.

I've begged the Fins for an upgrade at the tight end position for years now, and, as long as Keller stays healthy, they have absolutely found one.  Not to mention that this weakens an AFC East rival in the New York Jets.

More to come.

Smith signs with Chiefs, Fins in talks with Keller, Bennett; WR Gibson on his way

CB Sean Smith, who the Fins drafted in 2009, signed a 3 year, $18 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs today.  It's interesting that the Fins wouldn't match this deal, because it's well within their budget right now.  This tells me one of two things:

Jeff Ireland has something else up his pocket, or they are content with addressing this need in the draft.

In other news, TE Dustin Keller remains in Miami today, as he and the Fins continue to try to hammer out a deal.  I wish I could tell you something else, but that really is the absolute latest in regards to Keller.

DE Michael Bennett has been in Miami today on his first official free agent visit.  The 27 year old Tampa Bay Buccaneer is one of the more dynamic pass rushers in the league, racking up nine sacks a season ago, and would make the Fins defensive line perhaps the most stout in the league if he were to sign.  While Miami is in the drivers seat right now, Bennett does have a visit to Detroit lined up as well.

WR Brandon Gibson left New York today and is en route to Miami to visit with the Dolphins.  The Rams free agent had a good season last year (51 catches for 691 yards and five touchdowns), and would be a solid addition for Ryan Tannehill and the Fins offense.

That's all for right now, stay tuned for any breaking news!

Wes Welker officially out of AFC East

Adam Schefter has reported that Wes Welker and the Broncos have agreed to terms, effectively ending his career in New England.

The deal is for 2 years worth $12 million.

THANK GOD.

Cue the Wizard of Oz "the witch is dead" song here.

More to come.

TE Dustin Keller getting physical in Miami; Fins remain hopeful on Long

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, TE Dustin Keller, who has been in Miami all day, may be closing in on a deal.

This from Salguero:

"TE Dustin Keller Is now getting a physical and if all checks out afterwords the club and his agent will talk terms."

Also, Salguero writes that the Fins "remain hopeful" to sign Jake Long. A report came out an hour ago linking Long to the Rams as a done deal, but that has since been denied.

More to come.

BREAKING: Long (probably) to Rams, Bush to Lions, smoke from the Vatican

Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel has reported that LT Jake Long has agreed to terms with the St. Louis Rams.  This comes as little surprise as I reported this morning that Long was in St. Louis getting a physical.

[UPDATE: Jake Long has NOT signed a deal yet, still doing his physical.  Just speculation right now]

I also reported that Reggie Bush was in Detroit today.  Well, he's now going to be there for good, as he and the Lions have also agreed to a contract.

In the last 24 hours the Fins have lost Jake Long, Reggie Bush, Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett, while gaining Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe, Chris Clemons, and Phillip Wheeler.

How about that for turnover, huh?

Also, TE Dustin Keller remains in Miami, where he'll reportedly get the "full treatment" from the Fins, including a meet, and "dinner at a nice place," according to Armando Salguero.  However, the source declined to say whether or not he'll be signed.

One more piece of news.  RB Rashard Mendenhall has agreed to a deal with the Arizona Cardinals today.  He was one of Miami's targets.

And, of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that white smoke has rose from the Vatican today, signaling that a new Pope has indeed been named.

Riveting.

Wallace introduced (video) PLUS free agency update

Mike Wallace was officially introduced this morning as a Miami Dolphin.  What?  You didn't see it?

Good thing I have the video for you, courtesy of miamidolphins.com:

http://www.miamidolphins.com/media/videos/Mike-Wallace-Introductory-Press-Conference/abe95cec-7870-404e-9298-59183bea7947


FREE AGENCY UPDATE:

• TE Dustin Keller is in Miami today visiting with the Fins.  Tight End is a GLARING need for this team right now (and has been for a while), and adding Keller would take care of that.  

Personally, I believe Keller is a mega upgrade over Anthony Fasano, maybe not in the blocking department, but absolutely in the athleticism/pass catching/playmaking department.  If Ireland can ink Keller it would be just as important as all the signings yesterday.

• LT Jake Long is getting a physical today in St. Louis.  If the Rams like what they see expect them to make a move on Long.  

• RB Reggie Bush is in Detroit today.  The Lions have reportedly told him he could be their every down running back.  My guess is this will ultimately be enough to bring Bush to Detroit.

• CB Sean Smith isn't drawing near as much attention on the market as some, including his agent, originally thought.  

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald: 

"If Smith isn't done by the end of the day, it will strongly suggest no team is willing to do that kind of deal for him. And with each passing hour, the chances of Smith returning to the Dolphins increase because, well, his market shrinks and looks closer to what Miami valued the player at. So today is huge for Sean Smith."

• A couple names to monitor today: WR Brandon Gibson, OL Eric Winston, CB Derek Cox, and CB Antoine Cason.

Keep checking back, we've got another big day coming up for the Miami Dolphins!


[UPDATE: The Lions and Reggie Bush have agreed to a 4 year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter]  

Free Agency: Day 1 recap

In the words of the late, great Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich, let me reinsert my eyeballs.

What a day for the Miami Dolphins.

Defensively, Miami added Dannell Ellerbe from the defending champion Ravens, and Phillip Wheeler from the Raiders.  Ellerbe's contract is worth 5 years at $34.75 million, while Wheeler's stands at 5 years and $26 million.

While these two were added, the Fins cut ties with two of their more outspoken leaders on the team in Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby.  Both are coming off fine seasons, but both are older and more expensive than Ellerbe and Wheeler.  That's the NFL for you, folks.  It's a rough, rough business.

The signing of Ellerbe shocked almost everyone involved, but at the end of the day, I believe the Fins got arguably the best defender in this years free agent class.  Didn't expect that, Mr. Ireland.  Kudos.

The Dolphins also brought back safety Chris Clemons on a one year deal today. Clemons is coming off a career year for the Fins, but I wouldn't be surprised if Jeff Ireland is still making calls to the Charles Woodson camp.

Offensively, the Dolphins made the biggest splash of the day, and they did it just minutes after the new league year began.  WR Mike Wallace signed a 5 year, $60 million deal, with $30 million in guaranteed money.  That makes Wallace the third highest paid receiver in the NFL, behind only Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald.

Some say the Fins "overpaid" for Wallace...

Uh, duh.

Name me one WR in the NFL who isn't overpaid.  The difference here is, a) Wallace fills a HUGE need on offense, and b) the Dolphins had PLENTY of money to be able to afford to overpay him.

I told you last month that Wallace should absolutely be the number one target for GM Jeff Ireland, and he went out and got his man.  That's something Ireland has been notorious for not doing in years past, and today he did it.  I give him an A+ for day one.

As for tomorrow, look for the Fins to make some noise in the TE department, either with Dustin Keller, or Brandon Myers.  Why?  Well, they lost Anthony Fasano today to the Kansas City Chiefs and they lost out on Jared Cook to the Rams.  I love this, because now the Fins are FORCED to upgrade at the position, something I've been screaming for them to do for three years now.

Also keep your eye on WR Brandon Gibson, Wes Welker, CB Charles Woodson, and CB Captain Munnerlyn.  Not saying any of them will be signed, but the possibility is out there.

So, the recap:


Additions:  Wallace, Ellerbe, Wheeler, Clemons

Subtractions:  Dansby, Burnett

Holding pattern:  Long, Smith


Time to sleep.

Cook signs with Rams; Fins to release Dansby

And so it continues.

In the last three hours, the Miami Dolphins have signed Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe, and Chris Clemons, lost out on Jared Cook, and released MLB Karlos Dansby.

Whew.

The releasing of Dansby makes sense after the Ellerbe signing, as it will create a cap saving of $3.9 million.  Simply put, the Fins get cheaper and younger at MLB with Ellerbe over Dansby.

That's life in the NFL.

With Jared Cook off to St. Louis, and Anthony Fasano now in Kansas City, my guess is Miami will focus its efforts towards TE's Dustin Keller and Brandon Myers.

Keep coming back!

BREAKING: Dolphins reach deal with Ravens LB Dannell Ellerbe

Jeff Ireland is not meesing around today.  This one is huge.

And I'm not sure anybody saw it coming.

According to sources, the Dolphins have reached a deal with Ravens LB Dannell Ellerbe.

The numbers are reportedly 5 years at $35 million.

More to come.

Dolphins in play for Titans TE Jared Cook; resign S Chris Clemons

The Fins are no where near done yet.

According to Jeff Darlington, Safety Chris Clemons has been resigned by the team for a one year deal. I still wouldn't rule out Charles Woodson to be a player here, as the Fins were originally skeptical about bringing Clemons back.

Miami is also one of three teams left as a possible landing spot for Titans TE Jared Cook.  Reports indicate that, while the Browns are a possibility, this one will come down to the Rams and Dolphins.

More to come.

BREAKING: Anthony Fasano, Chiefs agree to deal

This from Adam Schefter:

"Chiefs reached agreement in principle on a four-year deal with former Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano."

I suspect this will lead to more "Jared Cook to Miami" talks in the coming hours.

Stay tuned.

BREAKING: Miami Dolphins, Mike Wallace agree to deal

Jeff Ireland, we FINALLY raise a glass to you, fine sir.

Finally.

Finally, finally, finally.

Ryan Tannehill has a new number one receiver to play catch with this season, and his name is Mike Wallace.

Just moments ago, the Sun Sentinel reported that the Dolphins and Wallace have agreed upon a 5 year deal in which Wallace will be paid $13 million a year.

According to Omar Kelly of the Sentinel, "the Dolphins will pay Wallace five-years, $65 million with $30 million guaranteed. The numbers have not been confirmed."

Stay tuned for more.

[UPDATE: According to Jeff Darlington, Wide receiver Mike Wallace is expected to arrive at the Dolphins' facility to sign his contract at around 6 p.m.]

The LATEST on Free Agency as new league year just hours away

4:00 pm is soooooo close I can taste it.

The rumor mill surrounding the Miami Dolphins is churning faster and more ferocious than it has, since, well, ever.

The names on it include Charles Woodson, Reshard Mendenhall, Jared Cook, Brandon Gibson, and...

Oh yeah, WR Mike Wallace.

Nothing can officially happen until 4:01 ET, but I will have updates throughout the afternoon on any reports that surface between now and then.  So, until that happens, hear's a quick 2013 free agency primer for your Miami Dolphins.


WR Mike Wallace:  This is obviously the big one.  A report surfaced last night via the Palm Beach Post that Wallace to the Dolphins was essentially a "done deal."  While that all sounds great and good, I implore you to proceed with caution here.  Yes, the Fins are the clear team to beat for Wallace, but, ahem, do you remember Peyton Manning last season?  They were the team to beat out of the gate for him too, and, uh, that didn't really pan out.

One team to watch here will be the Minnesota Vikings.  They are reportedly pursuing Wallace as well, especially after shipping off WR Percy Harvin to the Seahawks yesterday.  An NBC Sports report came out this morning saying the Vikings could potentially offer Wallace upwards of $13 million a year.  If this is true, it will be interesting to see whether or not Jeff Ireland calls that bluff.  Personally, if I'm Ireland, I DO NOT let Wallace get away here.

But we'll see.


S Charles Woodson:  Both ESPN and the Sun Sentinel have reported that the Fins are looking at the 37 year old Woodson.  This makes sense seeing as current S Chris Clemons, will be allowed to walk away in a couple hours.  Woodson is old, yes, but offers experience, veteran leadership, and still has plenty left in the tank.


TE Jared Cook:  According to Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel, Titans TE Jared Cook is high on the Fins list.  Cook is an excellent receiving tight end, and would provide Tannehill with a huge upgrade over Anthony Fasano down the middle of the field.


RB Rashard Mendenhall:   According to a report from NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah, there is a "lot of buzz" about the Dolphins interest in Mendenhall right now.  With Reggie Bush all but out of Miami, and Lamar Miller expected to take over, Mendenhall would be a fine option to come in and supplement the second year man out of Miami.


WR Brandon Gibson:  The Dolphins are reportedly in serious talks with Brandon Gibson, according to Adam H. Beasley of The Miami Herald.  Gibson, 25, set career-highs with 691 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2012 with the St. Louis Rams.   I view Gibson as only a fallback option for the Fins if they don't land Wallace, personally, but hey, the more the merrier.


CB Captain Munnerlyn:  According to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers two biggest priorities this offseason are Munnerlyn and Dwan Edwards (to re-sign, that is). According to Person, the Dolphins are interested in Munnerlyn, who is coming off a very solid season in Carolina.  Current CB Sean Smith seems more likely to walk rather than be resigned by the Fins, so keep an eye on this one.


The countdown is on, we are under the four hour mark, so keep checking back throughout the day as the Miami Dolphins are set to begin their 2013 season!

Fins resign Hartline, Moore

The Miami Dolphins continued their offseason resigning's today, as they inked WR Brian Hartline to a new, 5 year/$30.775M deal, with $12.5M guaranteed.

Resigning Hartline, who is coming off a career year, is a HUGE win for GM Jeff Ireland, as he's now brought back one of Ryan Tannehill's biggest weapons from last year, and ensured that the two will be together for the foreseeable future.

Some people may complain that Ireland "overpaid" on this one..

NO! Don't even go there, Dolfans. This needed to happen, and it did. Move on.

The other signing Ireland made today was bringing back QB Matt Moore. The 2011 MVP turned 2012 backup has been a mentor for Ryan Tannehill, and bringing him back will not only allow Moore to continue that, but also give the Fins some piece of mind should Tannehill go down.

Free agency starts next week, folks.

Things are about to get crazy.

Don't miss it.

Dolphins franchise Randy Starks

It's spring break, this blog has been on hiatus for about a month now, but when the Fins make news in the offseason I'm always game to report it.

And they made their first big news today.

According to reports, the Dolphins have indeed placed the franchise tag on Randy Starks, guaranteeing him $8.45 million for 2013.

This means that other free agents like Brian Hartline, Jake Long, and Sean Smith are now free to leave Miami. Does this mean they will or won't be resigned? Absolutely not.

But, this means they won't be franchised.

The new league year starts next week, so this blog will be up and running again around then.

It's going to be a big offseason for these Miami Dolphins, so tune in!