Maybe the Miami Dolphins are finally tipping their hand.
The agents for former Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long were spotted at the Dolphins training complex on Tuesday, on hand for preliminary contract talks, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter. The Dolphins hold the first overall pick in April's NFL Draft.
The presence of his agents doesn't solidify that Long, the three-time Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, will be the No. 1 pick. The new Dolphins regime, led by Parcells, could use the talks to increase contract leverage with other potential picks.
The Dolphins also are interested in trading the No. 1 pick, but so far no suitors have surfaced.
The Dolphins are thought to wish to negotiate contract parameters with at least three players prior to the draft. Defensive end Chris Long, formally of Virginia, and defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (LSU) are believed to be the others.
Long is the first player to be contacted by the Dolphins.
Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is considered perhaps the best player available, but the Dolphins have greater needs at other positions.
The Dolphins would be delighted to prevent a holdout by reaching an agreement on a contract with their top pick before the draft begins April 26. Last year's top pick, JaMarcus Russell, missed all of training camp before signing a $61 million contract with the Oakland Raiders.
Offensive line is considered the biggest need for the Dolphins, who went 1-15 last season. But Parcells has been reluctant to use high picks on offensive linemen in the past.
The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Long is widely considered the top offensive lineman available in the draft and a top-10 selection. Long, who started 40 games during his college career, finished second in the voting for both the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy last season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
