After agreeing to terms with linebacker Karlos Dansby earlier in the evening, the Dolphins gave fans a nightcap of sorts.
ESPN‘s Chris Mortensen reports the team and quarterback Chad Pennington have come to terms on a 1-year, $2.5 million contract.
Earlier Friday, it was reported that Pennington and the Dolphins had agreed on the above terms of the deal, but were hung up on one specific detail.
Pennington and his family have grown fond of South Florida. And the 10-year veteran does not wish to uproot his young children at this time. With that in mind, Pennington’s camp requested a no-trade clause be placed into his contract. The Dolphins would not budge, however, preferring to keep that option open.
Friday night, the two sides came to a compromise; Pennington will receive a “trade bonus” of $1.515 million if he is dealt.
With Pennington back in the fold, the Dolphins are somewhat loaded at the position. Chad Henne is the team’s present and future, with many in the building believing he can ascend to ‘franchise’ status. Behind him is Tyler Thigpen, for whom the team traded a 5th round pick after Pennington suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 3, and Pat White, the team’s second round pick in the 2009 draft.
Earlier in the day, ESPN reported that Pennington had “willingly agreed to serve as Miami’s No. 3 quarterback” and serve as a mentor to Henne and Thigpen, who have a combined 24 NFL starts.
While it would appear that the elder statesman would have a strong chance of winning the backup job, and perhaps even the starting gig, Pennington is rehabbing from the third serious shoulder injury of his career, each of which required surgery. Not possessing the strongest arm to begin with, the Marshall graduate and former Rhodes scholar could find that his arm strength has been further zapped.
While always a fierce competitor, Pennington is the consummate professional and team player. A pro’s pro. And someone with a wealth of knowledge to pass along.
To that end, Pennington reportedly has expressed an interest in possibly transitioning into coaching with the Dolphins at some point.
“This guy,” an associate said, “is a natural teacher.”
For now, it would appear that Henne is the only player at the position who is safe. Pennington, as his contract indicates, could be traded. Same goes for Thigpen, whose contract expires after the season, though I believe he is on better footing than other observers might.
But neither player’s status is as curious as that of White.
The 44th overall pick in last year’s draft, the 6-0, 190-pound rookie was largely ineffective last season. He struggled with accuracy and taking snaps from under center in practices. He did not complete a pass last season and was limited to running specialty packages.
White’s struggles were never more apparent than in the season finale vs. Pittsburgh. In that game, White took over for an injured Henne and led what appeared to a Pop Warner offense, with virtually no passes attempted.
White was ultimately knocked unconscious, and then upstaged by Thigpen’s heroics as the Coastal Carolina product visibly sparked the Dolphins in a valiant comeback attempt. To sum up, Thigpen looked better in White’s intended role than White, as well as leading the offense. The Dolphins are said to be quite fond of Thigpen
Possibilities for White include a ‘Slash’ type role, a move to wide receiver (where many teams felt he was better suited). Or…..the Dolphins could simply cut bait if the other three players are still in front of him.
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