Dear Greg Cote:

In my opinion, your rebuilding mode article stating that the Dolphins had given up on the season because they hadn't signed Taylor is wrong and well, stupid. You're not stupid Cote, just those articles. The mentality that adding a star player shows that you think you are one piece away from winning at all and are in "win-now" mode, is shortsighted. "Win-now" teams somehow don't seem to win now.  It's a glitz over substance philosophy. It is the kind of thinking a team such as the Redskins does. They love to bring in older stars and they also don't seem to mind giving away draft picks or paying exorbitant salaries to get the players. And look how well they've done recently.  "Win-now" teams are often just trying to beat another team this year in their division and that doesn't seem to work either. It got coach Bum Phillips of the Houston Oilers fired some 30 odd years ago and the Houston Texans GM fired more recently for picking Mario Williams first overall. [Home town folks wanted Vince Young or Reggie Bush, not some defensive end who was perceived as being drafted mainly to neutralize Peyton Manning.] How often does a "win now" team win a Superbowl?

If the Dolphins felt adding Taylor would significantly hurt the development of one or more of the younger players, then I would agree and support the decision not to sign him just for one year. If not, then sure, sign him for a year or two at a cheap price. He can fill a need this year and the Dolphins can draft a good pass-rusher or two next year if needed. It's what the Dolphins did when they acquired Junior Seau and what the Patriots did after he left the Dolphins - sign a good player with little financial risk that cost now drafts picks.

Similarly, I think the article suggesting the Dolphins acquire Anquan Boldin would be a big mistake.  First they would have to give up a first-round draft pick to get him.  Second, he wants a lot of money, cap space money. Finally, he already has a great position and great big high-dollar shiny new contract with a team that just went to the SuperBowl. Is he happy? No. Insyead he is whining his way out of a job in Arizona because he doesn't feel he gets gets enough respect. And by respect, he means even more money. Now, if he is available in August for a 4th round pick and a reasonable price and a humble attitude, a la Randy Moss, then go for it.  But not now.

As for the mentality that not adding a star player means you've given up on the season, that mentality is also shortsighted, and well, stupid. I can't believe anyone in the Dolphins organization has given up on this season and should be fired if they have. Instead I think the Dolphins have a management team that has a "win every year" attitude by taking the long term view, more than a "win-now" view.  They're building a team and putting a structure in place where they can feel good about every year. Where they can expect to have a winning season 9 times out of 10, go to the playoffs more often than not, and occasionally go to the Superbowl which they will hopefully win. A better strategy than "win now" because it also has the benefit of producing "can win now" teams year in and year out. Just ask the Steelers and the Patriots. A much better strategy than going for a home run every year and the future be damned. Because the future will be damned.

But then, that's just my opinion. Mr Cote, if you're still annoyed that I called your articles stupid, here is the standard OPhinions apology.