Miami Dolphins make trade for Baltimore Ravens lineman

The Miami Dolphins acquired former Houston Texans center Greg Mancz in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. To complete the move, the Dolphins also placed linebacker Vince Biegel on injured reserve. Because the move was made before the start of the regular season, Biegel is not eligible to return this season.

While it is not the Dolphins’ connection to the Texans many have speculated about in recent days, it provides the team with needed depth on the offensive line. Miami signed another former Ravens center, Matt Skura, to a one-year contract worth 1.75 million this offseason. The team also has veteran center Cameron Tom on a small deal.

Offensive line has been a focus for the Dolphins entering 2021, as the team hopes to protect young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and get a better understanding of what he can bring to the offense.

The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he took the starting job from Ryan Fitzpatrick in the middle of the year. Tagovailoa completed 64.1 percent of his passes with 1,814 yards, 14 total touchdowns and five interceptions.

The other Dolphins/Texans connection

While the Dolphins have been impressed by Tagovailoa this preseason, he did not have the strongest rookie year. The former Alabama quarterback continues to look toward proving himself in 2021. In Miami’s first preseason game, Tagovailoa was 8-of-12 with 99 yards and an interception. He rebounded nicely in the following game, completing all eight of his first-quarter pass attempts against Atlanta. Tagovailoa did not play in the final preseason game against the Bengals.

While DeShaun Watson would be an immediate upgrade over Tagovailoa, it would be surprising to see the Dolphins move on. For Houston, Tagovailoa could be involved in the trade. If he is, does that lower the amount of premium draft picks in their asking price?

Potential DeShaun Watson trade

The Texans have a hefty price tag on their star quarterback. They are reportedly seeking multiple premium draft picks. Further reports indicate the Miami Dolphins balked at the following demands.

“Sources tell Yahoo Sports the Dolphins have emerged as the frontrunner in trade discussions with the Texans for QB Deshaun Watson,” Yahoo’s Charles Robinson said. “The Texans are seeking 3 first-round picks and 2 second-round picks in negotiations, according to a team that dropped out of trade talks.”

There were multiple teams involved in trade talks for Watson around the league. At least three additional teams were in discussions at some point, but Watson holds some power with his contract.

“Sources said the Panthers, Broncos and Eagles were also in some element of trade consideration,” Robinson tweeted. “But Watson’s contractual right to approve the trade destination – which was signed off on by Houston ownership in his last extension – has weighed heavily in trade opportunities.”

In light of Watson’s offseason accusations of sexual assault, teams are looking for protection in potential trades.

“Sources said teams have angled for pick protections in any trade, to mitigate a potential NFL suspension or criminal prosecution tied to ongoing investigations by the FBY, Harris County prosecutor and Houston PD, into sexual assault allegations from multiple women,” Robinson tweeted.