Marino, others Dolphins for one more day
The Miami Dolphins signed Dan Marino, Bob Griese, Nat Moore, Larry Little, Kim Bokamper and Sam Madison to contracts Wednesday, so that they can officially retire as a member of the organization.
Marino joked he’s upset he’s been a free agent for 16 years and no other organization has called.
“I’m enthusiastic about being a part of this team and trying to help create something special,” Marino said. “I love being a Miami Dolphin, even if it’s for one more day. I’m proud to be a part of the franchise.”
The Dolphins said they added the players to the active roster for 24 hours to emphasize the bond between the organization and the team’s alumni. Each of the six players was named as one of the Top 50 players in franchise history.
The six players also combined for 25 Pro Bowl selections, three Hall of Fame inductions and t wo Most Valuable Player Awards.
“We are appreciative of all of the contributions you guys have made to the organization,” Miami Executive Vice President Mike Tannenbaum said. “We’re proud that you are all Dolphins.”
It was a lighthearted celebration in which players recalled old times and ribbed each other. Tannenbaum even joked that he’s not sure who right now has the worse knees — Marino or current quarterback Ryan Tannehill, whose season was cut short by a knee injury.
Thomas passes physical: Julius Thomas passed a physical examination necessary to complete a trade to the Dolphins, according to a league source.
T h e e x a mi n a t i o n wa s not a formality as Thomas has reportedly missed NFL games due to injuries to his ankles, knees, fingers, hands, chest, abdomen, elbow and back.
When t h e l e a g u e ye a r officially begins March 9, Thomas is expected to be dealt to Miami for a seventh-round draft choice. In a connected but separate deal, the Jaguars are expected to acquire Dolphins tackle Branden Albert for a seventh-rounder.
Thomas had the two best seasons of his career in 2013 and 2014 for Denver, when Miami coach Adam Gase was offensive coordinator of the Broncos. Thomas had 65 catches for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns for Denver in 2013 and 43 catches for 489 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014.
Miami’s top tight end last season, Dion Sims, caught 26 passes for 256 yards and four touchdowns and is about to become an unrestricted free agent. The Dolphins have also re-signed backup tight end MarQueis Gray.
Thomas is expec ted to re s t r uc t ure t he ter ms of his contract before the deal becomes official. Thomas’ cap hits in the next three seasons were scheduled to be $8.3 million, $9.8 million and $10.3 million.
The deal was structured so Thomas could be cut after the 2017 season with a cap hit of only $1.2 million if it were to occur after June 1, 2018.