If there were one area of the Miami Dolphins’ roster that didn’t need a ton of help, fans would probably point to the wide receiver position. And they’re right — given the career resurgence of DeVante Parker and the promising start by undrafted rookie Preston Williams, the Dolphins aren’t exactly hurting at the wide receiver position.
But with a difficult decision looming over WR Albert Wilson and injury issues aplenty for the likes of Jakeem Grant, Allen Hurns and even the aforementioned Williams, no position should be considered “safe” from an upgrade. Even wide receiver.
Which is what makes the prediction by ESPN’s Rich Cimini so intriguing. Cimini penned several offseason objectives for the New York Jets today — and among them was to not overpay for standout WR Robby Anderson. Cimini went on to predict that Anderson would leave New York to come play in Miami for his former wide receivers coach, Karl Dorrell.
Here’s what Cimini had to say about Anderson’s current prognosis as a pro:
Anderson is expected to seek a contract that will pay him at least $14 million a year, which would put him in the top 15 among wide receivers. The Jets are justifiably hesitant to go that high. While he has made nice strides in recent weeks, demonstrating a willingness to fight for contested balls, Anderson hasn’t elevated himself to the point where he deserves to be paid like a star.
He’s never had a 1,000-yard season, he’s not a red zone threat and he’s a slow starter. There’s also some concern about his off-the-field habits, even though he has stayed out of trouble for nearly two years. – Rich Cimini, ESPN
The $14M per season payout is a steep one, even for a team like the Dolphins, who are projected to enter this offseason with the most cap space in the NFL. That figure would be $4M more per season than what the Dolphins just paid out to DeVante Parker on his recent extension.
The prospect of adding Anderson is an exciting one, but not at that financial commitment for Miami. The Dolphins have pledged to be aggressive, so expect them to spend. And Anderson will turn 27 years old in May, so he’s the appropriate age for a young Dolphins team looking to establish a young core and grow into a competitor together. Heck, Anderson attended South Planation High School in Broward County, too — there are plenty of dots to connect between Anderson and the Dolphins between that and his relationship with Dorrell.
But if the Dolphins are going to sign Anderson and Cimini’s prediction is to come true, it will have to be because Anderson finds his salary demands are too rich for the collective NFL. Then, and only then, would this signing make sense for the Dolphins.
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