I think this trade is about scheme and flexibility and upgrading.
Fasano was a Parcells guy and intended for a 2 TE offense, which is not a Garrett or Phillips specialty. Fasano was a good character guy here, BUT he has been playing injured for a couple of seasons. Both seasons his shoulder was problematic early and his strength seemed limited all season each year. I think his injury problems are chronic.
Akin was by far the popular choice as our most upgradeable linebacker, why is this a major loss all of a sudden. Yeah decent vet, who didn't make massive mistakes, but also didn't make many plays. To me often invisible and not a 3-4 linebacker IMHO.
Parcells is bringing in his decent vets. These guys will let you compete, but I don't think they put you over the top. The Cowboys want playmakers now. If I'm Miami though, how excited are you to add these guys to a rebuilding team. Not very, just like I felt with many of the older dudes Parcells added to the Cowboys. I'd rather have the young draft picks.
The gamble is you plug in a Zach Thomas who may or may not be over his concussion issues (and how much tread is left). Then you gamble with Pac Man and will hold your breath every week even if he is reinstated.
We will now probably look for a veteran TE or draft another. I do like Curtis, he made plays every opportunity (recovered key onside kick, forced a key fumble on special teams, and caught 3 passes, all for TD's. He's at least a decent pass catching 3rd TE.
Akin and Fasano just weren't great fits out on the field for us, and they can be upgraded or the draft pick can be used for a more critical position.
I like the move. Akin is getting up there too, and I don't even know how much left he had on his contract. He might have been a salary cap casualty during camp anyway, if the team really wants to give Carpenter a chance.
LarryCanadian
