A report in the Miami Herald suggests that the Miami Dolphins might contact the Cowboys to inquire about defensive end Marcus Spears. Miami recently lost starter Phillip Merling for the season with an achilles injury.
I have been in contact with a source saying the Dolphins may turn their attention before training camp is over to Dallas defensive end Marcus Spears, a starter who has fallen somewhat out of favor with the Cowboys and whom Bill Parcells drafted in the first round in 2005.
Although Spears finished the season with a career-high 2.5 sacks in 2009, the Cowboys former first-round pick got a lower restricted free agent tender offer than either of his backups. Spears was available in trade just prior to the draft.
Calvin Watkins reports that the Dolphins have not yet contacted the Cowboys regarding Spears, but there are plenty of dots to connect. In addition to the fact that Spears entering his final year, Dallas likes backups Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen and may have more interest in retaining one or both of them than Spears past this season just based on talent, since both add a much greater pass rushing element. Watkins mentions that the team also likes Marcus Dixon:
The club is high on Marcus Dixon, who spent the last two years on the practice squad. Dixon is someone who will get a lot of opportunties to make the 53-man roster.
Parcells and Jeff Ireland both have obvious connections with Spears and should have open communication lines with the Cowboys. Matt Mosely mentions that Dolphins DL coach Kasey Rogers, also a former Cowboys employee, has a good relationship himself with Spears.