Miami Dolphins sign 3 exclusive-rights free agents
Omar Kelly
March 20th, 2010

The Miami Dolphins have retained all three of their exclusive-rights free agents, signing them to qualifying offers this week.

According to their agents, receiver Davone Bess, tight end Joey Haynos and kicker Dan Carpenter have all signed their one-year contracts, which will allow each to participate in the team’s offseason conditioning program that begins on Monday.

Because the Dolphins acquired both Bess and Carpenter as undrafted rookies in 2008 no other team was able to bid on their services when their initial two-year deals expired. Haynos fell into the same category when the Dolphins poached him from Green Bay’s practice squad in his rookie season, signing the 25-year-old to a two-year deal in 2008.

All three players are amongst the Dolphins’ top youngsters on the roster.

Carpenter landed in the Pro Bowl this season after nailing 25 of 28 field goals. He's sitting at an impressive 86.8 percent on field goals in his two-year career.

Haynos, originally signed off the Packers practice squad in 2008, will return as Anthony Fasano's backup. He's stretched as anything more than a situational No. 2 tight end.

Bess is entering his third year after going undrafted out of Hawaii. Even if the Dolphins finally bring in a playmaking receiver, Bess will remain a high-reception slot receiver.

The three players show how the Ireland/Parcells team has found quality players for cheap.

Bess was undrafted and led the Dolphins in receptions. Carpenter was undrafted and made it to the Pro Bowl as an alternate because of his consistency. (And because he was nearby.) Haynos was signed off Green Bay's practice squad and started eight games in 2009.