Every MONDAY Night proCanes.com joins All Canes Radio to bring the latest news on not only current Hurricane football but also proCane news and exclusive interviews with current and former proCanes live from Shake Shack in Coral Gables.

Click here to listen to this week’s show and hear our exclusive interviews with proCanes Vernon Carey and Mike Langley.

Listen to Vernon Carey break the news for the first time that he is making an NFL comeback and is already training for the 2013 season. After receiving many calls from NFL teams in 2012, but deciding to forego those call and Coach at his Alma Mater Northwester High School, Carey is ready for a comeback. Listen as Carey talks about his days as a Dolphin and Cane. Also listen to former walk on Mike Langley talk about his days as a Cane!

It's a shame more pro athletes and hip-hop entertainers living in Miami aren't as charitable as rapper Flo Rida and former and current NFL players Vernon Carey, Edgerrin James, Samari Rolle, and Brandon Harris. These four Miami natives plus James, who is Immokalee, have stepped up big-time for the African-American community in the past year. I wish there were more celebrities like them.

Flo Rida and his manager, Freezy, approached me last year about organizing a youth football league for boys in Miami Gardens and Broward County. With my help, Flo Rida got a charter to field a local team in the National Youth Football League, which helps more than 10,000 boys, plus girls through a cheerleading program.

He has started off with a bang.In addition to donating tens of thousands of dollars for uniforms, equipment, and other expenses, he recently held a free back-to-school concert at Traz Powell Stadium, where we gave away 10,000 book bags to needy kids. Flo Rida has invested a huge amount of time and money.

Carey has been a big benefactor for Miami Northwestern Senior High, where we're both volunteer coaches and where he won a state championship as a player in 1998. After retiring following eight seasons with the Miami Dolphins, he donated more than $50,000 to the school, which bought new weights and exercise equipment and renovated its weight room.

Rolle, a Miami Beach Senior High alum who played for the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens, has committed $15,000 over the next three years to the Overtown Optimist Club. And Harris, a 22-year-old cornerback for the Houston Texans, recently donated thousands to the athletic program at his alma mater, Booker T. Washington, and to the Liberty City Optimist Club, where he played Pop Warner ball.

James, who is not from the Magic City, donated thousands of dollars to the Overtown and Liberty City optimist clubs during the past 13 years.

There are still too many other local rappers and sports stars who spend $100,000 on bottles in one night at clubs such as LIV but who can't spare a few dollars to buy some helmets or repaint a youth center. It's time they bring the Brinks truck to Charles Hadley Park in Liberty City and Gibson Park in Overtown.


(miaminewtimes.com)

The Miami Herald reports that former Dolphins OL Vernon Carey has retired and is an assistant coach at Miami Northwestern High School.

Carey, 31, played eight NFL seasons, all with Miami, which drafted him in the first round of the 2004 draft, and 107-of-121 games in which he played over that span. He played both tackle and guard for the team but, after his contract expired following last season, the team chose not to re-sign him and no other teams apparently were interested.

According to Miami Northwestern head oach Stephen Field, Carey is the Bulls’ co-offensive line coach.


(profootballtalk.com)

A few teams have poked around free agent offensive lineman Vernon Carey in recent weeks. The eight-year veteran, a longtime starter in Miami, remains unsigned. Carey will be 31 in July but started 15 games for the Dolphins in 2011, and clubs view him as a potential guard-tackle swingman at the right price.


(sports.yahoo.com)

During the 2012 draft, the Dolphins decided to tap the South Florida pipeline, selecting University of Miami teammates Olivier Vernon and Lamar Miller, both of whom grew up in Miami.

Hurricanes head coach Al Golden recently joined The Finsiders to talk about Vernon and Miller and his team’s prospects heading into the 2012 season.

Though he only coached Vernon and Miller for one season, Golden clearly came away impressed with the pair.

“When you get into the 13 and 14 years (down the road), I think the Miami Dolphins and Jeff Ireland will look back and say they got three first-rounders in this draft,” Golden said. “I really believe that. Both guys are really developing, they’re incredible players, incredibly talented. I think they’re only going to get better; they’ve got so much in front of them right now.”

Prior to April’s draft,  it had been nearly a decade since the Dolphins had selected a Hurricane–offensive tackle Vernon Carey in 2004. Many wondered, especially with so many Hurricanes thriving for the better part of the last decade, why the local NFL franchise had bypassed what could potentially be a de facto feeder system.

You, of course, don’t want to draft a local player for the sake of drafting one, but if a Hurricane succeeds with the Dolphins, it can be a big boost for both teams.

Golden feels that the reach of the mutually beneficial relationship extends past those who are directly involved, also affecting what he referred to as one of the “meccas” of high school football.

“It’s vital that we have that relationship,” Golden said. “It’s not just about the Dolphins or about the Hurricanes; it’s about the vitality of football in South Florida and making sure that stays strong and that the next generation can continue to grow and be just as good as the previous generations have been.

“I know these things go in cycles, and I know both the Dolphins and the Hurricanes are going to be back here very soon.”

Recruiting top-end talent can be both a blessing and a curse for a college coach. Sure, in the moment, it’s a necessity. To compete with the other powerhouse programs, you need to bring in potential pro prospects. If too many players begin to leave early, however, it can hurt continuity, forcing coaches to lean on freshmen and sophomores.

In a sense, though, it all ends up coming back full circle. Young players want to go to schools that churn out NFL players, and historically, arguably nobody has done that better than the University of Miami.

“Once a kid makes a decision, they have our support,” Golden said. “These two young men, I think Dolphins fans are going to be really excited about moving forward. Not just how they play but how they conduct themselves in the community. I think incredible value for the franchise in rounds three and four. From what I hear, management feels the same way.”


(thefinsider.com)

The Dolphins will check out UM draft prospects on Wednesday and Thursday, which reminds us that they have selected only two Hurricanes in the past 20 drafts (Yatil Green in 1997 and Vernon Carey in 2004). “It’s mind-boggling,” Ed Reed said at UM’s Hall of Fame inductions Thursday. “We’re right here!” Bryant McKinnie said. “You would think they would know us better than anybody.”

If the Dolphins sign McIntosh, he would be the only Hurricanes player on the roster - for now - because Carey is not expected to return.
The Dolphins insist they have no objection to drafting UM players, and they are believed to like a few departing Canes, including receiver Tommy Streeter.

Keep in mind this is a franchise that took John Jerry at 73 over Jimmy Graham (who went 95th) in 2010 when Bill Parcells mistakenly thought he could draft Graham in the fourth round; Jamar Fletcher (26) over Reggie Wayne (30) in 2001; selected Jason Allen 16th and traded the 51st pick for Daunte Culpepper in 2006 (instead of signing Drew Brees), thus eliminating any chance of drafting Devin Hester (57) or Eric Winston (66); and took Anthony Alabi over Chris Myers in 2005, among other moves. Choosing solid pro Daryl Gardener at 20 instead of Ray Lewis (26) in 1996 would have been regrettable if Jimmy Johnson hadn’t found a gem in Zach Thomas at No. 154 that year.

McKinnie said he, Reed and Jeremy Shockey used to talk about finishing their careers with the Dolphins, but “the Dolphins wouldn’t do that. In college, we all said we would take pay cuts to come to the Dolphins.”

McKinnie said he doubts that would happen now. "I don't know what direction this team is going in," McKinnie said.

Miami didn’t try to sign McKinnie or Shockey when they were free agents last year, opting for Marc Colombo and Jeron Mastrud. Wayne would have considered the Dolphins last month, “but it didn’t seem like they wanted me.”


(miamiherald.com)

Vernon Carey has never hesitated to give back to his community.

Around the holidays, Carey usually organizes food drives or hands out turkeys on Thanksgiving.

On Friday morning, the Dolphins offensive lineman gave back to his alma mater in a big way.

Miami Northwestern High inaugurated a new weight room with new equipment donated by Carey, a member of the Bulls’ 1998 undefeated state championship football team.

Carey, members of the Northwestern football team and school faculty were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“I will forever be grateful, and our athletes will forever be grateful to Vernon and what he’s done for us,” Northwestern coach Stephen Field said. “This school won championships with the way it used to be, but it was a struggle. Today’s all about the appreciation for this man who has done this for these kids.”

Carey donated $20,000, and the process of installing the new equipment took less than two months.

“I’m going to plan a day soon at the school board to honor Vernon [Carey] for his efforts,” said Miami-Dade County school board member and Northwestern alum Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall. “We have an individual like this that has reached out and gone above and beyond to give back to these kids. This is a blessing.”

The room was dubbed the “Vernon Carey Weight Room,” and the equipment was painted in the school’s blue and gold colors with different designs of the Bulls’ logo as well as the team’s slogan “Bull Pride” on some of the machines.

“I saw the weight room, and it was in bad condition,” Carey said. “I come here all the time to come back and to see my name on the weight room, I know I’ll laugh, but to see the opportunity it gives those kids is worth it to me.”

Northwestern alums and football players alike were impressed by the facility.

Northwestern missed the playoffs for the first time in 20 years last season.

Field hopes the new weight room will be a positive start for a program hoping to make a return trip this coming season.

“It made us feel like somebody cared about us,” said offensive lineman Joe Jenkins, who will be a senior this fall. “This gives us the chance to go out and compete with top-notch programs that have the facilities to be good programs year in and year out.”


(miamiherald.com)

Vernon Carey – OG – Dolphins:  made a successful move from RT to RG for Miami last season…at 6-4, 335 pounds, gives much needed size to interior line…a middle of the road option financially, Carey won’t break the bank and beyond being a starter at guard, he brings position flexibility since he could move out to tackle if there was an injury to either Tyron Smith or Doug Free…an often overlooked need since untested Jermey Parnell is currently the swing tackle on the roster.


(cbslocal.com)

You may not be able to smell what Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson is cooking, but you can see the gleaming backyard grill where it's about to go down.

After unloading multiple South Florida properties last year, the movie star and WWE legend just bought a massive 13,353-square foot mansion just north of Miami from another former University of Miami football player, Miami Dolphins tackle Vernon Carey.

Though the two didn't overlap on the UM practice field, clearly some guys don't just bleed orange and green but buy it, too. South Florida Business Journal reports The Rock paid $3.4 million for Carey's grandiose gated estate, which features six bedrooms, six and a half baths, a pool, 14-seat home theatre, and a lush, sprawling footprint in the midst of Southwest Ranches' much sought-after Landmark Ranch Estates.

(Perhaps The Rock can organize block parties with the Dolphins' Karlos Dansby, who lives across the street, and new neighbor Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat.)

Not only did the Johnson and Carey keep it in the U family, but the sale was made by Campins Company agent Octavia McDougle, who is married to former Dolphins tackle Stockar McDougle and the sister-in-law of former UM defensive end Jerome McDougle.

"Campins Company congratulates one of our own, Octavia McDougle, on keeping it all in the family with this recent sale," said celebrity and sports real estate mogul Katrina Campins. "There is strength in unity, and The 'U' continues to prevail and stick together...champion blood pumping, with swag. Once again, it all starts at home. We grow and we give. We learn and we teach. As the legacy continues, forever, for always and no matter what."






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One week after reporting the Dolphins would "probably" re-sign free agent RG Vernon Carey, the Palm Beach Post now considers Carey a "longshot" to return.
The Post is now on board with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, which reported in January that "Carey's value is much higher elsewhere than in South Florida." A liability on passing downs last season, Carey is unlikely to draw much interest as a starter going into his age-31 campaign.


(rotoworld.com)

RG Vernon Carey
2011 salary: $2.5 million
2011 stats: Started 15 of 16 games at right guard, but missed one whole game and parts of two others with various injuries. Allowed three sacks, seven QB hits and 15 QB pressures in his first year at right guard.

Noteworthy: Carey, who will be 31 next season, wasn’t happy with the switch from right tackle to right guard (and the “renegotiating” of his contract, which voided the last three years and made him a free agent this offseason). But Carey played admirably at his new position, and was one of the Dolphins’ best run blockers toward the end of the season.

Will he return?: Probably. He’s not young anymore, and injuries have forced him to sit out five games in the past two years (after he previously started 87 consecutive games), but he’s still got some good football left in him. Add in the fact that he likely doesn’t want to leave Miami – he played his entire high school, college and pro career down here – he was a decent performer in 2011 and will come reasonably priced, and it’s easy to see Carey return either as the starting right guard or as a valuable utility backup.


(palmbeachpost.com)

Incumbent starter Vernon Carey, the former University of Miami standout who has started at both guard and tackle for the past seven seasons, will likely end up playing for another team following a solid season, where it turns out Carey was an alternate for the 2012 Pro Bowl.


(sun-sentinel.com)

Comments

Dolphins starting right guard Vernon Carey was back out at practice Wednesday. Carey, who didn’t practice at all last week and was inactive Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, started the first 11 games of the season before injuring his ankle on Thanksgiving Day against the Cowboys.

“He did OK today, was limited but he did all right, moved around pretty good,” Sparano said. “That was a good sign to see considering what I watched on film a week ago. It’s progress, but as I tell you guys all the time we won’t know until [Thursday].



(miamiherald.com)

DAVIE — Not much changed here at practice today.

For the second straight day, guard Vernon Carey was the only player to sit out. Carey continues to recover from a sprained ankle he sustained in last week’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The percentage improves of Nate Garner stepping in Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.

The good news for the Dolphins is there isn’t much drop-off from Carey to Garner, who have filled in nicely when called upon. We’ll have an update on Carey’s status later today.

Among the other positives was kicker Dan Carpenter seemed closer to 100 percent, perhaps his first full participation since injuring his groin two weeks ago. He could come in handy Sunday in what could be deemed as the Field Goal Bowl based on last week’s performances. The Dolphins and Raiders combined for 10 3-pointers. This isn’t good unless we’re talking about basketball. In the Raiders’ case, at least they were able to win.


(sun-sentinel.com)

Vernon Carey's seven-year tenure with the Miami Dolphins will probably end this season, but at least it won't end prematurely.

In Thursday's 20-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys the Dolphins' started right guard had his left ankle rolled up on during a goal line run that took place in the fourth quarter.

Carey left Dallas on crutches. There was initial concern about Carey, who has started 103 of the 117 games he's placed for the Dolphins, missing the final five games of the season. But an MRI of the ankle showed there wasn't a fracture, and the swelling subsided in less than 48 hours.

Carey's improvement has been so rapid he's walking without a boot, and the former University of Miami standout should be able to start Sunday's home game against Oakland if he can make it through this week's practices.

"I thought it was much worse, but it looked and felt worse than it was," said Carey, the 19th overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft.

Having Carey finish the season gives Miami's offensive line a chance to continue developing. Despite allowing a disappointing 34 sacks in 11 games, the unit has shown improvements over the past month from a pass protection standout.

Their continued growth will be critical because Oakland has produced 32 sacks this season.

But the Raiders are fairly soft against the run. Counting the 172 rushing yards the Chicago Bears gained in Sunday's 25-20 loss to Oakland, the Raiders defense is allowing 5.29 yards per carry this season.

The Cowboys held the Dolphins to 3.6 yards per rush. Those struggles has Miami's rushing average at 3.9, and this is the first time the average has been under 4.0 yards per attempt all season.

Carey has started all but two games he's played for the Dolphins the past seven seasons. He's started at tackle every year but this one because Tony Sparano opted to convert him to guard when Marc Colombo was signed and given the right tackle spot.

Because the team opted to restructure his deal during training camp Carey's set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and it's possible that this 30-year-old could, who has lived in South Florida his entire life, could be playing his final games for the Dolphins.

But at least he won't be ending the season on injured reserves.


(sun-sentinel.com)

Dolphins RG Vernon Carey did not return to the game Thursday after limping off with a left ankle injury in the fourth quarter.
Carey wore a protective pad after the game, but did not require the use of crutches while walking to the team bus. Carey has improved gradually in his debut season at guard. Swing man Nate Garner will fill in next week if Carey can't play.

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


(rotoworld.com)

One of the Dolphins' biggest weaknesses last season was the play of their interior offensive line, except for OLG Richie Incognito. They addressed the center position in the draft by selecting Mike Pouncey, who has played well, and moved Vernon Carey from right tackle to right guard. Carey played some guard in college and is one of the big reasons that the 'Fins' run blocking has opened up holes for rookie RB Daniel Thomas to take advantage of.

According to Pro Football Focus, Carey, who is 6-5, 340, is the 10th-best run-blocking offensive guard in the NFL. Head coach Tony Sparano, whose specialty is with the hogs up front, lauded Carey's performance against the Jets.

"I would argue Vernon played the best up front the other night. Really starting to look like a guard in there, he really is," Sparano said. "This guy is going to be a good guard."

Through Week Six, the Dolphins are 13th in the league with a 4.4-yard rushing average, with Carey and Pouncey on the interior. Last season they were second-to-last, running for 3.7 yards a carry.

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


(profootballweekly.com)

On how much more comfortable Vernon Carey feels at guard Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano said: “Honestly, I would argue Vernon played the best upfront the other night. Really starting to look like a guard in there, he really is.  I know there’s some people out there who don’t really believe in that. I’m telling you, you’re making a mistake. This guy is going to be a good guard, a really good guard, I think down the road. It’s just going to take time. It goes back to that deal there…if he was there in March, how much further ahead we’d be. When you’re pulling and something happens fast on the run and you’re not used to that, it takes a little bit of time to see some of that. Is a linebacker coming underneath me or is he coming outside of me. Do I come around this or do I come under it…and he’s starting to figure that out a little bit. Playing a lot faster in there right now.”

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


(sun-sentinel.com)

The Miami Dolphins offense has become allergic to touchdowns. At least it certainly seems that way.

Vernon Carey hints that Dolphins should run more in the red zone.

For some reason the end zone has become the dead zone for this 0-5 team, which can efficiently move the ball from the 20 to the 20, but freezes when it comes to scoring anything but field goals.

The Dolphins have had 18 possessions inside the 20-yard line, but came away with 63 points in those critical opportunities

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


(fantasysp.com)

Dolphins starting guard Vernon Carey left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injuring and did not return.

Carey was slow to get up with 4:50 remaining in the first quarter following a rush of no gain by Bush. The guard walked off the field favoring his right arm and was replaced by John Jerry.

“The next guy has to step up — I mean, [Cleveland] played without Peyton Hillis, we played without Vontae Davis,” coach Tony Sparano said. “This is the National Football League; the next guy has to step up in that situation.”

Sparano said after the game that he would reserve judgment on Jerry’s performance until after he reviewed film from the game.

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


(miamiherald.com)

MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins offensive lineman Vernon Carey didn't merely take a pay cut during training camp. He signed off on a deal that might bring his Miami career to an end after the 2011 season.

Carey, the Dolphins' first-round draft pick in 2004 out of the University of Miami, will be a free agent after the season, according to NFLPA records.

Carey and the Dolphins not only decided to lower his 2011 salary from $4.15 million to $2.5 million, they moved him from right tackle to right guard and voided the final three years of his contract, which was supposed to run through the 2014 season. Carey accepted the pay cut instead of being cut outright by the team.

Carey, who has started 92 of 106 career games at left and right tackle, originally signed a six-year, $42 million contract extension with a $12 million signing bonus before the 2009 season. But after the restructuring of his contract, Carey will collect a little more than $16 million for three seasons.

Carey, 30, had started 87 consecutive games before a knee injury ended his 2010 season after 12 games.

Carey, however, wasn't the only Dolphin asked to take a pay cut. Backup safety Tyrone Culver, one of the team's top special teams players the past three seasons, took a pay cut from $1.25 million to $700,000 to help his cause to make the team.

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


(palmbeachpost.com)

Dolphins RG Vernon Carey admitted that he "took a step back" against the Bucs on Saturday.

Carey and RT Marc Colombo made Bucs DE Michael Bennett look like a Pro Bowler while the Dolphins managed just 15 yards on 13 first-half carries. The right side of Miami's offensive line figures to remain an issue all season long.

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


(rotoworld.com)

The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson reports that the restructuring of Vernon Carey's contract cut the player's 2011 salary from $4.2 million to $2.5 million. The Dolphins also voided the final three years of Carey's contract. That means Carey would be an unrestricted free agent in 2012.

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


(miamiherald.com)

DAVIE, Fla. — Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Vernon Carey is moving to guard after spending the past six seasons as a starter at tackle.

Carey lined up at his new position during practice Wednesday, and coach Tony Sparano said he’s there to stay. The change makes newcomer Marc Colombo the favorite to start at Carey’s old right tackle spot.

Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long is back, although he has yet to practice because of left knee and shoulder injuries. The likely interior line starters are Carey and veteran Richie Incognito at guard and top draft pick Mike Pouncey at center.

The 340-pound Carey’s size and experience made him a good candidate for the move to guard, Sparano said, and it will aid Pouncey’s adjustment to the NFL.

“Vernon is a smart player, and smart players are good inside,” Sparano said. “And that is critical right now with Pouncey in the middle.”
Carey has started 92 games for the Dolphins since they selected him in the first round of the 2004 draft. He last lined up at guard for the University of Miami.

“I have no problem playing it,” he said. “I’m playing for the Dolphins, and I’m just happy to be here.”

Click here to order Frank Gore’s proCane Rookie Card.


(ap.com)

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – The Miami Dolphins want to add more pieces to their roster for 2011, but need more salary cap room. So, the Fins have turned to their offensive line for some salary cap relief.

According to CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald, right tackle Vernon Carey has been asked to take a pay cut. If Carey doesn’t take the pay cut, the Fins have told him he will be released.

The Fins told Carey the reason for the pay cut was so the team could make additional moves, according to the Herald. The additional moves could be in the form of trades or free agent pickups, though most of the best free agents have already chosen other squads.

It’s possible the Dolphins could be clearing cap space to make a run at Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton again, but he won’t come cheap either in draft picks or salary.

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


(cbs4.com)

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)

I had assumed that Carey would be safe as he enters his eighth NFL season, but then I heard backup Lydon Murtha say yesterday on Orlando Alzugaray’s show on 640-AM that he expects to compete for the starting right tackle job this year, and I don’t think that’s just player-speak. Carey will be 30 at the end of July, and while his production was still solid last year (ranked the 25th-best offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus), he’s coming off a knee injury that could slow him down, and his salary jumps from $950,000 to $4.15 million this year (he’s got about $20 million due over the next four years of his heavily back-weighted contract). If Murtha, a third-year player who started the final four games of 2010 and is due a much smaller salary next year, can prove to be just as effective as Carey during training camp, then don’t be surprised if the Dolphins part ways with their second-longest tenured player.

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



(palmbeachpost.com)

Welcome to our 1st annual and long overdue proCane Rankings where we look back at the 2010 NFL season and rank the 43 proCanes that took snaps in 2010 (except for Sinorice Moss who was placed on IR before the start of the season).

Stay tuned as we countdown from number 43 to number 1. Our rankings are based on each player’s performance last year. In August we’ll go ahead and re-rank the player’s based on our 2011 expectations. For now read our review of each player’s 2010 season and where they rank overall. Enjoy!

To read our rankings of players 43-35, click here.

34. Tavares Gooden LB Baltimore Ravens: The knock on Gooden since his college days has been his inability to stay healthy and 2010 unfortunately was no exception as Gooden played in 10 games, he did not start any and only tallied 18 total tackles last season. He was used by the Ravens on obvious passing situations because of his speed and coverage skills, but missed six games due to injury and was not able to secure a starting spot. At one point the Ravens saw Gooden as Ray Lewis’ successor but his inability to stay healthy has put that in doubt. It would be great to see him be able to play an entire season, hopefully 2011 will be the year.

33. Kelly Jennings DB Seattle Seahawks: Jennings under new Head Coach Pete Carroll had a solid mini camp which translated to him starting 14 games for the Seahawks and tallying a career high 13 pass deflections. Jennings also had his first interception since his rookie season in 2006, was far more consistent this year and wasn’t pushed around as much by opposing receivers. Jennings will be a free agent, but look for him to draw interest from teams including the Seahawks.

32. Rashad Butler LT Houston Texans: Butler who has been activated for all 16 games the last two years for the Texans started four games this past season and performed quite well at left tackle. Butler as a matter of fact opened the eyes of opposing coaches with his solid play and most probably will be snatched up by a team in need of a starting left tackle this offseason.

31. Phillip Buchanon DB Washington Redskins: In his first year with the Redskins, Buchanon, who played in all 16 games and started 5 had a career high in pass deflections (18) and recorded two interceptions. Overall, Buchanon had a solid year, but was at times inconsistent and found himself in Shanahan and Co.’s doghouse on several occasions. Buchanon didn’t contribute as much as was anticipated on punt returns but is still a threat on special teams as well. With one year under his belt with the Redskins look for Buchanon to have a bigger impact in 2011.

30. Calais Campbell DE Arizona Cardinals: There were high expectations coming into the 2010 season for Campbell as he was expected to record double digit sacks and more than adequately replace free-agent departee Antonio Smith. Unfortunately in 15 games Campbell only recorded six sacks, 1 less than the 2009 season though he did have more total tackles (60). The 2011 season will be an important one for Campbell to prove that he can be an elite pass rusher in the NFL, because most expected him to already be one.

29. Darryl Sharpton LB Houston Texans: Sharpton in his rookie season with the Texans was a surprise contributor on defense as he started 6 of the 12 games he was active for before sustaining an injury which ended his season prematurely. When playing though, Sharpton was solid both on special teams and defense where he accumulated 34 tackles and a sack. Look for Sharpton to work his way up the Texan depth chart and eventually become a full-time starter, if not in 2011 then 2012.

28. Vernon Carey RT Miami Dolphins: Carey battled a knee injury for most of the 2010 season but still started 12 games for the Dolphins before being put on injured reserve. Carey playing with a below average Dolphins offensive line was one of the few bright spots. Carey has been solid throughout his career and talk of him moving to the guard position is unfounded. Carey, though still recovering from his knee injury should be 100% by the start of the season.

27. Roscoe Parrish WR Buffalo Bills: Parrish was having the best season of his six-year career as through eight games he had career-high receiving yards, rushing yards and receiving touchdowns. Parrish was the Bills’ #2 wide receiver after finally being given opportunity to shine on offense while he continued to be a threat on punt returns as well. Unfortunately his season was cut short in week 8 after he sustained a season-ending wrist injury, but look for him to return as a starter to the Bills’ offense despite the emergence of Steve Johnson last season.

26. Frank Gore RB San Francisco 49ers: Gore was on pace to have another stellar season for the 49ers with their new-found dedication to the running game. Through 11 games Gore had 853 yards on the ground and over 450 yard receiving along with five touchdowns before fracturing his hip and being placed on injured reserve. It was the fourth consecutive season that Gore was unable to play in all 16 games, but when Gore is healthy, there are few in the league that are better than him especially with how involved he has become in the passing game as well.

Check back tomorrow to see which proCanes were ranked 25th through 16th!

Vernon Carey is being paid by the Miami Dolphins as if he’s an elite tackle, and that’s the position South Floridians should expect this hometown product to play in 2011.

It gets under my skin every time I hear, or see someone talking about drafting an offensive tackle and sliding Carey inside to guard because it’s the dumbest most unrealistic idea EVER.

Most of you proposing this slide have no idea how that whole process works, or what it takes to become the effective pulling guard the Dolphins desperately lack.

Just because Carey played the position for one season at the University of Miami (and hated it) and played a little guard in his rookie season with the Dolphins in 2004 doesn’t mean he can do it seven years later.

Carey’s older now, and his body doesn’t react or respond like it once did. He’s a drive-blocker, a bulldozer, not a pulling guard. That means he’s a tackle, not a guard.

Head coach Tony Sparano, an offensive line guru, has told us moving Carey inside is not an option on the table now.

I’ve repeatedly stressed it won’t happen for a number of reasons, starting with the FACT he’s a tackle, and wants to remain a tackle.
So can we please squash the Carey can move to guard talk? Dead it!

If the Dolphins opt to draft another tackle early, which I don’t think will be considered, this regime would likely release Carey, eating some of the initial investment they made re-signing him in 2009, and start over with an unproven player like Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, Colorado’s Nate Solder or Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi

That approach would insert a question mark into a line that presently has concerns at three other spots: left guard, center and right guard. Would that be idea?

Of course Carey’s knee issues, and weight (around 340) should be a concern moving forward. But Carey has already begun working out with Jake Long and the boys at Nova. He spent a month training in Arizona with PTI (Richie Incognito was there with him) building an offseason program specially designed for him, helping to speed up his rehab.

Carey said he’s working out twice a day to get ready for the season, and that workout includes his usual spinning classes.

None of this means he’s going to be the starting tackle for the next five seasons. But what it does hint at is that the Dolphins should be set at right tackle for at least 2011.

Deuces.

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



(Omar Kelly sun-sentinel.com)

 

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



(sun-sentinel.com)

Miami Dolphins OT Vernon Carey is "probably not" going to move from right tackle to guard, according to head coach Tony Sparano, reports Ben Volin, of the Palm Beach Post.


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



(kffl.com)

NEW ORLEANS— If NFL players weren't locked out and the Miami Dolphins had begun the team's offseason training program coach Tony Sparano said it's doubtful he'd have the services of the two starting tackles.

Left tackle Jake Long and right tackle Vernon Carey were nursing a handful of injuries in 2010 and both had surgery when the season was over.

Sparano pointed out both tackles, who have started the past three seasons, will likely be healthy enough to practice by training camp, if the lockout ends.

NFL players must conduct their rehab without the assistance of team doctors and trainers, which means Long and Carey are on their own at this point.

Sparano said the rehab goal was to have Long and Carey ready for "gametime."

Sparano did express concern about the fact Carey, who played at a weight that was generously listed at 340 pounds, can't work on his conditioning because of his knee problems. That inactivity might lead to weight gain.

Carey, a former University of Miami standout who has started 92 of the 106 games he's played for the Dolphins, has a weight clause included in his contract.

He's due a base salary of $4.15 million in 2011, but considering the six-year, $42 million deal he signed in 2009 escalates over the next four seasons, it's possible the 29-year-old could become a cap casualty if a salary cap returns in 2011.

Tackle is one of the deep positions in the 2011 draft, and the Dolphins tendered veteran backup Nate Garner last month, ensuring he returns. Lydon Murtha, Matt Kopa, Allen Barbre are the other tackles on the roster.

But it sounds as if Sparano and General Manager Jeff Ireland have Carey in their plans for next season. Sparano even ruled out the possibility Carey would be moved to guard, a position he played early in his Dolphins career, and while at UM.

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



(orlandosentinel.com)

Dolphins RT Vernon Carey is reportedly still walking with a "pretty bad limp" after landing on injured reserve in December with right knee issues.

It's concerning that he's still limping two months after the fact, especially since the Dolphins decided he didn't need surgery. However, Carey hadn't missed a start since 2005 before landing on IR, and is still likely to be good to go by the time Dolphins training camp opens this summer.

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



(rotoworld.com)

Miami Dolphins OT Vernon Carey has weight clauses in his contract that would significantly reduce his salary if he does not lose some weight this offseason, according to Omar Kelly, of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


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



(kffl.com)

Joe Rose: Is there any talk about Vernon Carey moving inside to guard? Is that something you guys have talked about at all?

Jeff Ireland: No. Not necessarily. He's been a staple for us at that right tackle position since we've been here and when he's been healthy, he's a pretty good player out there, probably one of the better right tackles in the division.

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



(WQAM.com)