Shockey reportedly passed a physical for the Dolphins on Thursday, which means there's a good chance he could sign with Miami. Because Shockey was released by the Saints this week, he can sign with a new team before the collective-bargaining agreement expires March 3.
Shockey starred at the University of Miami and lives in South Beach in the offseason, so he'd have an obvious interest in the Dolphins, who haven't gotten a lot of success out of their tight ends in the last decade. Shockey turns 31 in August, and his skills are no longer on par with his marquee name.
Shockey's reception totals have declined in each of the last four seasons, and he had career lows with 41 catches and 408 yards in 2010. He hasn't reached 50 receptions since 2008, and he hasn't topped 60 catches since 2006. Plus, he's never played 16 regular-season games in his nine-year career.
The Dolphins' best tight end last season was Anthony Fasano, who had 39 catches for 528 yards and four touchdowns, and they definitely need to upgrade the position. It's especially important to have a productive tight end for a young and developing quarterback like Chad Henne, who regressed in his second season as Miami's starter.
But that's been a rarity for the Dolphins. Since 2000, the Dolphins have only had a tight end surpass 50 receptions three times, and it was Randy McMichael who did it on each occasion. And the last time that happened was 2006.
Shockey would add some excitement to Miami — the Dolphins' ownership group obviously loves its stars — and he'd increase their jersey sales. But he wouldn't give them the significant boost that they desperately need at tight end.
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