PhinPhanatic free agent safety rankings
By Brian Miller
Entering the 2017 off-season the Miami Dolphins were not looking at safety as a potential need in free agency. That may have changed.
The Dolphins have yet to play a single down in 2017 but the injury bug seemingly is holding over from 2016 and because of that, safety may be more of a concern that originally thought.
Status:
It’s been reported recently by Dolphins general manager Chris Grier that the injury sustained in 2016 by safety Isa Abdul-Quddus is worse that originally thought. The neck injury is worrisome and it could curtail the season for IAQ or potentially threaten his career. IAQ signed a three-year deal with Miami last off-season and was playing well before the injury.
Roster:
Reshad Jones will be back at 100% for 2017 and is currently working on an extension but talks are still ongoing. Michael Thomas, the teams primary back-up is an impending free agent and as stated Abdul-Quddus is a big question for 2017. The only other safeties are Walt Aikens and A.J. Hendy. Bacarri Rambo is an impending free agent as well and didn’t play consistent enough to warrant an extension.
Importance:
Until the last few days safety wasn’t a huge concern or need for the Dolphins but the injury issues with IAQ and the impending free agent Michael Thomas, safety is now considered a team need. Although it’s not a major need and Miami should be able to find decent players at reasonable prices.
Free Agents: There are a lot of quality free agent safeties in this years free agent pool. The Dolphins should be able to find a player or two that can come in and compete and help the teams secondary. Much in the same way Louis Delmas did before he got hurt and IAQ before his injury as well.
Jonathan Cyprien – With the new contract signed by Eric Berry Cyprien becomes the best free agent safety and will make some really good money. Pairing Cyprien with Reshad Jones would make one helluva deep secondary but Miami can’t really afford to pay both and Jones is due an extension.
Tony Jefferson – It will be interesting to find out what the safety market values are this year. Jefferson played very well for the Cardinals last year and is only turning 25 which is rare in today’s NFL but he will apparently hit the open market.
Michah Hyde – Hyde can play both safety and corner and the Dolphins recently said they could use as many corners and safeties as they can get so a versatile player would help but it’s unclear if Miami has any interest.
D.J. Swearinger – Remember him? The former Houston Texan who took out TE Dustin Keller? No? Here is a refresher.
Swearinger was let go of by the Texans but played well for the Cardinals last season and really improved in a lot of areas. He won’t be too expensive and could be a competitive addition to the Dolphins secondary.
T.J. McDonald – McDonald has had an off-season DUI and has battled injuries in the past but when healthy he has been consistent against the run and the pass. At 26 he still has time to develop more and has yet to reach his full potential.