The Miami Dolphins, now fully aware that Peyton Manning will sign elsewhere, have turned their attention to a consolation prize: Green Bay backup quarterback Matt Flynn.Flynn is planning to visit the Dolphins, likely on Saturday, after spending Thursday evening and part of Friday with the Seattle Seahawks.
As for Manning, sources confirmed that his camp informed the Dolphins that they are no longer under consideration by the four-time league MVP. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported that Denver, Arizona and Tennessee are still in the running and added, “You notice we did not mention the Miami Dolphins?”
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, in his only public comments since Manning was released March 7, told CNBC he personally was “very involved” in the Manning pursuit, despite perceptions to the contrary.
An associate of Flynn could not rule out Flynn signing with Seattle before he flies to Miami. (Chad Henne this week signed during his trip to Jacksonville and canceled his trip to Seattle.) But it would be somewhat surprising if Flynn did that.
It likely would take a very big, perhaps take-it-or-leave-it offer – and strong indication that Seattle wants him to be their starter – for Flynn to consider not following through on his trip to South Florida.
The Dolphins expect him to visit, knowing he has interest in the team and high regard for Dolphins coach Joe Philbin from their time together the past four years, when Philbin served as the Packers’ offensive coordinator.
Flynn believes he would thrive in the West Coast style offense that will be used by Philbin and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. But he also would be very comfortable in Seattle’s West Coast offense.
And the Seahawks have far more cap space, reportedly $30 million. The Dolphins are believed to have in the $4 million to $5 million range and very likely need to create more room.
Like Miami, the Seahawks also have familiarity with Flynn; Seattle general manager John Schneider was part of the Packers’ front office when Green Bay drafted him in the seventh round in 2008, out of LSU.
Money will obviously be a huge factor, but so will his belief about where he has a better chance to start. The Dolphins would like to upgrade over Matt Moore, and the Seahawks have been looking for competition for Tarvaris Jackson.
Flynn, 26, has spent four seasons as Aaron Rodgers’ backup and was very impressive in two starts. He went 24 for 37 for 251 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception in a 2010 game at New England, which the Packers lost 31-27.
He was 31 for 44 for 480 yards, with six touchdowns and one interception, in a 45-41 Packers win against Detroit to close last season.
His overall career totals: 82 for 132 for 1,015 yards passing, nine touchdowns, five interceptions, two lost fumbles and a 92.5 rating.
For perspective, Moore had 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season and an 87.1 rating.
In other developments Thursday:
• The Dolphins signed veteran offensive lineman Artis Hicks, 33, to a one-year, $2 million deal. Hicks, who started three games for Cleveland last year and 10 for Washington in 2010, could end up competing for a starting job at right tackle or right guard.
• Miami re-signed No. 3 running back Steve Slaton to a one-year deal; he ran for 84 yards on 24 carries in 2011. The Dolphins also re-signed Ryan Baker, meaning they likely will retain all of their 2011 defensive linemen except Kendall Langford, who visited St. Louis and plans to meet with Cincinnati.
• The Dolphins were very close to completing a deal with defensive lineman/outside linebacker Jamaal Westerman, who had 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Jets last season.
• The Dolphins would need to clear a lot more cap space to have a legitimate chance at landing right tackle Eric Winston, who has drawn interest from at least seven teams. With limited cap space, Miami hasn’t been as aggressive in its pursuit of receiver Mario Manningham as the 49ers and Rams, who invited him for visits.
• Cornerback Richard Marshall said the Dolphins did not tell him whether he will play cornerback, where he has spent most of his career, or free safety, where he played some last season.
“They just said they know I can play multiple positions in the secondary and we were going to figure that out in training camp and OTAs.”
• Henne was never told by Miami that he wouldn’t be re-signed, though that seemed clear. “They were gonna wait a while,” he said, mentioning Miami’s interest in Manning. “In my position, there wasn’t much time to wait. I definitely kind of wanted a fresh start.” source miami herald
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