And I'm not talking about the character played by John Wayne.

I'm talking about Jake Long.

He is still on the market. If he would accept a reasonable offer, why not bring him back to Miami? Would fill a need.

He is injured all the time. What good would he do on the bench?

What need?

Too many injuries. I remember when he tore his pec. That pretty much spelled the start of the end of his pro bowl years.

Can he play any other position? I would think of signing him cheap as a backup

pafinfan Wrote:
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> Can he play any other position? I would think of
> signing him cheap as a backup


I think there are too many teams out there looking for a capable RT to think he'd sign here as a back up. Some team will sign him in hopes he has enough in the tank to fill their RT spot.

He is just like most of the guys out there right now in that teams are going to wait until after the draft to infill the roster with whatever they don't get. Jake is a legit left tackle when healthy, not just a RT. The big question is his health and if he can remain healthy. He's going to end up with a prove it deal.

dolphaholic Wrote:
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> What need?

****************************************************

What need?

We need two starting guards along with Albert may not be ready to start the season.

That need!

I think Albert will be ready BUT one thing we CANNOT do this year is let Ja'Waun James play left tackle again. He was terrible. He seemed to be getting by on the right side but he was not exactly great there either. I don't think he is a huge concern on the right side but I would prefer to have some insurance in case he just does not develop.

Not that I am advocating for Jake. I would rather draft a tackle who can play left guard as well.

I'm sure Jake is going to demand more than what we would pay him as an insurance policy, backup, or part time player.

captkoi Wrote:
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> dolphaholic Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > What need?
>
> **************************************************
> **
>
> What need?
>
> We need two starting guards along with Albert may
> not be ready to start the season.
>
> That need!

Jake Long to the best of my knowledge has never played guard, nor do I think he wants to. Plus didn't Jake injure his knee about a week or two before Albert? What makes you think he'll be ready before Branden? I know what you're thinking Cap, I just don't see it happening.

Didn't at some point we shift Jake to right tackle to let a rookie play left tackle and Jake was not as effective at right tackle?

Not that I remember

dolphaholic Wrote:
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> captkoi Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > dolphaholic Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > What need?
> >
> >
> **************************************************
>
> > **
> >
> > What need?
> >
> > We need two starting guards along with Albert
> may
> > not be ready to start the season.
> >
> > That need!
>
> Jake Long to the best of my knowledge has never
> played guard, nor do I think he wants to. Plus
> didn't Jake injure his knee about a week or two
> before Albert? What makes you think he'll be ready
> before Branden? I know what you're thinking Cap, I
> just don't see it happening.

************************************************************

First, I'm not advocating signing Jake. He isn't the same guy as he was when Miami made him the first overall pick.

Second, his contract demands would have to be reasonable. He's been injured almost every year he has been in the league. He is up there in age.

I'm not saying put him at guard. I'm concerned that Albert may not be ready to start the season. Put Jake in there until Albert is ready to return.

I realize the confusion to my post as I mentioned guard along with bringing in Jake. Can put Jake at LT and don't have to worry about putting another guy in there who is not comfortable (or good enough) to play LT. Let them work at guard.

Jake would be just a stop-gap until Albert returns.

I know it has been said quite often that Albert will be ready for the start of the season. I'm not so sure of that; he isn't in his 20s. It takes longer for someone of Albert's age to heal, and to heal properly.

Thanks Joe, he's injured so often I get the dates confused.......

If i HAD TO sign him, it would be for minimum veteran numbers with play time and workout/roster bonuses only. Basically keep him on as insurance depth and only pay him if he actually sees the field. I think some desperate team will sign him as a rotating starter though.