Well, it seems like there is some phins related news today, and it sure is some good news. Today, the Dolphins signed free agent guard Eric Steinbach. Steinbach was signed to serve as insurance for John Jerry. Jerry has struggled to maintain his weight, and is still reportedly above the weight coach Philbin wants him to be at. This could be his doom, as he will be released if he doesn't get his weight under control. If that were to happen, Steinbach can be a great choice to either start at RG or to backup RG Artis Hicks. Hicks was brought in earlier this summer to add options at RG. More info after the jump.
Eric Steinbach, age 32, was picked early in the 2nd rd of the 2003 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Steinbach started 62 of 64 games throughout his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, having missed one due to injury and playing sparingly in the other. Steinbach's relentless work-ethic made him shine at the guard spot. In 2006, he entered free agency as one of the top 5 free agents available. On the first day of free agency, the Cleveland Browns signed him to a 7 year $49.5 million monster of a contract, making him the highest paid offensive lineman in the league (at the time). He started for the Cleveland Browns for four seasons, once again proving himself to be one of the upper-end offensive lineman in the league, and even being named as a pro bowl alternate in 2008. After the 2010-11 season, he suffered a severe injury due to the lockout. Because of this, Steinbach found himself released by the Browns. He sat out the previous season in order to rehab from his injury, and came into this season looking for another chance to be on a team. Today, he was picked up by the Miami Dolphins.
Steinbach figures to play a major role if he is healthy. He has previously been an upper-echelon starter, and still has some skill left. At the very least, he will be right in the middle of the 3-way competition to start at RG between him, Jerry and Artis Hicks. If Jerry does not get his weight into control, his chances of starting will go way up, as he and Hicks battle it out. At the very least, he provides a solid starter/backup at the vet minimum, and can be cut if his injury causes lingering issues. I think this is a good low risk signing by the Dolphins, and could pay off if he won the starting job. Let us know what you think below.
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