Dolphins Planning On Franchising CB Sean Smith, Not LT Jake Long?

Ben Volin of The Palm Beach writes that the Miami Dolphins could look to re-sign a number of their key free agents in coming months, but what’s really of interest is that Volin points out that the franchise tag “seems out of the question” for LT Jake Long.

Volin adds that numerous injuries, Long’s asking price and the fact that Jonathan Martin is viewed as a potential long-term replacement could force the team to allow him to leave during free agency.

Miami would reportedly still be willing to retain Long, but only “at the right price.”

Volin mentions that the Dolphins will “almost certainly” use the franchise tag on CB Sean Smith, assuming that they don’t use it keep WR Brian Hartline under team control for another season.

Smith, 25, is reportedly seeking a contract that would pay him close to $8 million annually, but his overall play as of late hasn’t been up to that level of salary. He’s still a quality young talent that’s worth keeping around for the years to come, so it would make sense for the Dolphins to consider ways to keep him around long-term versus a single season.

We have Long listed as the No. 17 and Smith as the No. 67 best available player in our Top Free Agents list.