DOLPHINS WANTED CARPENTER NOT AYODALE

IRVING -- When the Miami Dolphins made a trade with the Dallas Cowboys for tight end Anthony Fasano before the draft, they also wanted a linebacker, and it wasn't Akin Ayodele.

According to an NFL source, the Dolphins wanted Bobby Carpenter, but the Cowboys weren't willing to part with the 2006 first-round draft pick. So Dallas included Ayodele in the deal.

Either way, Carpenter said Friday he is happy to be staying with the Cowboys, but that he wants to play.

"This is still a great opportunity for me, and [inside linebacker] is a place where I think I can use my athletic ability to make plays," Carpenter said. "If I'm going to have a shot to play, I want it to be here."

He's currently backing up veteran Zach Thomas. Carpenter said he's been studying game film with Thomas and already has picked up quite a bit in the short time the veteran free-agent acquisition has been with the Cowboys

I'm not sure I would want to be in Miami either. On one hand his chances at starting would be much better. On the other with Akin gone they aren't bad now. If not starting he will be on the field a good bit any way. I don't think Zack will be able to handle full time playing. So Bobby should be able to get some significant and meaningfull minutes.

I also can't blame Dallas for dealing Akin over Bobby. Bobby is younger and faster. He is still a bit more raw, but that means he still has untapped potential. Plus I think he is cheaper.

What I am pretty damn certain of is that Bobby will be productive. If you go back to watch the special teams play he was always around the ball. I really do think that he will be able to make a significant impact on the inside. I'm also going to be looking for Spencer to make a splash. I do like Ellis, but I hope Spencer get some more minutes this year.