Plaxico and the Dolphins, would it make sense?

Jun. 06 News and Notes 2 comments ---Bill

This morning Plaxico Burress was released from prison and immediately fans of the Miami Dolphins began to wonder if he would be a good fit with the Dolphins.  Adding to the fuel was Adam Schefter (and others) mentioning that Miami would be a potential landing spot for the previously imprisoned wide receiver.

Burress was released from prison earlier today after serving his 20 month sentence for shooting himself in the leg, in public.  Well, technically the prison sentence was for having the gun in the club in the first place….not really for shooting himself.  He hasn’t caught a pass since midway through the 2008 season.  Additionally, he’s said to have lost weight while in prison, so he’s nowhere near game shape.  However, Burress can thank the NFL Lockout for making his transition back into football, a little bit easier.  You see, no teams have been able to address their needs this offseason, other than through the draft.  So there will be buyers in the Plaxico isle.  It also helps Plax that the Lockout is still ongoing, giving him time to re-set his life and begin training for the NFL 2011 season.

The big question for the Dolphins is 1. whether or not Plax can be the player he was before going to prison, and 2. is he really necessary at this point?  The first question is harder to answer from the Dolphins perspective, but Plax does have about 3 months to get ready for the 2011 season….Remember though, those 3 months will go by quickly between his training, finding a new team, and learning whatever new offensive system he goes into.  He’ll be able to help a team in 2011, but it’s hard to say how much.

For the Dolphins, they currently have a roster that includes Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, Edmond Gates (R), Marlon Moore, and Roberto Wallace.  The Dolphins will likely take 5 receivers (MAYBE 6), meaning that 1-2 of these players will not be able to be on the 2011 roster.  If he can regain his old form, he could be a weapon for the Dolphins in the redzone, so it’s at least worth “kicking the tires”.  Another option at WR, should the Dolphins believe it’s necessary, would be Mike Sims-Walker, who has already expressed interest in joining the Dolphins.  What do you think, should the Dolphins add another WR?

 

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  • ohiodolpfan

    i think Plax would be a nice addition. taking into consideration that he has size and is a known red zone killer, two things miami needs that marshall didnt do so well. I dont think Gates should be tossed in to the offense right out of the gate, if you look at the past wr’s that were drafted that has a lot of speed they didnt fair so well in the nfl. most recent was Hayward-Bay. I say let gates spend time behind marshall, bess, hartline and plax is we pick him up and let him concentrate on special teams….something miami is lacking since ginn was traded. I think simms will come with a higher price tag and lacks the size and vertical that plax has.

    • http://www.phinnation.com Bill

      I don’t disagree. Is WR a big need right now? No. We need a RB, a QB to compete with Henne, a pass rushing OLB, and maybe OL depth. BUT, what if Brandon got hurt for any extended period of time…or suspended for who knows what? Having another proven WR like Plax or Mike Sims Walker would help. In an ideal world, a low cost flyer on Plax might work, but in reality, I just don’t think the Phins will bit on it.