Official: Fish won't eat Clay

[Meathead]

... contract

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/19/dolphins-dont-match-bills-offer-sheet-for-charles-clay/

Dolphins don’t match Bills offer sheet for Charles Clay
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 19, 2015, 11:28 AM EDT

Charles Clay, Chris Carr AP

The Dolphins had more time to think about it, but they’ve apparently got a bracket to fill out.

According to multiple reports, the Dolphins have elected to not match Buffalo’s offer sheet for transition-tagged tight end Charles Clay.

They get no compensation in the deal, and Clay gets a five-year, $38 million contract out of the deal.

[Bunion]

I'm happy with them eating ****.

Sorry, too easy.

[HHURRICANE]

Well if Cameron stays healthy they could be better off without him.

[feldspar]

I saw one eat a rockin' chair one time

http://www.monologuedb.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/jaws-quint1.jpg

[Meathead]

odds are that clay will disappoint. lets just hope its not a ville level disappoint

[better days]

Well if Cameron stays healthy they could be better off without him.

If Cameron gets another concussion, the Fins are screwed.

There is no way the Fins are a better team without Clay even if Cameron stays healthy.

My son in-law is a Fla boy & Fins fan. He is very upset at the loss of Clay to the Bills as are most Fins fans.

[swiper]

So because your son-in-law doesn't like it it means the Bills didn't massively overpay for a TE who has never really proven himself?

[better days]

odds are that clay will disappoint. lets just hope its not a ville level disappoint

I will say it again, Clay will not disappoint Bills fans.

I am not saying Clay will put up 10 TD's, but he will help other Bills players put up Td's & that has value.

[swiper]

I will say it again, Clay will not disappoint Bills fans.

I am not saying Clay will put up 10 TD's, but he will help other Bills players put up Td's & that has value.

For what he got paid, he absolutely has to put up at least 10 TDs.

In fact, that should be considered his magic number for 2015.

[better days]

So because your son-in-law doesn't like it it means the Bills didn't massively overpay for a TE who has never really proven himself?

Not just my son in-law, I said he was included with MOST Fins fans.

And the Bills did overpay for Clay, but they did not massively overpay.

$500,000 is not massive in the NFL today.

[better days]

For what he got paid, he absolutely has to put up at least 10 TDs.

In fact, that should be considered his magic number for 2015.

NO, Clay does not have to put up 10 TD's to be worth his contract, this is NOT fantasy football.

[Meathead]

its now confirmed

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000480021/article/charles-clay-to-bills-dolphins-wont-match-offer

id change the title to confirmed but im not 'allowed'

[swiper]

NO, Clay does not have to put up 10 TD's to be worth his contract, this is NOT fantasy football.

He makes more than Gronkowski. He does.

[better days]

He makes more than Gronkowski. He does.

I heard Clay is the 4th highest paid TE.........for NOW.

What is Gronks number?

[TacklingDummy]

They are probably laughing along with the rest of the NFL GMs at the Bills making someone with 14 career TDs the 4th highest paid TE in football.

[USC_Gamecock]

Another great move by Buffalo!

Keep it up Whaley/Ryan/Pegula/OBD!!

Going to be a great time making the playoffs next season!

[USC_Gamecock]

Oh yeah -- and Gronk and Graham had elite QB's throwing to them. Clay had Tannehill ...

[sukie]

For what he got paid, he absolutely has to put up at least 10 TDs.

In fact, that should be considered his magic number for 2015.

Lest we forget that there is another major factor in getting to 10 TD passes fo ANY receiver.

[swiper]

Lest we forget that there is another major factor in getting to 10 TD passes fo ANY receiver.

Oh. You mean that QB-thingie. They have to have a guy that can get him the ball.

Well did you forget how EJ Manuel threw that one nice pass to Chandler along the sideline last season. Doesn't that mean that EJ is the guy? If he hit one of those, he'll surely hit ten more.

[sukie]

Just gotta get trips to the redzone... I like Clay... I also like that Miami really liked Clay.

[swiper]

Just gotta get trips to the redzone... I like Clay... I also like that Miami really liked Clay.

Liked him enough not to match the offer or replace him with a multi-concussed, equally unproven TE? Are you better days son-in-law?

[sukie]

The not matching partly is due to the cap hell they would be in next season. No other reason to tag him.

[swiper]

The not matching partly is due to the cap hell they would be in next season. No other reason to tag him.

....

[sukie]

Sniper told Swiper to say hello.

back at him. Why isn't he on here again?

[BleedinGreenNC]

I will say it again, Clay will not disappoint Bills fans.

I am not saying Clay will put up 10 TD's, but he will help other Bills players put up Td's & that has value.

For the amount of money he got he better get more than 10 td's. 4th highest pay for TE??? WOW!!

[better days]

For the amount of money he got he better get more than 10 td's. 4th highest pay for TE??? WOW!!

Why is it some people do not understand free agents get PAID?

Especially free agents that have had the transition tag applied to them.

[swiper]

back at him. Why isn't he on here again?

Dunno.

[sukie]

Dunno.

Perhaps his 386 Gateway2000 with the 9600MBPs modem can't keep up.

[better days]

For the amount of money he got he better get more than 10 td's. 4th highest pay for TE??? WOW!!

Clay is NOT a WR playing the TE position.

Clay is a COMPLETE TE. There is MUCH MORE to the role of TE than going out for passes.

[Meathead]

do we have any idea about his character?

examples might be his volunteer work, foundations started, whether he clasps his hands and points to the sky after a td versus flashing gang signs like a dumbass

i ask bc im concerned that since his pay plummets in seasons 3 & 4 whether he will remember the extra money he got up front or will he just say hey ive had decent seasons and i aint taking a paycut from twelve mil like i said i would. its more likely not to be a problem if hes for example an overt christian versus a classic ghetto hoodrat and dont give me no ѕhit bc you know exactly what im talking about

[BleedinGreenNC]

Why is it some people do not understand free agents get PAID?

Especially free agents that have had the transition tag applied to them.

So he deserves to be paid more than Gronk?

[better days]

Perhaps his 386 Gateway2000 with the 9600MBPs modem can't keep up.

I had a friend that spent a bundle on one of those just before they became obsolete.

Like many people on this board, he did not listen to me.

I told him to hold off a bit before buying.

- - - Updated - - -


So he deserves to be paid more than Gronk?

He won't be for long.

Gronk will get his payday.

[THATHURMANATOR]

Well if Cameron stays healthy they could be better off without him.

Sure they could but explain why.

Cameron is much like Chandler (albeit better) completely one dimensional. Has no blocking skills at all.

Clay is solid at all facets.

[swiper]

Perhaps his 386 Gateway2000 with the 9600MBPs modem can't keep up.

I do not believe his system is that advanced.

[THATHURMANATOR]

For the amount of money he got he better get more than 10 td's. 4th highest pay for TE??? WOW!!

I don't agree at all. No need to put those type of expectations on him.

What we need is for all weapons (Harvin, Sammy, McCoy, Woods, Clay) to produce a final team goal. I don't care who gets the TDs or catches just that they all work together to make the offense better.

[swiper]

Clay is solid at all facets.

Don't agree at all. He has never done anything (near enough) to prove that.

[WagonCircler]

Why is it some people do not understand free agents get PAID?

Especially free agents that have had the transition tag applied to them.

Foolishly paid, for the position. Meanwhile we have the Island of Misfit Toys at the most important position on the field.

[THATHURMANATOR]

Don't agree at all. He has never done anything (near enough) to prove that.

Please explain.

It is universally noted in everything I read that Clay is solid in all phases (receiving, Blocking, and can even take a handoff)

Then Also take a look at Cameron. He has only had 1 good season and is very concussion prone.

[THATHURMANATOR]

Foolishly paid, for the position. Meanwhile we have the Island of Misfit Toys at the most important position on the field.

Such a stupid point.

Don't you think that if they could get QB that is where the money would have went. Since none are available should they not try and improve other positions? How idiotic.

[sukie]

Charles Clay was drafted in the sixth round (174th overall) by Miami Dolphins after trading with Green Bay to move up and get him. Even then, Phinsider fans didn't know what to think (http://www.thephinsider.com/2011/4/30/2138510/2011-nfl-draft-miami-dolphins-selec) of the new Dolphin, who was labeled as a pass catching FB/TE hybrid. He took a backseat to Anthony Fasano (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/3403/anthony-fasano) year one and drew mixed reviews in training camp. He finished his rookie year with just 16 catches, but with 3 touchdowns. This 46 yard bomb against Buffalo (http://www.thephinsider.com/2011/11/23/2583591/a-phinsider-play-breakdown-charles-clays-46-yard-catch-against-the) was his longest catch that year and plays like this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyFgBuHhdKU) gave us a glimpse of the future at how special of a player this guy can be.

His second year, however failed to propel his status by any means. Clay struggled to secure much playing time and really didn't have many opportunities in Miami's poorly executed Mike Sherman offense. He finished with 18 catches and two touchdowns before tearing a ligament in his knee versus Miami's 24-3 win against Jacksonville (http://www.thephinsider.com/2012/12/18/3780354/charles-clay-out-for-season-should-be-ready-for-offseason-workouts), which ended his season.

When the 2013 season started, Charles Clay was just one of the 53 players trying to keep a roster spot. At times he seemed to be on the outside looking in. In the Week 1 preseason game versus Tampa Bay, Clay finished with six targets and one catch for five yards. His outlook looked bleak. Though, like us fans, quarterback Ryan Tannehill stuck up for him (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/football/miami-dolphins-back-up-qb-pat-devlin-might-not-sur/nZc5S/). He knew what he knew.. "If this guy can put it all together, he could be unstoppable".

Then something happened that had never happened in Clay's pro career. He got a chance. A freak knee injury took out Ryan Tannehill's (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/4046/ryan-tannehill) top target in Dustin Keller (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34365/dustin-keller) during a preseason battle against Houston. When it was confirmed that he was out for the year, the future looked bleak (http://www.thephinsider.com/miami-dolphins-injuries/2013/8/19/4635850/dustin-keller-injury-what-miami-dolphins-player-will-step-up) for the tight end position. We were asking alot for players to step up and attempt to mimic Keller's production. But, Charles Clay took that challenge and ran with it, literally.

It didn't take long. Clay was a critical part of our receiving core from Week 1 versus Cleveland, he surpassed 100 yards Week 2 versus Indianapolis, and scored in three consecutive weeks versus the Saints (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/new-orleans-saints), Ravens (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/baltimore-ravens) and Bills (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/buffalo-bills). For the first time in forever, a Miami Tight End began popping up on fantasy football radars. Defensive coordinators started to take note, because they had one small problem... they couldn't figure out how to cover him. He was too fast for linemen and too big for corners. He seemed to be one of the few players that Bill Belicheck couldn't figure out. (http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bill_belichick_says_charles_clay_is_more_than_just_a_receiver/14870021)He lined up everywhere. When the secondary started keying on him, other receivers started to get open. Not only could he suddenly catch everything. He could hit. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzc8d8tSEpU) Clay finished the season with 69 catches for 759 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Miami's most improved player was recognized this offseason by being named the NFL's 89th best player (http://www.thephinsider.com/2014/5/15/5720814/2014-nfl-top-100-players-list-charles-clay-at-89). ESPN's Field Yates recently reported that Clay made the list of NFL sources for "biggest matchup nightmares", a list shared by Rob Gronkowski (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/108520/rob-gronkowski), Adrian Peterson (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/19109/adrian-peterson) and Calvin Johnson. The league knows who Charles Clay is now? But do we? What else does the future hold for Miami's offensive weapon?

Clay remains at the depth chart as Miami's top tight end. Newly appointed offensive coordinator, Bill Lazor, was infamous for creating a unique high paced up-tempo offense in Philly. He would be wise to use Clay in a variety of ways to keep the defense on their toes and keep the offensive rhythm firing at all cylinders. Clay may not have the size of Rob Gronkowski, but he can use his variety of skills to be a similar "swiss army knife" of a threat for the Dolphins this year. Like his hands, his blocking has incredibly improved and can also help Miami rejuvenate their rushing attack after an off year. The best part about Charles Clay is no matter the down or the secnario, the offense can always use him.

Charles Clay may be one the most unique players in the NFL. Now that the expectations are high, we are all counting on Big Play Clay to be the force that Miami needs him to be.

http://www.thephinsider.com/2014/7/17/5913477/the-curious-case-of-charles-clay

[DesertFox24]

They are paying him for what he will bring to the Greg Roman offense.

[sukie]

WHo cares what a guy is making... I wanna see the gy play. Drafted as a FB TE hybrid is intriguing... He has speed, Can block, is athletic... I haven't been this excited about the TE position since Jay RsmersmsmaMZsma.

[jimmifli]

Roman likes to run. He really likes to scheme complex running plays that create mismatches. 49er fans consistently praise his ability to create running plays that are near impossible to defend and are perfectly setup.

Now, Roman has a gadget WR that is one of the best running WRs in the NFL, one of the best blocking FBs in the NFL and a TE that can block or catch. Clay will be used as a run blocker frequently enough that covering him with a DB is a bad idea.

[swiper]

Charles Clay was drafted in the sixth round (174th overall) by Miami Dolphins after trading with Green Bay to move up and get him. Even then, Phinsider fans didn't know what to think (http://www.thephinsider.com/2011/4/30/2138510/2011-nfl-draft-miami-dolphins-selec) of the new Dolphin, who was labeled as a pass catching FB/TE hybrid. He took a backseat to Anthony Fasano (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/3403/anthony-fasano) year one and drew mixed reviews in training camp. He finished his rookie year with just 16 catches, but with 3 touchdowns. This 46 yard bomb against Buffalo (http://www.thephinsider.com/2011/11/23/2583591/a-phinsider-play-breakdown-charles-clays-46-yard-catch-against-the) was his longest catch that year and plays like this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyFgBuHhdKU) gave us a glimpse of the future at how special of a player this guy can be.

His second year, however failed to propel his status by any means. Clay struggled to secure much playing time and really didn't have many opportunities in Miami's poorly executed Mike Sherman offense. He finished with 18 catches and two touchdowns before tearing a ligament in his knee versus Miami's 24-3 win against Jacksonville (http://www.thephinsider.com/2012/12/18/3780354/charles-clay-out-for-season-should-be-ready-for-offseason-workouts), which ended his season.

When the 2013 season started, Charles Clay was just one of the 53 players trying to keep a roster spot. At times he seemed to be on the outside looking in. In the Week 1 preseason game versus Tampa Bay, Clay finished with six targets and one catch for five yards. His outlook looked bleak. Though, like us fans, quarterback Ryan Tannehill stuck up for him (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/football/miami-dolphins-back-up-qb-pat-devlin-might-not-sur/nZc5S/). He knew what he knew.. "If this guy can put it all together, he could be unstoppable".

Then something happened that had never happened in Clay's pro career. He got a chance. A freak knee injury took out Ryan Tannehill's (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/4046/ryan-tannehill) top target in Dustin Keller (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34365/dustin-keller) during a preseason battle against Houston. When it was confirmed that he was out for the year, the future looked bleak (http://www.thephinsider.com/miami-dolphins-injuries/2013/8/19/4635850/dustin-keller-injury-what-miami-dolphins-player-will-step-up) for the tight end position. We were asking alot for players to step up and attempt to mimic Keller's production. But, Charles Clay took that challenge and ran with it, literally.

In other words, he's Chris Gragg. Except the Dolphins decided to actually throw to him.

[swiper]

WHo cares what a guy is making... I wanna see the gy play. Drafted as a FB TE hybrid is intriguing... He has speed, Can block, is athletic... I haven't been this excited about the TE position since Jay RsmersmsmaMZsma.

The Bills have had 2 or 3 of the exact same guy here since Dick Jauron was in Buffalo.

Dorin Dickerson
Chris Gragg
David Martin (http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/david-martin-player)
Marquise Gray
Evan Rodriguez

[sukie]

I guess we can take this up after the season... I think he's a better athlete than all those guys You do not. Freaking Liberal!!!!!!

[swiper]

They are paying him for what he will bring to the Greg Roman offense.

What, exactly, can he bring that Gray/Gragg cannot? I want proof. He had one ok season? So would Gray/Gragg had their teams actually utilized them. Clay does not have any specific measurable that gives him the gift of being "better".

The Bills, and you all, have been sold a boat load of hope. Again.

[swiper]

I guess we can take this up after the season... I think he's a better athlete than all those guys You do not. Freaking Liberal!!!!!!

The problem with righties, one of the many, is you cannot distinguish a moderate from a liberal.

To you, anyone who doesn't agree with your pov is a liberal. That's why intelligent folks in the USA feel the Republicans have lost all their credibility.

That and that they have gone whole hog in pandering to the kkk-loving, gun-toting far right which was less than 10% of the party for a long time.

But I love you anyway!

[WagonCircler]

The problem with righties, one of the many, is you cannot distinguish a moderate from a liberal.

To you, anyone who doesn't agree with your pov is a liberal. That's why intelligent folks in the USA feel the Republicans have lost all their credibility.

That and that they have gone whole hog in pandering to the kkk-loving, gun-toting far right which was less than 10% of the party for a long time.

But I love you anyway!


This is almost as laughable as it is ironic.

[swiper]

This is true.

Fixed it for you. You failed civics, didn't you?

[elroy16]

What, exactly, can he bring that Gray/Gragg cannot? I want proof. He had one ok season? So would Gray/Gragg had their teams actually utilized them. Clay does not have any specific measurable that gives him the gift of being "better".

The Bills, and you all, have been sold a boat load of hope. Again.



You want proof that he can do more than Gray or Gragg and then make the statement that Gray/Gragg would be the same player if their teams utilized them? I want proof that Gray/Gragg would put up similar numbers, please show me that.


There are players every year that have superior measurables than other players that can't cut it. Football isn't just size and quickness. Assuming Gray/Gragg/Clay could all be the same player because of their measurables is one of the dumber things I've read.

[justasportsfan]

Who cares if he's the 4th highest paid TE. All that did is drive up Gronks price. Hopefully it will cause problems between him and the pats that he leaves the cheaters

[justasportsfan]

They are probably laughing along with the rest of the NFL GMs at the Bills .

I'll be laughing harder once Suh is suspended and the fins are stuck with his contract.

[Yasgur's Farm]

Official... http://www.buffalobills.com/

[starrymessenger]

do we have any idea about his character?

examples might be his volunteer work, foundations started, whether he clasps his hands and points to the sky after a td versus flashing gang signs like a dumbass

i ask bc im concerned that since his pay plummets in seasons 3 & 4 whether he will remember the extra money he got up front or will he just say hey ive had decent seasons and i aint taking a paycut from twelve mil like i said i would. its more likely not to be a problem if hes for example an overt christian versus a classic ghetto hoodrat and dont give me no ѕhit bc you know exactly what im talking about

legit question and given the timing of the payout of the guaranteed portion of his contract this was doubtless part of the Bills due diligence. Obviously I don't know the guy but Joe Rose knows him well and was saying the other day that he's a really good person who is a great locker room guy. Played tough through injury all of last year and never said a word. Just rolled up his sleeves and went to work. Very high character guy.

[starrymessenger]

The Bills have had 2 or 3 of the exact same guy here since Dick Jauron was in Buffalo.

Dorin Dickerson
Chris Gragg
David Martin (http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/david-martin-player)
Marquise Gray
Evan Rodriguez

Not the same guy. They were the type of "versatile" player about whom we typically say that they "don't have a position".
Charles Clay is one of those rare talents that can play many positions.

[Yasgur's Farm]

Regarding injury history... As I've pointed out in another thread... He's made the official injury report just 3 times in his 4 year career...
2011 week 1 - Out - Hammy
2011 week 2 - Probable - Hammy
2012 week 14 - Probable -Ribs
That's it!
http://www.kffl.com/player/24062/nfl/injury_history/charles-clay

[better days]

Not the same guy. They were the type of "versatile" player about whom we typically say that they "don't have a position".
Charles Clay is one of those rare talents that can play many positions.

I think it would be great if Gragg & or Gray can develop into the type of player Clay is, but neither of them is there at this point.

[starrymessenger]

In other words, he's Chris Gragg. Except the Dolphins decided to actually throw to him.

Clay is an excellent route runner and can run any TE route.
Gragg - not so much.

[BertSquirtgum]

They are probably laughing along with the rest of the NFL GMs at the Bills making someone with 14 career TDs the 4th highest paid TE in football.

Yeah. Probably. :blahblah:

[better days]

Roman likes to run. He really likes to scheme complex running plays that create mismatches. 49er fans consistently praise his ability to create running plays that are near impossible to defend and are perfectly setup.

Now, Roman has a gadget WR that is one of the best running WRs in the NFL, one of the best blocking FBs in the NFL and a TE that can block or catch. Clay will be used as a run blocker frequently enough that covering him with a DB is a bad idea.

And Rex likes to play mind games with the other team.

Rex has said he wants his team to beat the other team both physically & mentally.

Last year with Marrone as HC, a 6 year old boy could tell you what play the Bills would run on any given down.

This year Rex will have teams guessing what the Bills will do next & Clay will help them do that.

[justasportsfan]

And Rex likes to play mind games with the other team.

Rex has said he wants his team to beat the other team both physically & mentally.

Last year with Marrone as HC, a 6 year old boy could tell you what play the Bills would run on any given down.

This year Rex will have teams guessing what the Bills will do next & Clay will help them do that.

Rexy surely confused Hackett twice last year and pounded KWilliams and co. physically and mentally.....oh wait

[better days]

Rexy surely confused Hackett twice last year and pounded KWilliams and co. physically and mentally.....oh wait

The Bills had MUCH BETTER players than the Jets.

Scheme can only do so much, the players have to do the rest.

This year, Rex will have those Bills players running his scheme.

[Historian]

Such a stupid point.

Don't you think that if they could get QB that is where the money would have went. Since none are available should they not try and improve other positions? How idiotic.

I agree with Thurm here.

And the fact that they paid so much for him, tells me that they really want a viable safety valve for the QBs on the roster, namely EJ Manuel.

[jills]

Oh yeah -- and Gronk and Graham had elite QB's throwing to them. Clay had Tannehill ...

NEWSFLASH! we have worse QB's than Tannehill.

[jills]

For what he got paid, he absolutely has to put up at least 10 TDs.

In fact, that should be considered his magic number for 2015.

Yup, he's getting paid like an elite TE, he should produce like one.

[Meathead]

legit question and given the timing of the payout of the guaranteed portion of his contract this was doubtless part of the Bills due diligence. Obviously I don't know the guy but Joe Rose knows him well and was saying the other day that he's a really good person who is a great locker room guy. Played tough through injury all of last year and never said a word. Just rolled up his sleeves and went to work. Very high character guy.

yeah thats what i heard too. apparently hes got a foundation or something hes spent a lot of time on, and i found various former coaches that gave him glowing personal comments so now im not worried about that. well lets say worried about it less bc you never know. i mean, he would have to go freaking lights out for two straight seasons to ever actually earn twelve mil a season. and if he ever did im sure the bills wouldnt mind adding at least a little to those last two seasons anyway

[Jry44]

They are probably laughing along with the rest of the NFL GMs at the Bills making someone with 14 career TDs the 4th highest paid TE in football.

Clay fits Romans offense to a tee. The system makes a huge difference. Can't we wait and see before we make a call that the move was either good or bad? I mean.... revis blew as a cover 3 corner in Tampa because it did not utilize his strengths. NOT that clay is revis, but it's an example.