When the NFL free agent period kicked off several weeks ago the Miami Dolphins had the most salary cap space in the NFL and an extensive shopping list. Let’s see how they did in addressing their needs. Hint: See the word Boom-Wow above. Not sure if that is actually a word, but it is now.
The Dolphins two primary needs heading into free agency were retaining defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and improving the offensive line. But they also needed to add wide receivers, running backs, an inside linebacker, a backup quarterback and depth at several position.
The Fins got off to a great start in free agency by signing Ogbah to a 4-year deal just prior to the actual start of the free agency period. Ogbah is Miami’s best defensive linemen and one of the better defensive ends in the NFL, so retaining him was key.
Miami then quickly added Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds on a 2-year deal and Cowboys wideout Cedrick Wilson for 3 years. Although neither with be a Pro-Bowler they are both talented speedsters with playmaking ability that should help the offense.
The Dolphins stayed in the contract signing mood by inking another ex-Cowboy, guard Connor Williams, to a 2-year contract. Williams is only 25 and started for the better part of the past 4 years in Dallas. Assuming he can cut down on his penalties, he should represent a significant upgrade for the Fins offensive line.
Miami also made a somewhat surprising move in signing Teddy Bridgewater as the backup to QB Tua Tagovailoa. To me it was mostly surprising because of what they paid Bridgewater. $6.5M guaranteed with another $3.5M in incentives on a 1-year deal. Is this an indication that the Dolphins don’t totally trust Tua, or did they just want a high-end backup to help mentor Tua and to step in if (some would say when) Tua gets hurt?
Staying focused on the offensive side of the ball, Miami then re-signed TE Durham Smythe for 2 years and ex-49er RB Raheem Mostert, who could be the lead back assuming he is 100% healthy, on a 1-year agreement.
Miami also signed fullback Alec Ingold on a 2-year deal. Knowing how head coach Mike McDaniel liked to use Kyle Juszezyk in San Francisco, it wasn’t surprising to see him add a fullback.
The Dolphins also signed WR Trent Sherfield (1 year) and cornerback Keion Crossen (3 years) to help on special teams considering the loss of special team’s maven Mack Hollins to the Raiders. I was disappointed to see Hollins leave as he was a team leader who was superb on special teams and a serviceable wide receiver.
During the first couple of weeks of free agency, Miami also resigned several of their own free agents to 1-year contracts. WR Preston Williams and linebackers Duke Riley, Brennan Scarlett and Elandon Roberts will all be back in the aqua & orange.
Then came the Boom! With Miami fans clamoring for more upgrades to the O-line, the team announced the signing of Saints left tackle Terron Armstead to a 5-year contract. Armstead was arguably the top free agent in the entire NFL. As long as he can stay healthy, he will be a huge upgrade for the offensive line, and he will likely be lining up on the left side of the line with fellow free agent signee Connor Williams.
And now for the Wow! Out of nowhere the Dolphins traded for Kansas City Chiefs superstar receiver Tyreek Hill. It was a move that not only stunned & surprised all Dolphins fans, but the entire NFL as well, as Hill is one of the fastest and most exciting playmakers in the entire league. Miami gave up 5 draft picks including their 1st & 2nd round picks in this year’s draft for Hill. They also signed him to a 4 year $120M extension.
Dolfans quickly envisioned Hill lining up alongside fellow wide receiver and speedster Jaylen Waddle not to mention fellow sprinters Wilson, Edmonds & Mostert. It could be a track meet in Miami, folks!
Dolphins’ management has certainly done an excellent job in surrounding Tua with the talent he needs to be successful especially with offensive guru McDaniel creating the offensive gameplans.
Although most of the better free agents have been signed, there are still several more out there that might interest Miami. Miami could release some veterans and/or trade WR DeVante Parker to free up some more cap space.
The Dolphins haven’t added any new players to the defense (they also haven’t lost any), which is a bit of a concern, so signing ex-Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner would be an exciting addition. Or they could address the position in the draft with their 3rd round pick.
Other roster holes the Fins might want to fill are a center to compete with incumbent Michael Deiter plus a punter since last years punter Michael Palardy is a free agent who Miami seems lukewarm in retaining.
I also would support Miami bringing back RB Phillip Lindsay as I think he is an upgrade over Myles Gaskin. McDaniel likes to use multiple running backs and with Mostert’s injury history I would feel more comfortable with Lindsay on the roster.
So, there it is: Boom-Wow! The onus is now on McDaniel and Tua to take advantage of the offensive tools at their disposal.
