According to social media, Eric Weddle is either about to become or nearly became a Miami Dolphin. It's not true, but for a while it sure seemed like it was. Let's take a quick look at what led to the online antics.
The rift between Chargers safety and team management was obvious this off-season. The two-time All-Pro with the all-world facial hair was outspoken in his disappointment that the team did not engage in negotiations for a contract extension.
The team was likely waiting to see what they could work out with Philip Rivers (and Corey Liuget, and possibly Antonio Gates) before really trying to work something out. But Weddle and his agent, David Canter, said they'll play out the final year of his deal and test the free agent waters.
Dolphins safety Louis Delmas injured his knee at practice and could miss the entire 2015 season. A Miami beat writer, Omar Kelly, sent a tweet musing about whether or not the Dolphins would give the Bolts a call about Weddle.
That would not have been a big deal. It's a good observation from a journalist who knows the NFL. But when Canter took to Twitter saying, "I approve this tweet!!!!!" with a link to Kelly's original post, things escalated quickly. Canter, who lives in South Florida, tweeted again saying he would endorse a Weddle trade to Miami: "Why wouldn't I want my best friend with me?"
Once that was out there, the situation took on a life of its own. I saw several posts asking what the Chargers were getting back for Weddle in the trade as if it was a done deal. About an hour after the whole thing started, Canter once again took to Twitter to clear the air: "... it's not going to happen. Teams don't typically trade their best players. Chargers fans can relax. Eric is safe for 2015."
So if you see any other Weddle trade remnants floating around cyber space you can discard them. For now.
