5 players Miami Dolphins should target in free agency

Reggie Nelson – Cincinnati Bengals

If the Dolphins are looking for a safety that can fit along side Reshad Jones, they won’t have to look very far. Nelson is one of the best safeties in the league but he isn’t on the same level as say and Eric Berry of the Chiefs. Nelson isn’t going to be cheap but he won’t be a cap busting free agent either. There is an obvious connection to Nelson given the Dolphins new defensive coordinator was his coach in 2015.

Vance Joseph knows Nelson and his abilities. He will know how Nelson will fit with the team and the scheme he is going to run which will likely be similar to the one run by the Bengals last season. The Dolphins are trying to get more physical on defense and Nelson fits that role. Nelson received high marks in pass coverage and run support and ranked 9th overall according to PFF at his position. I believe the Dolphins could be very active in getting Nelson to Miami given their need at the position.

Signing Nelson also frees up that need in April’s draft and the Dolphins will be able to concentrate more on bigger needs in the first two rounds while addressing solid depth later in the draft.

Another name to watch is Eric Weddle who will be leaving the Chargers. Weddle is 30 years old but has been the most consistent safety over the past five years. Weddle is really solid and tackles well and has very good vision but it’s unknown what his asking price will be although it will likely be less than Nelson’s demands.

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