Agent: Vernon Carey likely to walk

With two weeks until the Dolphins either get deals done with their free agents or face the prospect of losing them, an agent offered his opinion Friday that they’ll opt to allow offensive tackle Vernon Carey to test the market.

“I just don’t think they like him that much,” the agent said of condition of anonymity. “They don’t think he’s worth the pricetag.”

There had been speculation the Dolphins could use the franchise tag on Carey, but that would be in the range of $9 million per season.

The same source said it’s unlikely Miami will use its first-rounder at that position. “There are no tackles in this draft in the Jake Long category,” he said. Having said that, draft experts feel as many as five tackles could be taken by the time the Dolphins pick at No. 25.

The offensive line is likely to undergo some shakeups before camp starts. Long and Justin Smiley are sure to return, but Samson Satele could be moved to guard and Andy Alleman to center. Center Al Johnson, another free agent, appears to be gone, and Ike Ndukwe is a longshot to return. Donald Thomas, who impressed before being lost for the year to injury, will also be back.

Remember, this was a unit that could not consistently open holes for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams last year. Especially late in the year, a large percentage of the run production was coming off end-around plays rather than inside the tackles. Improvement was a necessity; the question is, where do Bill Parcells and Co. turn to make it?

(palmbeachpost.com)