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The current lockout preventing free agency moves and trades seems like a negative for teams in need of a new quarterback. All of the veterans who would otherwise be available are instead in limbo, keeping the Dolphins from addressing that position.
But Miami Herald writer Armando Salguero sees one potential benefit for teams like the Dolphins if the labor impasse stretches past next month's draft. Veteran quarterbacks like Kevin Kolb, Donovan McNabb and Vince Young should still be available once the league year begins, but now they'll come at the price of 2012, rather than 2011, draft picks.
As Salguero sees it, Miami will be able to target a developmental quarterback in the draft, perhaps dual threat Colin Kaepernick, who impressed at the Senior Bowl. Kaepernick isn't projected as a first-round pick right now, although that could change; passers often seem to rise approaching the draft.
But if they miss out on a youngster, or if they select a player who will need to be groomed for a year or two, they could then attempt to trade for a veteran, utilizing picks in next year's draft rather than this year's. The Dolphins don't have a 2011 second-round pick, so it would be tough for them to outbid another team for Kolb (who should bring at least that in a trade).
It's all pretty speculative, except for the fact that the team is almost certainly going to look to move on from Chad Henne. With the draft likely occurring before free agency, that could help the Dolphins obtain a quality veteran at a cheaper price.
Miami, of course, might be better off using a high pick on a quarterback anyway. Among the veterans they've traded for over the last decade are A.J. Feeley and Daunte Culpepper, neither of whom has worked out. In that same span they missed out on a trade for Matt Hasselbeck (reportedly they had a deal agreed to with Green Bay before changing the terms way back when), and let Drew Brees sign with New Orleans as a free agent.
--Andy Richardson
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Posted by David Kennedy | Mar. 16 at 10:27 AM
Wasnt Brees traded from San Diego to New Orleans? I dont remember him being a free agent
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Mar. 16 at 12:27 PM
Free agent. He was coming off a shoulder or arm injury and the Chargers had Philip Rivers ready to play, so they let him walk. Miami probably could have signed him, but were apparently worried about him coming back from injury. Instead they gave up a second-round pick for Daunte Culpepper, and the Saints signed Brees.