The Miami Dolphins have been one of the more intriguing teams in NFL free agency to date after locking in DE Ndamukong Suh at the onset. Now they’ve added another significant piece to their team puzzle with the signing of former Browns TE Jordan Cameron.
As reported by Cleveland.com , the Dolphins signed Cameron to a two-year deal despite multiple reports claiming he was going to remain with the Browns.
Browns re-signed TE Jordan Cameron to 2-year, $15 million deal, as @RapSheet and @Rand_Getlin reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2015
The insider who first announced the Jordan switcharoo was Yahoo! Sports Charles Robinson, who received further intel that Jordan was instead headed to Miami despite agreeing to a deal with the Browns.
Two league sources say Jordan Cameron to #Browns reports are wrong. Again, #Dolphins finalizing contract with him now.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 12, 2015
According to the Miami Herald , it was the Dolphins front office, led by Mike Tannenbaum and Dennis Hickey, who convinced Cameron to change his mind and play for Miami despite agreeing to a deal with the Browns that would have paid him $15 million for two years.
Hickey called Cameron “a young, proven Pro Bowl performer with playmaking ability that will positively impact our team.” On the Dolphins website , Jordan made it known that playing for Ryan Tannehill was major factor in his decision.
“He’s young, and he’s willing to work,” Cameron said. “They were singing his praises all day long. It was definitely a big part of my decision.”
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, who was one of the first insiders to report that Cameron was staying put in Cleveland before switching over to the Dolphins, followed the bizarre turn of events throughout the day.
Wild. After Jordan Cameron’s 2-year, $15M offer was reported, the #Dolphins jumped in. They are now negotiating with him. Hadn’t previously
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2015
The way events transpired surrounding Jordan Cameron’s reversal reminded Rapoport of the Frank Gore signing, who earlier this week spurned the Philadelphia Eagles after a deal had been reached.
Frank Gore. Jordan Cameron. Both showing us it’s not done until something is signed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2015
The move by Gore created unintended ripple effects throughout NFL free agency that eventually led to the Eagles pulling star RB DeMarco Murray away from the Cowboys in a blockbuster signing yesterday. The Jordan Cameron deal could also have that same effect, as the Fins and Buffalo Bills are in heated negotiations with restricted free agent TE Charles Clay. While the signing of Cameron may seem to indicate the Dolphins have moved on from Clay, there are several outlets reporting that Miami is still in play.
The #Dolphins will keep the transition tag on TE Charles Clay, at least forcing the #Bills into a tougher financial situation.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2015
[Photo credit: Matt Sullivan / Getty Images]