Dolphins sign WR David Kircus

The made a roster addition today, signing former Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions wide receiver David Kircus. For more background info and analysis on the move, watch the following video. Enjoy!



For more on Kircus' arrest last year, see this article.

Dolphins enter bidding for Lions' Rogers

The Dolphins have reportedly entered the bidding for Detroit Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, who is on the trading block. For my thoughts on the prospect of this trade, see the following video. Enjoy!



Also, you can read the full Mlive.com article here!

Alabi claimed off waivers by Chiefs

Just two days after the Dolphins parted ways with nine players, the first of that group has landed elsewhere. The Kansas City Chiefs were awarded offensive tackle Anthony Alabi off waivers on Wednesday.

Three other teams - the Broncos, Browns and Texans - also put in claims for Alabi. Coincidentally, Alabi was drafted by the Dolphins with a pick acquired in the trade that sent Patrick Surtain to Kansas City. He will keep his No. 79 with the Chiefs.

Alabi was originally drafted by the Nick Saban-led Dolphins out of TCU in 2005. He did not play his rookie season, and has since played in 16 games (starting none) in his three-year career as a backup tackle.

Undrafted CB Watkins signed to practice squad

The Miami Dolphins have signed undrafted cornerback Jacoby Watkins to their practice squad, filling the vacancy left yesterday when placekicker Matt Prater signed with the Denver Broncos.

Background

After graduating from Scotland County High School in Laurinburg, North Carolina, Watkins was redshirted at the University of North Carolina in 2002. As a freshman in 2003, appeared in seven games and made four tackles, including two against Arizona State.

Watkins moved into the starting lineup in 2004, starting all 12 games at cornerback for the Tar Heels. He finished fourth in the team with 61 tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions with two, while also adding three pass break-ups and a fumble recovery. He was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in a 34-13 win over Georgia Tech. In the game, he recorded five tackles, broke up two passes and intercepted two passes. His first career interception came the second quarter when he outjumped receiver Calvin Johnson for control of the ball at the North Carolina 3-yard line.

Watkins appeared in just six games as a junior in 2005 after breaking his right tibia against Virginia. He finished the season with 19 tackles (14 solo) and three passes defensed. His most productive game came in against Georgia Tech, when he posted seven tackles and three pass break-ups.

As a senior in 2006, Watkins posted 52 tackles (41 solo), two tackles for a loss, a sack and eight pass break-ups. He suffered a torn ACL, ending his season and college career prematurely.

Due to his injury, Watkins was unable to fully participate in pre-draft workouts. At his Pro Day in March 2007, he measured in at 5-foot-11 3/8 and 171 pounds but was unable to run drills.

Watkins went undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft, due in large part to the injury. Fully recovered, Watkins worked out for the New York Giants on December 4, but was not signed. He was signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad on December 20 after placekicker Matt Prater signed with the Denver Broncos.

Analysis

This is a fairly minor transaction by the Dolphins. Watkins obviously showed some skills at North Carolina, but given his size and the fact he's had two significant injuries already, there have to be significant concerns about durability.

If Watkins remains on the practice squad through the rest of the season, which in itself isn't a lock, he will become a free agent like all practice squad players. At that time, he may or may not be signed to a future contract in 2008. He'll face an uphill battle to make the team next season if he is re-signed.

Practice squad kicker Prater signed by Broncos

The Denver Broncos have signed placekicker Matt Prater off the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins now have an open spot on their practice squad.

Background

Prater, who played college football at Central Florida, was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He was simply a camp leg without any kind of shot at beating out Jason Hanson, and was released before the regular season.

The Dolphins signed Prater to a future contract in January 2007, but was the odd man out after Jay Feely was signed. He was released by the Dolphins on August 27 and subsequently signed with the Atlanta Falcons after Billy Cundiff lost his chance at the job.

Prater went just 1-for-4 on field goal attempts in two games with Atlanta, and was released by the team in favor of veteran Morten Andersen. He was re-signed to the Dolphins practice squad on November 14, where he remained through December 19 until he was signed to Denver's active roster.

Analysis

I'm surprised at this move from the Broncos perspective, simply because they now have three potential kickers and two kickoff guys on the active roster. When the team released punter Todd Sauerbrun yesterday, they re-signed punter/kicker Paul Ernster to handle punting duties. Now it seems they've signed Prater to kick off, though Ernster has handled these duties before and I don't know why they'd use up an extra roster spot for Prater.

From the Dolphins point of view, this is of little significance. Prater was likely only re-signed to the practice squad to give Feely breathers in practice and to work on special teams. With Feely's excellent performance in 2007 and Prater's poor job in Atlanta earlier this year, he had little future in Miami.

The Dolphins now how a vacancy on their practice squad. Check back here to find out when that vacancy is filled, plus info and analysis of the signing.