- Near The NFL Writer
- Published: July 6, 2016 at 7:42 p.m.
- Updated: July 6, 2016 at 08:47 p.m.
A year after locking up who they then called their "franchise stalwart," the Miami Dolphins have traded pro bowl defensive tackle Marcell Dareus to the San Diego Chargers.
The rare summertime blockbuster has the defending champs sending Dareus along with middle linebacker Manti Te'o to America's Finest City for cornerback Xavier Rhodes, a 2017 2nd round pick, a 2017 3rd round pick, and a 2018 3rd round pick.
"I'm shocked and a little bit pissed off to be honest," Dareus said. "But I don't want to be here if I'm not wanted. I'm ready to try to get Philip (Rivers) a ring."
On the surface the move seems a bit perplexing, but if you dig a bit deeper into Miami's future, there may be some logic behind what seems like a move better saved for the Marlins across town.
With Khalil Mack, Star Lotulelei, & Leonard Williams all set to require large contract extensions by 2018, Dareus found himself on the outside looking in as Adam Gase took the reigns in Miami.
Despite the success running the football a year ago behind Kelechi Osemele (who was just resigned to a 58.5 million dollar contract extension) and Trai Turner (who is also on a rookie deal through 2018), the offense is a mess and eventually the team will want to either draft or sign a long-term solution at quarterback; it's also nice to have capable players to catch the football as well, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
"We want to build through the draft," Gase said. "This gives us some leverage moving forward while allowing us to lock up the core of our defense in the coming years."
Kevin Brown, Bobby Bonilla, and Gary Sheffield could not be reached for comment.
