Top 5 positions Dolphins must address
By Brian Miller
When you think of the Dolphins defensive ends you think of Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon and then assume that everything is fine but it’s not and the position needs to be addressed this off-season. Vernon is going to be a free agent and with the questions surrounding Wake’s contract, age, and injury recovery time, Miami may need to make Vernon a priority. Vernon will not give Miami a hometown discount and it’s very likely that he will price himself out of Miami.
Wake is scheduled to make over $9 million next season and the Dolphins have to be at least a little concerned about his production coming off the injury. Wake will likely be approached about a contract restructure and it might be in his best interest to accept one. If Miami can find a way to reduce Wake’s salary, they could use that money to retain Vernon thus eliminating a problem situation. Reality however may be different.
The Dolphins very well could lose and as I said likely lose Vernon but Derrick Shelby who played well in Wake’s absence is also a free agent and the Dolphins will not be able to afford both of their impending DE free agents. Shelby will be a lot cheaper but can Miami rely on him as a full-time productive starter? That’s a big question because if they re-sign him they are saying they do believe his development has reached that level. For his part, Shelby has only said that he wants a legit opportunity to start next season no matter where he goes.
Behind those three the Dolphins have Damontre Moore and Terrence Fede and neither are ready for full time work just yet. If the Dolphins lose Vernon and Shelby, finding a replacement becomes very important because they can’t expect the secondary to work without getting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Next: Cornerback