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http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2789401

Porter to get $20M guaranteed in deal with Dolphins
By John Clayton
ESPN.com

The Dolphins didn't want to wait for Joey Porter to make a five- to six-team NFL tour.

While Porter, the former Steelers outside linebacker, was spending Monday trying to map out his trips to NFL teams, the Dolphins came in with an offer he couldn't refuse. Porter agreed to a five-year, $32 million contract that includes $20 million in guarantees.

The Steelers released him a week ago because they didn't have plans to sign him after his contract ran out in 2007. With several key starters entering the final year of their contract, the Steelers had to be selective and Porter became a salary cap casualty.

The minute he became a free agent, his phone was ringing. He had enough offers to visit most of the teams that run a 3-4 defense and few, including Cincinnati, that run a 4-3.

Porter wanted to take the weekend to settle himself and find a new spot. On Monday, he started to put together a plan of trips. Then the Dolphins entered the picture and worked out a contract. Knowing he was one of the top defensive players available, Porter accepted a deal from the Dolphins before making his tour. He will play for a Dom Capers 3-4 defense in Miami.

If they can get a good qb (Culpepper?) then they are going to be awsome next year.

Haha, now that's a bad signing.

20 Million guarenteed for an over the hill-system Linebacker.

air_hog wrote:Haha, now that's a bad signing.

20 Million guarenteed for an over the hill-system Linebacker.

I don't agree with that assessment at all. Yes, $20M is a lot of money but that is partially the product of an off-season that is ripe with free agents becoming very rich. The guy is 29, he's missed 4 games in a nine-year career, and he has consistently posted very solid numbers, including over the past three seasons:

2004: 53 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 INT
2005: 56 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 INT
2006: 55 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 INT (in 14 games)

Plus the guy has that nasty streak you like to see in a linebacker.

his stats aint that good...plus the Dolphins need an Offensive Line, and they already had a good Defense. this signing just seems like they just wanted to sign somebody to keep up with the rest of the AFC East to me...

Fios wrote:

air_hog wrote:Haha, now that's a bad signing.

20 Million guarenteed for an over the hill-system Linebacker.

I don't agree with that assessment at all. Yes, $20M is a lot of money but that is partially the product of an off-season that is ripe with free agents becoming very rich. The guy is 29, he's missed 4 games in a nine-year career, and he has consistently posted very solid numbers, including over the past three seasons:

2004: 53 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 INT
2005: 56 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 INT
2006: 55 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 INT (in 14 games)

Plus the guy has that nasty streak you like to see in a linebacker.

Yeah, and Adam Archasuckalot had good numbers too... come to think of it, pretty much every FA signee we've had in the past 5 years has had good numbers...

But the one thing the Dolphins have going for them, which you eluded to, is that he has a nasty streak and he seems like the type of player who will be playing with a chip on his shoulder to try and prove everyone, ie the Steelers, wrong.

But we'll see how he does, I mean like I said earlier I think Porter could just be a system LB. I mean look, rember Kendrell Bell? He was the young stud MLB on Pitt who signed a huge deal with the Chiefs to bolster their D... well he didn't work out. And even though Jason Gildon (or whatever his name was) was old, he couldn't even make JAX's roster after the Steelers cut him.

Whatever, we'll see how this turns out, but 20 Million guarenteed is a bunch of money to throw out there.

Jake wrote:http://www.the-hogs.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22891

Jake: I unlocked this because I know we're trying to keep the FA signings in one thread but this one wasn't in that thread and I cant' figure out how to merge two threads

air_hog wrote:

Fios wrote:

air_hog wrote:Haha, now that's a bad signing.

20 Million guarenteed for an over the hill-system Linebacker.

I don't agree with that assessment at all. Yes, $20M is a lot of money but that is partially the product of an off-season that is ripe with free agents becoming very rich. The guy is 29, he's missed 4 games in a nine-year career, and he has consistently posted very solid numbers, including over the past three seasons:

2004: 53 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 INT
2005: 56 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 INT
2006: 55 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 INT (in 14 games)

Plus the guy has that nasty streak you like to see in a linebacker.

Yeah, and Adam Archasuckalot had good numbers too... come to think of it, pretty much every FA signee we've had in the past 5 years has had good numbers...

But the one thing the Dolphins have going for them, which you eluded to, is that he has a nasty streak and he seems like the type of player who will be playing with a chip on his shoulder to try and prove everyone, ie the Steelers, wrong.

But we'll see how he does, I mean like I said earlier I think Porter could just be a system LB. I mean look, rember Kendrell Bell? He was the young stud MLB on Pitt who signed a huge deal with the Chiefs to bolster their D... well he didn't work out. And even though Jason Gildon (or whatever his name was) was old, he couldn't even make JAX's roster after the Steelers cut him.

Whatever, we'll see how this turns out, but 20 Million guarenteed is a bunch of money to throw out there.

Yes, I do remember Bell, the BIG difference here is that Porter is joining a LB corps that is already extremely good, he's not going to be asked to be THE guy. The Dolphins had the number 4 defense in the league last year (8th rushing, 5th passing) and this signing only makes them better. They were third in the league in sacks and have added a player with a solid history of getting to the QB. In fact, about the only thing the Dolphins defense didn't do well was create turnovers, they were 19th in the league. Porter is good for a couple of picks and some forced fumbles each year. Again, yes, $20M is a lot and I can understand why other teams would shy away from that figure but the Dolphins saw a chance to take a very good defense and make it an elite defense.

They sure gave him the big bucs, I think hes too old for that kinda money

He is still kicking butt on the field. Pay him for his play.

NO way is Porter worth that kind of money, no way.

There have been lots of overspending this free agency period. That may not be the worst signing, but it's pretty close.

It's amazing to me that I can spend time compiling a reasonable argument complete with stats and context and people feel comfortable using "nuh uh" as a reply

It's basically just a big gamble anyway. Offering all this money is just to get the player. If he performs, it's a great deal. If he doesn't, then it was a huge bust and the team overpaid, etc.

I think the Porter deal is a lot, but it will be worth it. Look at all these crazy deals players are getting. He's a confident guy and he's vocal too, and the Dolphins need someone like that. That defense is pretty damn good...

Fios wrote:It's amazing to me that I can spend time compiling a reasonable argument complete with stats and context and people feel comfortable using "nuh uh" as a reply

Nuh uh!

fredp45 wrote:NO way is Porter worth that kind of money, no way.

There have been lots of overspending this free agency period. That may not be the worst signing, but it's pretty close.

I disagree!!!!! That is one of the best free agent signings!

Porter is not hurt that much, a team leader on and off the field, never disrespects coaches or teammates........but above all he talks alot of trash before, during and after all games and then backs it up every single game!

The Dolphins had a good defense last year -- why sign a 30 year old LBacker for that much money -- especially with that much guaranteed? How about a QB or WR? They dump one of their best offensive weapons in TE McMichael and sign a LB.

Because, as Tampa and Baltimore demonstrated, a dominant defense can carry you so long as you have a decent offense. Miami has needs on offense, no question, but the Porter money can't be spread around enough to make a true dent. So they decided to make a very good defense even better, they played to their strength.