Many Dolphins fans seem ready to let Long walk away in free agency in March. He’s suffered a litany of injuries over the last three years, his play seems to be declining and the $8-10 million the Dolphins would spend on Long could be used instead on offensive playmakers. Plus, the Dolphins already have a solid replacement in Martin who can step in seamlessly, as the theory goes.

But let’s pump the brakes on that point for now, because Martin, while still a promising young player, is no Long — not yet, at least.

The website Pro Football Focus ranked Long’s play as decidedly average in 2012 – ranking him 46th among 80 offensive tackles – but he was still significantly better than Martin, who ranked 76th. Long allowed four sacks and 10 quarterback pressures in 12 games, while Martin allowed six sacks and a whopping 47 pressures in 16 games. Martin, who admitted to teammates that he has to improve his upper-body strength this offseason, allowed more pressures in four games at left tackle (13) than Long did in 12.

PFF also graded the offensive line units for the season, and ranked the Dolphins 23rd out of 32. They named a “stud” and “dude” on every line, and the Dolphins’ dud was Martin.

“You spend a high pick on a rookie, then it’s likely at some point you’re going to want to see what you’ve got. Well, the Dolphins got a good long look at Jonathan Martin (-22.0) and they’ll know he’s got a long way to go before he becomes the player they drafted him to be.”

So, enough with the talk that the Dolphins can plug Martin in at left tackle and not skip a beat. Long may not be worth $10 million a year for five years, but he’s certainly the best option the Dolphins have for left tackle next season.

I don't think Martin is a bust by any means. He might end up being just fine as our LT. You would expect the guy to bulk up in the off season and he gained valuable experience last year.

Funny how Martin played better when he moved over to left tackle.

Martin, who admitted to teammates that he has to improve his upper-body strength this offseason, allowed more pressures in four games at left tackle (13) than Long did in 12.

I hate to say it, but Jake Long below 100% was better than Jonathan Martin at 100%. The Dolphins are in a bit of a jam here. Do they pay for Long and hope that he gets back to what he used to be, or do they hope that Jonathan Martin takes a step forward from his rookie season. I actually do not know which way they should go.