Vernon Carey Update

Q: The front office is taking a "wait and see" approach on right tackle Vernon Carey, who will be a free agent after this season. Is this risk?

A: "It's a calculated risk, but I understand why the front office has this wait and see approach to the four-year starter. Carey is presently checking in around 340 pounds, and while he carries the weight well, that's a bit heavy for this regime. Before giving a player a contract extension it's wise to see how serious he is about getting in better shape. Carey needs to do that to stay healthy and extend his playing career. While this former Hurricane is a hometown guy, he's intent on winning. He wants to explore his options at season's end. His fellow Hurricane Eric Winston, the Texans' starting right tackle, just got a five-year, $30 million contract with $10 million of it guaranteed. That's the bar Carey and his agent will likely be working with, but that might be too pricey for a right tackle based on General Manager Jeff Ireland's value breakdown per position. Two rookies, Kirk Barton and Nate Garner, who were both acquired off the waiver wire in recent weeks, will likely be groomed as Carey's possible replacement. If they present some upside Carey will likely be allowed to walk."

(sun-sentinel.com)