By Greg Fuchs
Practical and depth are the 2 words that best sum up the Dolphins free agent signings over the past week. Miami fans would probably prefer words such as exciting and star players, but given the nominal cap space that Miami had and the number of roster holes they had to fill, taking a practical approach to free agency was probably the best way to go. That said, would you be surprised if I told you they actually signed 12 free agents?
For those of you who prefer the flashy big dollar signings, would you rather have Kenny Golladay, who the Giants signed for 4 years for $72 million, or Will Fuller who the Dolphins signed to a 1 year $10 million dollar deal? Talent wise, I think the 2 players are similar, so why take on the salary cap risk with the big money Golladay signing?
I’m not sure if the 1-year contract was more Fuller’s idea or the Dolphins, but keep in mind Miami can always franchise tag him next year if they so desire or sign him to an extension. If he has just an average season or is injured (and he does have an injury history), they can just let him walk. It was a practical signing while at the same time they added a big-time weapon for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Fuller gives them the speedy deep threat the offense has been missing for a while.
To emphasize how much the Dolphins free agent signings focused on depth, of the 12 players they signed only Fuller and center Matt Skura will be starters. Everyone else is more of a backup, specialist or a special teams player.
They did sign a new punter in Michael Palardy, who should be an upgrade over Matt Haack. They also added a quality backup QB in Jacoby Brissett. Justin Coleman was signed to compete at the nickel cornerback spot. Ex-Ram Malcom Brown was signed to bring some power to the running game while Adam Butler should be a solid backup tackle.
The Fins were also highly active at the linebacker spot. First of all, they re-signed Vince Beigel who missed all last year with an injury. They also signed Brennan Scarlett & Duke Riley. All 3 should see time as specialists and on special teams while also providing depth for the inevitable injuries.
Their biggest move at the linebacker position was trading Shaq Lawson to the Texans for Benardrick McKinney. McKinney will primarily play middle linebacker, a position they have been trying to fill since Zach Thomas left Miami in 2008. McKinney probably isn’t on Thomas’ level, but he should upgrade the defense.
Miami’s 3 other free agents were tight end/fullback Cethan Carter, who will primarily be a blocker and special teams player, and wide receivers Robert Foster and Kai Locksley, who will be battling for roster spots.
As you can see, the majority of the Dolphins free agent signings were to provide roster depth and Butler, with a 2-year deal, was the only player not to sign a 1-year contract. Once again – practical.
The Dolphins still have about $11.5 million in salary cap space available, but they will need that to sign their 2021 draft class. Should the Fins decide to dip into the free agent market again, they could restructure some contracts or release some players to free up some cap space.
Miami still has some roster holes to fill, but I think they will use the draft to address most of those needs. One of their biggest needs is to add some pash rushers and there are several still available on the free agent market. Melvin Ingram, Jadeveon Clowney, Aldon Smith and Ryan Kerrigan are some of the veterans who are available. If one of them is willing to accept a 1-year deal at a reasonable amount, the Dolphins might be interested.
While free agency for Miami is likely in the rear-view mirror, the next 5 weeks leading up to the NFL Draft on April 29 should be an exciting time for Dolfans as they try to project who they might draft. Miami has 4 picks in the top 50 and their primary positions of need will be pass rushers, wide receiver and running back. Offensive line and safety depth may also be addressed.
There is 37 days until the draft which gives you the time to do 37 mock drafts. Enjoy!
