There is no doubting the talent level of tight end Jordan Cameron. He was one of the fastest-rising tight ends in the NFL in 2013 when he recorded 80 receptions for 917 yards and seven touchdowns. That season he made the Pro Bowl.
However, the biggest concern with the Miami Dolphins after signing Cameron to a two-year, $15 million contract this week is his recent battles last season with concussions. Cameron missed six games in 2014 because of concussions.
According to Cameron, his prior concussions will not be a recurring issue in Miami.
"If it was a concern for me, I wouldn't be here right now," Cameron said Friday during his introductory news conference. "I've seen a lot of specialists and talked to a lot of people and it's cleared. My baseline is the same as it was six years ago. There is no cause for concern on my end for this, and the Dolphins felt the same."
The Dolphins have quite a talent if Cameron stays healthy. He's athletic, a strong target in the red zone and averaged 17.7 yards per receptions last season. Cameron's role is still to be determined depending on how the situation with Charles Clay, who has the transition tag, plays out. The Dolphins have the right to match any offers for Clay in free agency but is not expected to overpay, especially with Cameron now in the fold as insurance.
With or without Clay, Cameron said Friday he can get back to his Pro Bowl form. He said one of the selling points was the chance to play with Dolphins starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who threw for 4,045 yards and 27 touchdowns last season.
"A lot of the success you have in the NFL is the system you're in and the quarterback," Cameron said. "Those two things are here and it's a great team, headed in the right direction. The energy has been awesome here and, like I said, I'm very excited to be here."
Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey also was happy with the signing.
"Jordan has been a quality performer that's been to the Pro Bowl that brings playmaking ability, mismatch ability at the tight end position," Hickey said. "We're just excited to have him here. He's a quality person, got to spend a lot of time with him yesterday on our visit. We always like our visits to bring players in because, not only do we get a sense of them, but they get a sense for us and not only who we're about."