*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***
Feb 18, 1997: -- Free Agent Rumblings... --
** Dolphins talking to Seattle DE McCrary
According to a report in this morning's Miami Herald, the
Dolphins are talking to free agent defensive end Michael McCrary, who
played with the Seattle Seahawks last year. McCrary, a 7th round pick
by the Seahawks out of Wake Forest in 1993, had 77 tackles and 12.5
sacks for the Seahawks last year, which put him 6th in the AFC in
total sacks.
To put it another way, if McCrary had played for the Dolphins
last year and posted those numbers, he would have lead the team in
sacks and lead all defensive linemen in tackles. He's not big for a
defensive lineman at 6'4" and 267 lbs, but he is obviously a good
speed rusher from the outside.
According to the Herald, McCrary met yesterday with defensive
line coach Gary Godette, director of football operations Bob Ackles
and director of pro personnel Tom Heckert. His agent, Michael George,
says that if the money is "equal", McCrary would prefer to sign with
Miami.
McCrary is supposed to want around $1.5 million per year and
is visiting a number of teams. He will also be visiting the Eagles,
the Falcons, the Oilers and possibly the Cowboys over the next 2
weeks.
** Dolphins talking to other free agents
The Dolphins are also supposed to be talking to Atlanta
linebacker Ron George, who is regarded as the fastest linebacker on
the market. George, who is in his 5th year in the league, started 15
games for the Falcons in 1996, and recorded 91 tackles and 2 sacks.
He was drafted in the 5th round in 1993 out of Stanford by the
Falcons, but 1996 was his first year as a regular starter.
George is 6'2" and 242 lbs and if he was a Dolphin last year,
his 91 tackles would have put him 2nd in tackles for Dolphins
linebackers, behind Zach Thomas but ahead of Dwight Hollier and Chris
Singleton.
The Dolphins are also scheduled to bring in free agent wide
receiver Kevin Williams, who was drafted by JJ for the Cowboys in
1993 and wide receiver Nate Singleton of the 49ers, who was drafted by
the Giants in 1992, but wound up with the 49ers. Neither player had
a particularly good year in 1996, but both are free agents and the
Dolphins will take a look at them.
** Free Agents Trying to talk to the Dolphins
The Herald further reported that a couple of agents had
contacted the Dolphins to express their clients' interest in possibly
coming to Miami. The two agents mentioned were Harold Lewis, who
represents Oakland's Mike Jones and Marion Ashe, who is the agent for
offensive guard Ben Coleman, who played for the Jaguars last year.
My Comments:
McCrary would be a great pickup for the defensive line, but
I'd be a little surprised if the Dolphins landed him. With stats
like his and good defensive ends in short supply in this league,
a number of other teams will be bidding for him. Unfortunately, the
Dolphins aren't in a position to get into a serious bidding war, so
they'll probably have to convince him to play for a little less money.
The reason that the Dolphins are interested in McCrary is
obvious enough. If they sign him, they get a speed-rusher that can
help the team immediately and they get the added bonus of not having
to worry about re-signing Danny Stubbs. Of course, if they can get
Stubbs *and* McCrary, they'll have two fine defensive ends on the
right side.
George is more of a gamble, but he may be one of the bargains
in the free agent market that JJ is looking for. His speed is just
what JJ wants, the only question is whether or not he has the
instincts to play outside linebacker.
Kevin Williams could help the team, particularly in the
return game, where the Dolphins have been having trouble finding a
good punt returner. OJ McDuffie was the primary punt returner last
year, but he just doesn't have the breakaway speed necessary to be a
truly dangerous return man.
Related Info:
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Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New England
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