Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Surprising 2016 season sets Miami Dolphins up for better 2017.

By Matthew Stevens

Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tanehill (17) leads the huddle against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tanehill (17) leads the huddle against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10) celebrates his touchdown catch as a member of the grounds crew cheers on during the second half against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10) celebrates his touchdown catch as a member of the grounds crew cheers on during the second half against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

(2)  Cap Room/Free agents

As of 1/10/17, the Miami Dolphins have just shy of $15M of cap room carrying over to 2017.*  That figure is the 7th most in the NFL and more than any team that made the playoffs.

When added to the $15M the team saves with the likely release of DE Mario Williams, DE Dion Jordan, LB, Koa Misi and DT Earl Mitchell and the team will have over $30M to spend in free agency.

Finally, don’t discount the effect that this season’s playoff appearance will have on available free agents.  In the recent past, Miami has had to overpay veterans to sign with Miami.  Add the team’s success, lack of front office dysfunction, warm weather and no state income tax together and Miami now becomes a top 10 free agent destination.

*Cap figure is $14,899,982 according to www.sportrac.com

(3)  Chemistry

Continuity is an important factor when it comes to having success in the NFL.  Next season will mark the team’s second year in Adam Gase’s offense.  Fans saw the improvement in QB Ryan Tannehill, and the rest of the offense, as the season went on.  There is no reason to expect it to take a step back in 2017.

On defense, there is some cause for concern as DC Vance Joseph is scheduled to take coaching interviews with teams over the next couple weeks.  Given the fact that he has only one year of experience as a coordinator on his resume, it would be hard to believe Joseph will get a head coaching job is first time on the market.  Even if Joseph does leave, linebackers coach Matt Burke is highly regarded by the team and would minimize the transition on the defensive side of the ball.

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