Keep in mind that this is a potential playoff team, so we're not talking about a throwaway season here.
Keep Moore for this year and let it up to him. Make a fair offer while making it clear that hes in the backup role. He can test the market, or he can stay here if he values the stability. Unless someone offers us a highway robbery kind of deal, trading him won't be worth it. (I'm talking 2nd or better, and even then I'd be hesitant).
I think Ireland and coach need to have a conversation with Moore before the deadline, another team might be interested in starting to get a jump on the 2013 season, he is at this point the best backup in the league, especially with a 7 and three record in his last 10 and about a 90 banger with his qbr.. If he wants to stay, and his wife and family love it here, and he's ready to settle into a serious extended role, I offer him the best contract in the league at his position.. If that happens, If that conversation favors us, then I keep developing Devlin and showcase him for a pick this summer, and go with Moore.. If he doesn't, and Moore tells me in confidence that he's gonna leave and compete, then I would only part with him for a 2nd, maybe a 3rd...this seasons importance on the big picture and chemistry is more important than a fourth imo.
No brainer, If you can get a 4th or better for Moore, I'll take the health of Tannehill plus the easy availability of Garrard. The good teams develop backups and trade them away for value not overpay them to stay.
If I'm Ireland, I TRY to sign Moore to an extension right now, w/ the expectation that he's going to be a back-up, obviously. Give him a two-year extension, and offer him good enough money where he really needs to think about it. Not necessarily the kind of money he may get on the open market, but more than a basic offer just to say, "hey, we tried." I don't know, how about $2 million/per, is that too much? Is that too much for a very competent back-up - for that peace of mind the next couple years if Tannehill goes down for a few games or longer? For knowing your whole season isn't lost?? Could he get more out there?? Maybe a little. Could he get a flat offer to be the starter somewhere out there? Doubtful - I would think any offer he would get would be the simple chance to "compete for the starting job." Places like KC that need a QB are going to draft one too, and there are three probable round one QB picks out there. So, he could stay here, be appreciated for what he is, and set his young family up for life, or take a chance, and go somewhere else for a little bit more money, but lose the comfort level, and end up being a back-up anyways. I mean, I love Matt Moore for what he is, but is he really ever going to win a starting job and keep it long term? Very most likely not. And he probably knows this too, and so does his agent. Why not capitalize on the moment and stay here for a decent offer. That, of course, is dependent on the offer being there in the first place, of course. Put it this way, I'd feel a helluva lot better going into next season w/ Moore as b/u than Devlin, even though Devlin might be OK too. I'd rather have that experience that Moore brings should Tanny get hurt.
Matt Moore wants to start. He made it clear in hard knocks. He's not trying to be a backup. Id keep him for this year and groom Devlin for next.
Pat White and he's available! Seriously though, Matt Moore has proven hes a QB with some talent. Would he be a benefit to keep around? Of course. That said, if they were thinking of trading him mid-season he just upped his trade value. Part of building a championship team these days is being able to leverage current talent you can replace with depth for younger players or draft picks. You have to make those types of hard decisions. You do have Garrard as an option and/or if they are sold enough on Devlin, if they can get a steal of a price for Moore, then it's something you'd have to consider. Has to be a good price... 3rd or above and I'd consider if and only if they think Garrard may be ready or they have developed confidence in Devlin.
Matt Moore, for the remainder of this year. I think with the way Philbin was enamored with Pat Devlin and Matt Moore's wanting to start, my gut tells me we end up giving Matt Moore the "Irish Handshake" as Mike Sherman put it (hopefully those who watched Hard Knocks get that reference) and start grooming Devlin. If Jeff Ireland can keep Moore, as a backup, AND still extend/retain the likes of Jake Long, Randy Starks, and Sean Smith, well then, damn. That'd be a boon.
Perspective: Matt Moore played well against a bad team. Matt Moore always plays well against bad teams. Matt Moore did not play well against good teams last season. The Jets are missing Revis, did not have Scott, and went to battle with Kyle "Defensive Pass Interference" Wilson, and Antonio "I dislocated my pinky tackling Reggie Bush" Cromartie. Matt Flynn set records in Green Bay under Philbin and was not seen as starter material or pursued in any capacity by Green Bay. He's used to backup thriving in relief action and will not overreact to this. In 2010 after a drive and a half against Tennessee, there were calls for Thigpen to start. I picked Garrard because he was ahead of Tannehill in camp who I've been impressed with. If he's healthy, he's the guy and has playoff experience.
Seems pretty obvious to me. It's Week 9 and you don't have time to bring a guy in like Garrard anyway. And as a playoff contender, it's probably not in your best interest to trade the best backup in the league. Nor is it worthwhile for a team to bring a guy -- much less a pending UFA -- in this late and hope that he can assimilate in time to lead them to the playoffs. Moore will remain in Miami this season, but he won't be signing any extension IMO. He's a competitor and naturally he'll want to seek out better opportunities as a free agent. The Dolphins would certainly welcome him back next season, but he'd have to be dissatisfied with what else is out there from a starting perspective. Pat Devlin will be tendered and compete for the backup job next season.
IMO, the bar was set for a good backup QB with what Dallas gave Kyle Orton. 3 yrs/10.5mil. If Moore wants to stay for something like that, I'd say do it. A good backup is invaluable. Griese had Morrall. Marino had Strock. It's kind of like keeping a weapon in your home for personal protection. It's better to have one and not need it, than to need one and not have it.
