NFL, Fantasy, Team News / Analysis, Player News / Analysis, NFL Draft, Dustin Keller , Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, NFL Free Agency, NFL Offseason, 2013 NFL Free Agency, NFL Free Agents
Keller has spent his entire career with the Jets since being drafted 30th overall in 2008. His production has been hurt by playing in a mediocre, run-first offense, but he has plenty of ability to make a difference in the passing game. In 2011, Keller caught 65 passes for 815 yards and five touchdowns. He was limited to eight games and only five starts in an injury plagued 2012 season.
The signing of Keller is yet another win for the aggressive Dolphins, who get a quality tight end to pair with their strong group of wide receivers. The Dolphins have struggled to produce from the tight end position since the days of Randy McMichael, and Keller will add explosiveness, field stretching ability, and a red zone threat to the offense. Keller was considered one of the best tight ends on the market this offseason, and has been by far the most productive player among the top free agents at his position (besides Tony Gonzalez, who could hardly have been considered "on the market" this year).
From a fantasy perspective, Keller's stock should rise significantly if he can remain healthy. While with the Jets, Keller was the biggest threat on an offense that severely lacked viable weapons, and he was catching passes from the infamously terrible Mark Sanchez. In Miami, teams will be forced to focus on Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline, creating more space for Keller to operate, and second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill will hope to be a better signal caller than Sanchez has been. Keller could be in the TE1 conversation, and would be a good draft pick if you decide not to target one of the elite tight ends.
The Dolphins have now signed Keller, Mike Wallace, Dannell Ellerbe, and Philip Wheeler. They have re-signed Brian Hartline and Chris Clemons, and are aggressively trying to retain Jake Long. It sure is nice to have cap space. Still with a 12th overall draft pick that should improve the roster, it wouldn't be too surprising to see the Dolphins in the playoffs next year. The development of Ryan Tannehill could make or break the season.
3/16/13 | mcleodglen | 24 respect
3/15/13 | orangemen90 | 1869 respect
This was a very interesting development here in South Florida.