The Miami Dolphins made the move everyone was expecting them to. The team had been toying for months over what the potential future of Mike Wallace would be. After acquiring the receiver two years ago in a marquee free agency deal, Wallace had yet to make the right kind of impact in South Beach, gaining headlines for complaints and dropped passes over touchdowns. The Dolphins finally got the trade they wanted for Wallace, but are now tasked with trying to replace him.
The Dolphins confirmed Wallace was traded to the Minnesota Vikings for a fifth-round draft pick. The trade came just before Miami was going to have to pay the receiver a $3 million roster bonus. This move was what the Dolphins had been wanting since the turn of the offseason. Wallace did lead the team in receiving yards, but was a high salary cap hit that Miami no longer wanted for a player who had yet to reach his potential
Yes, the trade of Wallace helps from a financial standpoint, but losing the receiver leaves a big hole on the field. The team has Jarvis Landry who was a standout in his rookie season. They also have newly-signed Jordan Cameron at tight end who earned a two-year contract from the team. They also have Kenny Stills who was acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Saints. However, Still denies he is the Wallace replacement.
"I don't think I was brought in to replace anybody," Stills said, via the Miami Herald. "I'm just here to do whatever I can to help the team win. Mike's a great player. I've looked up to the things he's done. I'm just here to help the team win any way that I can."
There is also the lingering question of Charles Clay. The Dolphins put a transition tag on Clay and looked like they were ready to retain him. However, the Buffalo Bills made a move on Clay and now Miami is losing interest in the tight end. According to Tim Graham, a Dolphins beat writer, Miami has "lost patience" with Clay and is ready to move on. That is easier with the contract to Cameron, but the Dolphins still need at least one more receiver. They could eye a veteran like Stevie Johnson or Greg Jennings or they could try and draft someone in hopes they turn out like Landry. There is also a hole at the running back spot, so while the Dolphins got one move done with Wallace, there are more to come.
