Could the Dolphins Have a Secret Deal in Place with the Bengals?
The Miami Dolphins seem to be sending new smokescreens every 2-3 days about which QB they are targeting in the 2020 NFL Draft. One rumor/smokescreen/possibility has been that the Dolphins are eager to trade up to #1 overall to draft Joe Burrow.
Most have scoffed at this possibility as the move would likely mean giving up a LOT of draft resources. One theory suggests that the Dolphins would first have to move up to #3 (trading with the Lions), and then vaulting up to #1. The reason for this being that the Bengals don’t want to drop all the way to #5 and miss on their next favorite QB target.
This theory sounds logical, if the Bengals have another QB in the class graded close to Joe Burrow or perhaps the Bengals think that Justin Herbert of Tua fit Zac Taylor’s offense better than Burrow. But the Bengals would want to ensure that they get their guy (not named Burrow) in any trade down scenario.
Since we live in a very unpredictable world right now, where nothing seems to crazy or outlandish, we have an unorthodox idea for how this trade could work. No need to comment that this scenario is unlikely or improbable or has never happened before. I’ve never been stuck in my house for 5+ weeks without the ability to go to the liquor store without a mask on.
Here’s the idea: Is it possible that the Dolphins and Bengals have already had discussions and possibly agreed to a trade for the #1 pick? The trade could be contingent on how the draft plays out. Stay with me here.
No trade would be announced until AFTER the Dolphins select at #5. The Bengals take Joe Burrow at #1 overall then we see how the draft shakes out. If the Bengals QB target is on the board the #5, the Dolphins could select him and trade him and other assets to the Bengals for Burrow. Maybe the Dolphins selection at #5, #26, and a 1st rounder in 2021. This would lessen the cost, as the Dolphins wouldn’t first have to get to #3 and would lessen the risk for the Bengals dropping down.
This was kind of what happened with Eli Manning and the Chargers/Giants trade, although the primary driver for that trade was Eli’s unwillingness to play in San Diego. The Chargers took Eli then when the Giants were on the clock, they agreed to a trade and selected Phil Rivers at the Chargers direction; Then the trade was completed.
Now, if the Bengals QB target is off the board by the time the Dolphins are on the clock, the deal would be off. Again, I’m not saying this is likely, however this is the type of creative thinking that would have to happen to get Joe Burrow to Miami at a POTENTIALLY discounted cost.
Thankfully, we’ll all find out how the draft shakes out in just a matter of hours.
Offer Detroit #56 & X Howard with Mia paying this yrs salary on Howard (he’s already on the books and they’re still well over the cap-buying draft picks more or less) they’d still be able to draft Okudah and have a nice secondary on the cheap. Howard has missed a little more than 1/3 of his games anyway and with Mia going younger he’s likely to get dealt or released next yr anyway. Throw in an early 5th rdr if needed. Now Mia would be at #3.
Give Cincy #3 & 26, 2nd rdr 2021 & Rosen (with Mia paying Rosen’s remaining contract salary, more or less buying draft capitol once again). Now you got Burrow.
That leaves Miami with #1 Burrow, 18, 39 & 70 in the top 3 rds with a very good shot at trading back from 18 and gaining surely another 2nd rdr back or at least another 3rd for only moving back a few spots. Miami would have THEIR GUY and still at least 3 more top picks where 2 of then could easily be moved to gain more picks either this or next yr. And they’d only be giving up a 2nd from next yrs draft in this scenario…