Dolphins Cut Big Daddy

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Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson

Nearly 2 months after Dan “Big Daddy” Wilkinson‘s trade to the Broncos was voided for failing to show up to Denver for his physical, the Dolphins are apparently fed up with the veteran journeyman and have terminated his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The 6’4″ 340-lb. defensive tackle was originally traded on March 2 to the Broncos for a 6th round draft pick. Now that he’s available on the open market, it raises questions whether the Broncos will pursue his services after all.

Of course, Broncos fans know that our defensive line has had the biggest overhaul this offseason. Since the trade for Big Daddy went south, we’ve brought in 4 defensive tackles – Marcus Thomas, Steven Harris, Sam Adams, and Jimmy Kennedy. Not to mention the first two round picks going to defensive ends Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder respectively.

What does this mean for Broncos fans? Hopefully nothing. I mean, we’ve been so busy overhauling our defensive line this offseason, it almost seems that the Dolphins are giving us the proverbial finger by releasing him the week AFTER we sign Adams and trade for Kennedy. Bringing in Wilkinson now would mean that we either designate 6 spots of our 53-man roster for DTs – something I don’t think is possible – or that Alvin McKinley or Kennedy are in trouble to make that roster. Seeing as we gave up a late round pick for Kennedy and a somewhat decent contract to McKinley this offseason, I can’t see that happening either.

And before all of Broncos Country begins calling for Wilkinson’s return, remember this – he had his chance to wear the orange and blue, and HE didn’t show up. If he wanted to be a Bronco, he had every opportunity to simply show up for a physical in Denver for more than a month.

The Bottom Line: The Big Daddy ship has sailed, at least as far as the Broncos are concerned.