The Dolphins were willing to pay Michael Crabtree close to $3MM to suit up in aqua this season, but the longtime 49ers receiver sought “at least” $4.5MM per year, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
After seeking more than $9MM per campaign, Crabtree’s visiting the Raiders in hopes of salvaging some kind of value from what’s been an anti-climactic offseason from the inconsistent wideout. Crabtree earned at least $4.5MM in salary and bonuses the past five seasons.
Some additional news from Miami and the rest of the NFL on Saturday night …
- Although the Dolphins’ summit with Stevan Ridley was merely exploratory, the team hasn’t ruled out signing the ex-Patriots running back, reports Jackson. Ridley, who is recovering from knee surgery and is one of many starting-caliber backs still in free agency, is reported to be down to the Jets and Fins for his next destination.
- The Dolphins also showed “some interest” in bringing Colts signee Frank Gore back to Miami, but the longtime 49ers bruiser told Jackson multiple teams beat out the Dolphins’ pursuit level.
- Jackson lists Buster Skrine, a Jets acquisition on a relatively big contract, as a player who the Dolphins coveted but one who declined their offer.
- Oklahoma defensive tackle Jordan Phillips visited Miami last week, adds Jackson. The Dolphins are intrigued by the Sooner talent’s potential despite landing Ndamukong Suh and housing several young players who are currently in their good graces.
- With starter-level safeties Antrel Rolle and Ryan Mundy among the three back-line defenders on the Bears‘ roster, the team plans to address the position after the early rounds of the draft, writes Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times. Jahns mentioned Cody Prewitt (Ole Miss), Nick Perry (Alabama) and Northwestern’s Ibraheim Campbell as players the Bears have studied as possible fits.
- Interior defensive line help also intrigues the Bears, reports Jahns, as they lost Stephen Paea to Washington. As they transition to the 3-4, the Bears are chock full of size outside, with Ray McDonald recently added as a five-technique end and Pernell McPhee arriving as a 280-pound linebacker. Interestingly, Jahns includes 300-pound Lamarr Houston, signed to a lucrative deal last year as a 4-3 run-stopping end, as an outside backer, which would be a unique experiment.
- The Ravens will host Kansas free safety Cassius Sendish on a visit April 21, reports Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. A Waldorf, Md., native and potential late-round draft pick, Sendish will visit his hometown team’s facilities during the team’s day designated for local prospect meetings.