Could fans of the New England Patriots soon be singing a sad chorus of ‘Arrivederci, ‘Dola?’
As the Magic 8 Ball occasionally prognosticates, all signs point to ‘Yes.’
NFL Network’s Dan Hellie was first to report that wide receiver Danny Amendola is expected to sign with the Miami Dolphins, per a source informed of the situation. Good Morning Football’s Peter Schrager later reported that the deal is for two years and is worth $12 million with $8.25 million guaranteed.
Amendola spent the past five seasons in New England, taking yearly pay cuts to remain alongside quarterback Tom Brady, and fellow receiver Julian Edelman. Amassing high totals in receptions and yards were often a rarity for Amendola. However, this was through no fault of his own. The Patriots often sported a number of talented receiving targets, including Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Brandin Cooks and tight end Rob Gronkowski.
The Man they call ‘Playoff.’
Despite often having to share the stage, Amendola always seemed to come up with a key reception when most needed. The 32-year-old receiver has repeatedly shined in the playoffs for the Patriots. Perhaps the greatest example of Amendola’s clutch performance prowess came during a two-TD performance in the AFC championship game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Amendola showed off amazing athleticism in making the game-winning catch to secure yet another trip to the Super Bowl for New England. In Super Bowl LII, facing the eventual-champion Philadelphia Eagles, he compiled 152 yards on eight receptions.
For the Dolphins, this signing provides them with a reliable, talented and versatile receiver. Earlier in the day, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the team agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with ex-Chiefs receiver Albert Wilson. The team was in need of receiving help after agreeing to trade Jarvis Landry to the Cleveland Browns. Wilson and Amendola join wideouts DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills in the likely Dolphins receiving corps for 2018.
Arrivederci, ‘Dola
Much like the sentiments expressed by singers Dean Martin, Mario Lanza and Jerry Vale (who have recorded the song, ‘Arrivederci, Roma‘), parting ways with Danny Amendola is a bittersweet feeling for Patriots Nation. It will be difficult for Pats fans to watch the man they called ‘Playoff’ catching receptions in South Beach. However, the moments that Amendola provided on the field will forever last in the annals of Patriots lore. In the end, it wasn’t personal. It was strictly business.
Thank you for the memories, Danny. Patriots Nation sincerely wishes you the very best of luck.
–Mike D’Abate is a Managing Editor and National Columnist for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the New England Patriots and the AFC East. Follow him on Twitter @mdabateFPC.
