A Different Perspective For Dolphins Free Agency

A Different Perspective For Dolphins Free Agency

Over the next few days the media spin cycle will start ‘spinning’ different variations of the truth.  The spin cycle will start off with false reports about our team, and potential players that may never suit up for our Miami Dolphins.  It’s that time of the year, the soap opera is about to begin.  Some might think this is Christmas in July, while others are just eager for the start of free agency to kick off.

Here is what we know; the Dolphins have roughly 35 million in cap space after the smart and effective signing of Bret Grimes.  Our interior lines on both the offensive and defensive line need to be addressed and some where we need to find a quality short yard back that can get us a three yards on a 3^rd and 1.    The best part of Dennis Hickey persona is that he likes to go for the best player available, in the draft or free agency; however, I would offer the GM a different perspective on our approach:

OLine:

–          I would let Branden Albert, and Eugene Monroe cash in somewhere else.

–          I would target Jared Veldheer, Anthony Collins and Rodger Saffold.

• I like Veldheer due to his age and durability. Yes, he had some issues during his rookie season, but he has been a rock since then.  His biggest asset is run blocking and he is a mauler.   He is still young in NFL age and he is seeking his first big pay day
  • Offer:
    • 4 years 30 million contract
    • 12 million guaranteed
• With my left tackle signed for the next four years I look to address my right side. I would like to once again stay away from the 10 million dollar per year contracts that some few players THINK they deserve and once again focus my attention on young players that are ready to take the next step; enter Anthony Collins. Collins played last year in Cincy and he played extremely well ranking out well in all categories across the board.  Collins is looking for a smart deal as well, as such I would present the following:
  • Offer
    • 5 year 30 million contract
    • 10 million in guaranteed

What our team just accomplished was signing both our Left and Right Tackles to a total of 60 million and 22 in guaranteed, basically the exact contract that Albert or Monroe would be asking for. We just killed two birds with one stone and we got a younger on our offensive line.

Dline:

–          I have roughly around 22 million left in cap space and now I focus my attention on anchoring our defensive line for the next few years. I am ready to let Randy Starks leave. I appreciate what he has done in Miami for the past three years; however, I don’t think his play last justified a contract extension.  I would like to still maintain a healthy relationship with Paul Soliai as he was a player that has developed his game from a draft pick to a stellar NFL veteran.

• I really like Linval Joseph but his contract is to rich and I would like to focus on my plan B, which is Henry Melton.  Melton is coming off an injury riddled season and would likely take an incentive ridden contract to show his worth. I am willing to accept that stance and would discuss a two year contract:
  • Offer
    • 2 year 12 million dollar contract
      • First year guaranteed with an incentive on games played and total snap count

I pair Melton with Ordick inside and if Soliai decides to come back to Miami I would open discussions on how to keep him happy. I would be willing to allow Soliai the opportunity to gain his interest around the NFL and match an offer I think would be fair to both the player and our team.

Somehow I have managed to stay skinny while addressing our fattest needs.  I still have around 16 Million in cap space to start thinking about. The next position I would address would be  Linebacker and the reason is twofold; one I need to address a veteran presence to a mentor our young and inexperienced core and two in case these young players don’t develop I need an insurance policy.  I would look for a stellar proven veteran that has ties to our line backing core

–          I would set my sights on Daryl Smith. Although Smith is on the other side of 30, I still believe that he has two years left in his tank and those two years he would be able to teach the raw mechanics to our younger generation.  Smith played with Elberlle in Baltimore and for that there is a sense of team chemistry.  As this would be Smith last contract I would present the following:

• Offer
  • 3 year 15 million contract
    • 7.5 million guaranteed and fully back loaded contract

My fall back play would be Jon Beason, another proven leader that would be able to provide a short yet immediate impact.

Cornerback:

–          Signing Grimes was the best decision we have made this season.  I believe that contract was fair to both sides and we maintained a great leader.  With Caroll and Patterson their status is still up in the air.  Patterson is still signed for one more year and Caroll will most likely test the market in free agency.  I believe the best solution is too look at a player who has roots in MIA and bring him back home;  I would sign Devin Hester.  Hester played at the “U” and would also entice the fan base with his electrifying return skills.  Yes, he has gotten a little old in NFL years, but allowing him to be a nickel corner would with Punt and Kick-off return duties would be an ideal solution.

• Offer
  • 3 year 15 million contract
    • 7.5 million guaranteed and fully backload contract

If all goes well, I still have around 6 million dollars left on my cap after filling in the most important needs for our team’s development this upcoming season.  Within this year upcoming draft we can now proceed as Hickey would want and focus on the best player available that would take our team to the next level.

As I said in the beginning, this is a different perspective of fulfilling our offseason plan of attack, but it allows our team to obtain players in key position that would make our team and our fan base stronger.