Dolphins sign Marc Colombo, leave Vernon Carey in limbo

DAVIE— The Miami Dolphins appear to be in the process of changing the team's starting right tackle.

On the same day the Dolphins signed offensive tackle Marc Colombo to a multiyear deal, the incumbent, Vernon Carey, received an excused absence from Monday night's scrimmage.

Carey participated in the morning walk-through.

Carey has been a starter since the Dolphins made him a first-round selection in 2004. He knew he was on the hot seat coming into camp because of his bloated salary, which pays him $4.15 million in 2011, and nearly $16 million over the next three years.

However, the Dolphins wouldn't confirm he had been released as of Monday night. It's possible the Dolphins could ask Carey, a Miami native who played at the University of Miami, to restructure his deal. It's also possible Carey could have been asked to move to guard, where the team needs to add depth.

Carey missed the final four games of the 2010 season with a knee injury.

Colombo, a 10-year veteran who spent the past six years in Dallas, played on the right side of the Cowboys' offensive line. He was coached by Tony Sparano during their time together in Dallas.

"Big, tough, smart, started about 72 games down there," Sparano said of Colombo's career in Dallas. "He's a pretty good player.

"My vision for Colombo is to see where we are in this tackle mix," Sparano said. "This guy has played a lot of football. There is a lot of different formulas right now that can go into the offensive line."

Click here to order Vernon Carey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sun-sentinel.com)