Getting Dan Connolly should be Number one on the List

The Dolphins know that they still have some more holes to fill on their roster, so they are not yet finished scouring the free-agent market to find players that can upgrade their roster. Last off-season the Dolphins did an entire makeover of their offensive line, and it was evident that the offensive line was markedly improved from the 2013 season. Even though the offensive line improved, there is still plenty of work to be done, because of how disastrously bad they were 2 seasons ago. The Dolphins still need at least 1 guard, and probably 2 so Billy Turner has some healthy competition.

One player that the Dolphins are very interested in, that is still on the market is 32-year-old Dan Connolly who played guard for the rival New England Patriots last season. Since 2012 he has started all 43 regular-season games and has the versatility to play guard or center. Not only has Connolly been consistently good and healthy for the last 3 seasons, but he would kill two birds with one stone. The first bird would be filling a major need at guard, and most pay per head review sites would say that he would be an upgrade over all of the guards Miami had playing for them last season. The second bird would be that the division rival New England Patriots would be losing a solid starter, who protects their precious Tom Brady. Every other team in the division has signed a player from another team in the division, so there is no reason why Miami should not, considering that this player in question would fill a major need.

There are a couple of other teams that are also interested in Connolly’s services such as the Seahawks, Buccaneers, Bears, and the Patriots. Miami has announced that they have decided to not match the Bills contract for Clay, but even if they kept him Tannehill does not have time to throw the ball to him because he is constantly running for his life or spending his time throwing from his back, then it does not matter who is catching passes. This means getting a solid offensive lineman on the squad then I would say that passing on Clay is the right decision and that the Dolphins should immediately sign Connolly, which would be a major upgrade on the offensive line, and as a result, it would help Tannehill, the passing game and the running game.

So basically I would say that Connolly is someone the Dolphins need more than Clay. What does the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans think about closing a deal with Connolly and the decision to let go of Clay? Which would you choose if you were Hickey?

7 comments

  • Hey!1 If they can Connolly, Just think then they can go for a top running back to go with our running back, this would be like a start to Warefield and Kick, day’s… Then we can get a BIG tight-end
    that would be answer to a Czonka like backfield. Then go for linebackers, a safety, and a corner!! The runner from OHIO STATE, he RUN”S DOWNHILL with SPEED. He is better than the Heisman winner this year.

  • Lets put together a proven line, this year or next year, but we need a Connolly or a draft choice that we can get in the first round. if we can get a contender from first round in the draft to save money on the cap then we must do so. Remember we need help on both sides of the field!! Plus another tight -end ,a running back to go with N.M. and a corner. I am sure there are linebackers available this year. Lets be smart in who we draft and pick up on free agency. We cannot have it all in one year! Baby steps chosen wisely, Making the play-offs is and should be 1st goal. Then we really can see our team come together. Without trading the people we get in 2015. We have contract for Q.B. coming up. We need to coach and develop some rookies. There are many teams ahead of us, so we must plan wisely. In two years we will be were we want to be!!! I don’t pretend to know how our cap is, but we are on the right track!

  • Dunner

    I like the idea of getting both Connolly and Mathis. They are on the wrong side of 30, but for two years I think they both would be very serviceable. I believe the Eagles probably did contact Miami about their interest in Mathis, I also think Miami believes Philly will eventually cut Mathis. One would be nice, both would clear up our draft board a little bit, at least for rounds 1 & 2.

  • ralph

    We have to sign a guard in free agency or trade for one
    we cannot fill all our holes in the draft
    Dan Connolly or Mathis from the Eagles would be 2 good additions that will help improve our OL
    I think we could take both if for some reason somehow both become available to the Dolphins
    Connolly is easier since he is a free agent – We should be aggressively pursuing his services.
    Mathis would require a trade but I for one would give the Eagles Jordan for Mathis plus a second round pick, and then we should make it contingent on Mathis restructuring his contract with us.
    This is a very important facet of the game. We must give Tannehill more time