The Miami Dolphins are no closer to a long-term contract deal with cornerback Sean Smith, but don't hold your breath for the team to seal the deal.
Unofficial list of free agents
NFL free agency is set to begin on March 12. Check out this unofficial list of the 2013 NFL restricted and unrestricted free agents for every team, which includes Greg Jennings. **More ...**
Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald reported Monday the Dolphins will not tag Smith, despite what many believed would transpire in South Beach.
Local papers reported Smith was a top candidate for the roughly $10.7 million tag if it wasn't used on wide receiver Brian Hartline, but Salguero has stated for more than a week that wouldn't be the case.
If the Dolphins hold off, Smith will be unleashed on the open market, where his camp is expected to seek something close to the $8-$10 million per year the Dallas Cowboys' Brandon Carr and the Tennessee Titans' Jason McCourty received last offseason.
The Dolphins appear primed to mine the NFL draft for secondary help instead of pouring greenbacks into a corner who allowed more combined first downs and touchdowns than any other last season. Smith has potential -- and suitors will come calling if he's made available -- but the Dolphins appear willing to move on.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
