Beck's release may turn into a blessing in disguise

The Miami Dolphins did John Beck a huge favor when Bill Parcells unlocked the dead-zone closet and released him so the Baltimore Ravens could sign him this week.

It remains to be seen if Beck can become an NFL starter. The jury is still out.

The official transaction of Beck signing with the Ravens is expected soon.

When the Dolphins drafted Beck in 2007, it was a regime of Randy Mueller and Cam Cameron living on the edge, trying to elevate a squad ravaged by injuries and mediocrity. About the time they invested in Beck as a second-rounder, Mueller and Cameron were pushed off the cliff. So were their plans for a future Dolphin quarterback, Beck.

That's when Parcells, Jeff Ireland and Tony Sparano arrived in Miami and started cleaning house, turning things upside down and drafting a quarterback with their own fingerprints, Chad Henne out of Michigan. They then had Chad Pennington fall in their hands as a veteran tutor. But they didn't want Beck for anything but insurance.

That spelled the end for Beck in Miami.

Half a dozen teams wanted a trade for Beck back in August, including the Dallas Cowboys — twice. Buffalo even drew up papers for a trade. But Parcells declined.

At that point, Beck was a dead man walking in Miami.

Beck found new life Thursday after he cleared waivers and the Ravens beat out Jacksonville for his services. His role now is to beat out Troy Smith as the No. 2 guy.

"I am way excited to go to a team where I can compete for a backup job and do it quick," Beck said. "As frustrating as it was in Miami — and I'll miss the friends and associations left behind — I'm looking forward to working with people who know me and have me as part of their plans."

When Miami released Beck, he immediately found six suitors. The San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears were curious. The Redskins and Bills were looking at him with piqued interest. But the Ravens and Jags made serious overtures for his services, and they were the two teams Beck made his highest priorities.

The Jags' offensive coordinator is Dirk Koetter, who recruited Beck at Arizona State when he played at nearby Mesa Mountain View.