Updated Dolphins roster pre-free agency start

The Miami Dolphins have made a couple of moves ahead of the start of free agency but their roster will show a lot of work remains to be done.

More from Dolphins News

• Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
• 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
• Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
• 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
• Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal

With the trade completed between the Dolphins and Eagles, Miami is getting two starters on defense. The addition of Mario Williams gives them a replacement for Olivier Vernon. In reality, the Dolphins have swapped Vernon’s $12.5 million salary for 2016 for Mario’s $8 million. Oh, and Williams is a better run stopping defensive end by far.

Defensively things are looking different. Reshad Jones remains at safety but he does not have a suitable safety to play next to him. Stay tuned. Bengals safety George IIoka was supposed to be a target but he is staying with the Bengals.

At corner the arrival of Byron Maxwell solidifies on paper, one side of the secondary but it’s very unlikely that Brent Grimes returns leaving another hole at the position. When Grimes is released, the Dolphins will have swapped his 2016 salary of $9.5 for Maxwell’s salary of $9.5. Maxwell is taller and reportedly more physical but last year was not a great year for him.

In addition to Maxwell and if you want to look at it player for player, the Dolphins added linebacker Kiko Alonso. So in reality Miami got two starters for Grimes as Alonso’s salary is around $900k for the season.

At defensive end the Dolphins have swapped Vernon for Miller but there are still questions along the defensive line that need to be addressed and Miami shouldn’t be done looking for defensive end help.

Linebacker is still a problem. Alonso has been injured often in the last three years so it’s likely Miami targets another linebacker in the coming days. Or in the draft in April.

Offensively Miami hasn’t done much. They restructured Jordan Cameron keeping their tight-ends intact but they will lose Lamar Miller creating a hole at running back.

As it stands now, heading into free agency later today, the Dolphins have the following needs.

Running back – due to loss of Miller who will likely sign with the Texans.

Guard – both guard positions need addressed. Kemeche Osemele signed with the Raiders and Alex Boone has agreed to a deal with the Vikings.

Linebacker – Even with the addition of Alonso, the Dolphins are thin

Defensive end – Miami lacks depth behind Williams and Cameron Wake, while still looking at an extension could become a 3rd down specialist.

Corner – Maxwell is a question but Miami still has a hole opposite of him if they do indeed cut Grimes.

Safety – Miami has yet to address the spot next to Jones.