Not sure why news involving the Miami Dolphins always breaks late at night….but it happened again.  Late last night reports began to surface about Brandon Marshall and an alleged incident that involved Marshall punching a woman in the face.  Let me first say that in America, we are all innocent until proven guilty.  In Marshall’s case, given his history, his presumed innocence is shaky at best.  The alleged incident took place over the weekend and is most likely the reason that Marshall was finally traded away from the Miami Dolphins.

Innocent or not, the fact that Marshall’s name was going to be out in the news again for violence against a woman, was probably the last straw with the Dolphins.  Even though the Dolphins had been working on the trade with the Bears for a few weeks, this was probably the tipping point for the Dolphins front office.  In retrospect, the deal to get 2 third round picks doesn’t seem so bad after all, does it?  After all, if this story does turn out to be true, the NFL could take action against Marshall.  AND, if the NFL takes action, it will be the 3rd strike for Brandon and could lead to a 1 year suspension.  So getting 2 third round picks for a guy that could be suspended sounds like a pretty good deal.

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The Miami Dolphins clearly had a plan entering free agency.  It may not be the plan that Dolphins fans necessarily agree with, but it’s a plan and it’s the front office’s job to make the team better.  As of this second, the Dolphins have reached out to players they are interested in…..and traded away their best offensive player for 2 third round draft picks.  As much as I want to jump on Ireland for his inactivity today, I keep telling myself to be patient and to let the process play out.

The Dolphins have a meeting tomorrow with Eric Winston, possibly the best RT free agent available.  That’s good.  You know that’s good because he chose to come to Miami first, before visiting the other 9 teams that are interested in him.  The Dolphins are also meeting with CB/FS Richard Marshall, formally of the Panthers.  Marshall is not a household name, but people in the know say that he is a quality defensive back that could be used as a nickel corner or at free safety.

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Last night, news broke around 11pm that Peyton Manning had met with the Miami Dolphins in Indianapolis.  This morning, it seems that every reporter is downplaying the Dolphins meeting with Manning.  Adam Schefter of ESPN believes the Dolphins are ‘not a viable option’ at this point for Manning.  Schefter contends that the Broncos, Cardinals, and Titans have more to offer than the Dolphins.  Jeff Darlington of NFL Networks believes that the Dolphins visit with Manning was simply out of courtesy.  Meanwhile, Armando Salguero contends that the National Media is conducting an ‘assault on the Dolphins’.

Here’s the question though, why?  Are the Dolphins truly a long shot at this point?  If so, will they learn this quickly enough to still conduct business in free agency?  Or will they sit back and wait, believing they are truly in the Manning race?  After all, Matt Flynn and 600 other free agents become available at 4pm this afternoon.  John Clayton said this morning that he expects Peyton’s decision by tomorrow or Thursday.  The Dolphins would be wise to conduct business as usual while they wait for Manning’s decision.

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When we first heard that Peyton Manning would meet with Miami Dolphins coach, Joe Philbin, we thought it might be a bit of a facade….a pity meeting.  However, according to Armando Salguero, the Dolphins meeting with Manning seems to be legit and more formal than we originally thought.

What once sounded like a purely X’s and O’s discussion between Philbin and possibly Mike Sherman, now sounds like it will include Jeff Ireland and possibly Dolphins owner, Stephen Ross.   Mando says that the meeting will not take place in South Florida.  I find this a little odd since Manning is currently residing in South Florida.  However, we have no idea where the meeting is and neither does anyone else!

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The Miami Dolphins were viewed as the favorites to sign Peyton Manning before he was officially released by the Colts.  Even up until Friday, the Dolphins were still considered the favorites.  Who thought they were the favorites?  Chris Mortensen, Adam Schefter, and Jason LaCanfora, and others believed it was the Dolphins game to lose.  Mortensen said on Thursday night that he expected Manning to choose a new team within 3-4 days.  Conservatively, that would put Manning’s decision around Monday/Tuesday.

Then, this weekend came around and Peyton met with the Denver Broncos on Friday/Saturday and the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday/Sunday.  Now, Mortensen and Schefter both contend that it’s essentially down to the Broncos and Cardinals, with the Dolphins fading into the distance.  It’s been widely reported that Manning did not discuss contracts with either team. Further, the ESPN insiders suggest that Manning’s decision could last another week.  Following all of that?  It just doesn’t add up.  If Manning has narrowed his choices to the Broncos and Cardinals, why would he extend that time he needed to make his decision?

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