In what could prove as a pivotal move for the Miami Dolphins, Jeff Ireland traded away 4th year corner back Vontae Davis for a Second Round pick in 2013 and a conditional Sixth Round pick in 2013.
Vontae Davis struggled to climb up the depth chart this year with off season conditioning issues such as being ready for training camp, a lack of motivation to be a leader, and showing why the Dolphins selected him in 2009 as their first round choice.
Currently, Dolfans around the world of Twitter are not rejoicing for this move calling the move a sign of the Dolphins rebuilding and a willingness to alienate fans further by taking away talent and planning for future talent.
Experts such as Armando Salguero are quoted on Twitter saying that the Dolphins got “WORSE” today.
And of course, the timeline of any Dolfan wouldn’t be complete without the strong presence of #FIRELAND as the hash tag serving proof that fans feel disappointed and misled on who the Miami Dolphins are of 2012, not to mention immense anger toward Jeff Ireland!
In reality, and on paper, the Dolphins now appear limited at the corner back position. The “shutdown” corner duo of the Dolphins, Davis combined with Sean Smith, is gone now. With only Sean Smith remaining of the Smith and Davis duo, the Dolphins are left with Richard Marshall a 2012 free agent signee and Nolan Carroll to play on nickel packages.
Now comes a time where the Dolphins will attempt to turn the page by taking their draft picks and be able to have 5 picks in the first 40 slots of the draft and retool this team.
Vontae Davis had his chance, he showed the Dolphins four interceptions last year. However, when the interceptions came, the Dolphins season had gone by the wayside. Davis never showed a Pro Bowl caliber season and had a difficulty staying healthy. Even though the Dolphins signed Richard Marshall in the offseason and he may not be the answer, the Dolphins are willing to move forward from 2012 to 2013.
In addition, while Ireland pulled the trigger on the trade with a new, but yet savvy GM in Grigson of Indianapolis, I believe that Joe Philbin in his conversations with Kevin Coyle realized that Vontae was not a fit with the management and coaching style of the Joe Philbin Miami Dolphins. The move could have been orchestrated by Philbin with Ireland and owner Steve Ross’ blessing.
Now as Dolfans, we will soon find out if this move in the pre season turns out to be a blessing for the future of this team or a curse for years to come in the cellar of the AFC East.
First Brandon Marshall, Yeremiah Bell, and now Vontae Davis, what’s next for Miami?
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