Dolphins say “Thanks, but No Thanks” to Horn
Veteran wide receiver Joe Horn, who was cut by the Atlanta Falcons earlier this week, has been seeking employment with any of the remaining 31 teams in the league. He had reportedly narrowed his choices to Miami, the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and St. Louis Rams. Thursday, the Dolphins got back to Horn’s agent and said they were not interested in signing Horn at this time. Are they nuts? Lets look at this situation logically and figure out if this is a good or bad decision.
First, the cons of bringing in Horn. Throughout his career, Joe Horn has been known as a flashy player, outspoken, and possessing quite an attitude. All of these things could be detremental to the Dolphins in the locker room and affect the team’s cohesion and performance on the field. Not necessarily something the team can afford as they try to turn around the franchise. Horn would also no doubt be seeking a hefty salary and still considers himself a legitimate #1 WR. Installing Horn as the #1 could damage the confidence of Ted Ginn Jr and Derek Hagan who as of Thursday appear to have locked down the #1 and #2 slots at wideout.
The pros of bringing in Horn could be limitless. Joe Horn was the face of the New Orleans Saints franchise for 6 seasons, and was a wonderful contributor to the community of New Orleans, especially after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. Miami is a team without a face for its franchise, Jason Taylor - gone, Zach Thomas - gone, Chris Chambers - gone. Bringing in Horn would be beneficial off the field and on. On the field, Horn is a 4 time Pro Bowler (4 appearances in 6 season with New Orleans) and a very reliable contributor. As good as Ginn Jr and Hagan have looked in preseason, it is just that, preseason. Teams never roll out all their tricks, and Ginn Jr and Hagan are likely to see several new tricks against full, first team defenses when the season starts for real on September 7.
Miami already passed on one opportunity to bring in a veteran to guide their young receiving corps, it would be a huge mistake to do so again. Veteran wide receivers don’t just fall out of the sky, and even though the Dolphins have said they’re open to bringing in Horn later, they need to bring him in now! Give Ginn Jr and Hagan someone to learn from, someone to teach them the finer points of the wideout position. More importantly, give Chad (take your pick, Pennington or Henne) a reliable go to receiver to get this offense moving!
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