Does Something Lurk Behind WR Hurns Signing?
Allen Hurns was a surprise signing to a squad that seemed full
A couple of days ago, the Dolphins signed receiver Allen Hurns to a one year contract worth up to $3 million.
A bit of a surprise.
Hurns is coming off a devastating leg injury last year with the Dallas Cowboys. The hope is he’ll rejuvenate his career with the Miami Dolphins. Entering his 6th year in the league, he has underperformed since his breakout 2nd season in 2015 where he had 64 receptions for 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Brian Flores and Chris Grier are taking a flyer on Hurns to see if he can return to form.
Unfortunately, over the past three seasons, Hurns hasn’t been able to top even 500 receiving yards, 40 catches, or more than 3 touchdowns in any of those seasons. Most of the top best bookie software services would say that 3 seasons in a row of sub-par production is probably what to expect instead of returning to his 2015 form.
But a cheap roll of the dice is the formula for this regime’s team building formula.
Considering that the one-year contract is UP to $3 million, you can bet that his contract is loaded with performance goals. They will milk this once-promising receiver to the contract’s value or they’ll move on. The ‘prove it deal’ is a smart and fiscally responsible move on the Dolphins part. If this can’t motivate Hurns nothing will.
So on paper, this is a low-risk move with a chance for a high reward for Miami. However is there something more behind this Wide Receiver signing?
The odd part to this is the Dolphins already have a pretty crowded WR unit with some decent depth and talent. So why sign another wideout when other positions that could use an infusion of talent?
Could there be an internal concern that injuries at the receiver need to be headed off at the pass?
Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant are playmaking receivers that ended the year on IR. After a long recovery, they are fighting to get back on the field after a serious injury.
This type of recovery isn’t always a smooth transition.
So far in Training Camp, both have been practicing. However, both players are being eased in live reps… Albert on a very slow track. Could the higher-ups have decided that the chances are good that either Wilson and Grant won’t be ready for the start of the season?
Maybe the Hurns addition is more about insurance than talent?
Also given Parker has been ‘Mr. Glass’ for his career, could Flores have 3 receivers to worry about by the end of Preseason?
This ‘live body strain’ on the receiving group could give a real opportunity to Brice Butler, Isaiah Ford, and Preston Williams to make the team because IF Parker, Albert, and Grant are healthy, receiver spots will be in short supply.
Good news is so far, Butler has shinned in camp.
At the very least this signing of Hurns will just add to the competition at wide receiver, which is something this coaching staff believes strongly in. While the wide receiver unit became a bit more crowded… it is also more interesting. This position battle will be one of many to keep a close eye.
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about their recent signing of Hurns, and what this might imply for others at this position?
