WR Sherfield leaves Dolphins for rival Bills
Dolphins free agent wide receiver Trent Sherfield, who posted careerhigh numbers this past season, signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills on Monday.
Sherfield, 27, signed a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum last March with Miami, rejoining coach Mike McDaniel from the San Francisco 49ers. He worked his way to Miami’s No. 3 receiver position, recording 30 receptions for 417 yards and three touchdowns. As the season progressed, he emerged as a trusted pass-catcher and reliable blocker in McDaniel’s scheme.
“You can’t say enough about the guy,” offensive coordinator Frank Smith said in November. “We are fortunate enough to have him here. He’s one of those guys that maybe his stat line doesn’t really show sometimes how valuable they are to us, but he’s one of those guys that is really an integral part to our offense.”
In the first week of free
agency, the Dolphins re-signed River Cracraft,
signed former New York Jet Braxton Berrios and claimed Freddie Swain
off waivers from the Denver Broncos, crowding the wide receiver room.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. is also entering the second year of a three-year contract and he could step
into the No. 3 receiver role after his fewest catches and receptions since 2019. Erik Ezukanma, who appeared in only one game as a rookie, is also a candidate to fill Sherfield’s void.
DOLPHINS EXERCISE TUA’S OPTION
The Dolphins have
officially exercised quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option, the team announced Monday, keeping him under contract through the 2024 season.
A league source confirmed to the Miami Herald two weeks ago that the organization had informed Tagovailoa, 25, of the decision. Tagovailoa’s 2023 base salary of $1.01 million will now be fully guaranteed, as will his 2024 base salary of $23 million.
The decision to pick up the option is a show of faith from the organization in Tagovailoa, who led the NFL in passer rating in a breakout season but was sidelined for five games because of a pair of diagnosed concussions. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said that medical professionals told him Tagovailoa is not any more prone to concussions than other players. Tagovailoa has been taking on jiu-jitsu this offseason to work on the way he falls in an attempt to avoid head injuries.
Tagovailoa is eligible for an extension this offseason. Grier said at the NFL Scouting Combine that Tagovailoa’s injury history would not dissuade him from making a long-term commitment.
— DANIEL OYEFUSI Elsewhere: Magic
●
Johnson is joining billionaire NBA and NHL team owner Josh Harris’ bid to purchase the NFL’s Washington Commanders,
Sportico reported. Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, long embroiled in several controversies and accusations of an abusive work environment and financial improprieties, is looking to fetch $7 billion in a potential sale of the team. … The Carolina Panthers landed a twotime All-Pro receiver to help offset trading their No. 1 receiver. Former Vikings star Adam Thielen, who caught 70 passes for 716 yards and six touchdowns, signed a three-year deal. He will replace D.J. Moore, who was traded to the Chicago Bears as part of a blockbuster package for the No. 1 overall draft pick. … The Detroit Lions reached an agreement with free agent safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson on a one-year deal reportedly for $8 million.
ETC.
MLB: Rhys Hoskins
● had a home run, a double, two runs and four RBI to lead Philadelphia’s 15-hit attack in a 14-6 victory over Baltimore in Clearwater. Hoskins is hitting .355 in 31 spring at-bats.