Dolphins' youth 'by design' mapped for coming years

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said his team will continue to get younger this year "by design."

And because of that 'design,' adding young talent over the next few offseasons will be not only a pressing need, but it'll be a necessity in order for Miami to field a team. (photo: photo-gator, Flickr)

As Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post points out, the Dolphins have an NFL-low nine players under contract for the 2015 season, and just one -- punter Brandon Fields -- signed for 2016.

Mid-round compensatory pick likely going to Fins

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins are already flush with picks for April's draft, but they may add another, likely a mid-round selection.

The NFL awards compensatory picks based on a very complicated formula, but basically, it's calculated by how many players a team lost to free agency, how many were added and the contributions those players made with the value of the contracts each signed. (photo: Marques Stewart, Flickr)

During the 2012 offseason, Dolphins free agents Chad Henne and Kendall Langford signed elsewhere, and Miami only picked up former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Richard Marshall.

Dustin Keller insists he's 'not an injury-prone player'

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller hadn't missed a game or a practice until last season, the final year of his five-year rookie contract.

Now, he's wondering if he'll get a chance to prove that it wasn't a fluke. (photo: Billtacular, Flickr)

Keller missed half of the 2012 season with hamstring and ankle issues, and the Jets' offensive production suffered. Much of quarterback Mark Sanchez's success over the past few years has been due to Keller's consistency in the middle of the field, and his absence was more than noticeable.

Starks: Yay to 'discount,' nay to 'clearance rack'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Let Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Randy Starks be clear: He doesn't want to be franchise-tagged.

With the deadline for teams to designate their optional tag coming at 4 p.m. Monday, fans and impending free agents alike are wondering if and where their respective teams will use theirs.

"I want to be a Dolphin!!! Not just for one more year," Starks tweeted after midnight Saturday (or early Sunday).

Keyshawn: Jets would be 'smart' to trade Revis

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The New York Jets' reported shopping of their best player in Darrelle Revis hasn’t helped the team’s popularity with its fans of late. Perhaps a nod from someone who has gone through it before can help.

Former Jets star Keyshawn Johnson recently voiced his support of the team’s using Revis as a bargaining chip, saying that shipping the shutdown cornerback off for a fair share may be more of positive than a negative. (photo: Scott Gould, Flickr)

"I think it's a smart move if they do move him and get value," the former receiver recently told Bob Glauber of Newsday. "He's not going to win any games for you. He's a defensive back who will shut down the [opponents'] top receiver, but the ball is not in his hands.

Patriots cut Spencer Larsen, waive Kyle Hix

BY NICK ST. DENIS

'Tis the season of not-very-important transactions, apparently.

On the same day the New York Jets signed three arena-league players who will likely serve only as practice dummies, the New England Patriots cut ties with two non-contributors. (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Flickr)

According to the NFL's daily transaction release, the Patriots terminated fullback Spencer Larsen's contract and waived offensive lineman Kyle Hix. Both players spent last season on injured reserve.

Bills’ Andy Levitre still ‘in limbo’ before free agency

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Buffalo Bills fans are eagerly awaiting the fate of offensive lineman Andy Levitre. Levitre is in the same boat.

The team placed the franchise tag on standout safety Jairus Byrd Friday, subsequently limiting the options available to bring Levitre back this season. Now, the team will need to work out a contract with the versatile lineman before March 12, when he is set to hit free agency.

“I'm in limbo right now,” Levitre told Tim Graham of the Buffalo News Friday, noting that the team has yet to reach out to him with an offer. “I don't know what their plan is. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Jets ink arena-league trio in Aumavae, Crocker, Mayo

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Friday, the New York Jets signed a trio of arena-leaguers in defensive tackle Junior Aumavae, defensive back Eric Crocker and Wide receiver Thomas Mayo.

And, in other exciting news...

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Mayo, who played for the AFL's Chicago Rush in 2012, participated in the Oakland Raiders' training camp last summer but was waived at the end of August. (photo: James Albright, Flickr)

Cream of the 2013 NFL draft crop: Defensive linemen

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

This is the seventh edition of an eight-part series noting the top prospects of the 2013 NFL Draft at their respective positions.

THE DEFENSIVE LINE PROSPECTS: Bjoern Werner, Star Lotulelei, Damontre Moore (photo: Jeffrey Willey, Flickr), Sharrif Floyd, Kawann Short, Alex Okafor.

Bjoern Werner (DE) (6-4, 256 lbs.), Florida State
Sack machine in last two seasons and also added 18 passes defensed. Mix of strength and speed is deadly on the edge. Plays better at a lower weight but will probably have to gain few to go against NFL’s elite lineman. Easily a top-ten pick.

Star Lotulelei (DT) (6-3, 320 lbs.), Utah
Absolute force in the middle of the line and saw lots of double- and triple-team coverage. Stout run stopper and quick enough to make waves in the backfield. Bit older than most and can play at a bit heavy at times. An instant improvement to any run defense and will definitely go top 20.

Bills slap franchise tag on safety Jairus Byrd

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills will have arguably their best defensive player for at least one more year.

Friday, the Bills applied their franchise tag to would-be free agent safety Jairus Byrd, locking up the ball hawk through next March as they try to work out a long-term deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The franchise tag for a safety is $6.916 million, as announced by the NFL Friday. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)