Five bold moves the Dolphins can make ahead of free agency

Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10) celebrates after making a catch in the game against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Arizona Cardinals 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10) celebrates after making a catch in the game against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Arizona Cardinals 26-23. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins tackle Branden Albert (71) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins tackle Branden Albert (71) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Branden Albert

When healthy Branden Albert is about as good as it gets on the left outside of the offensive line. When not healthy Albert is a liability in both run blocking and pass protection. That is if he is on the field at all.

For the Dolphins, a legit left tackle is already on the roster and ready to slide outside. The Dolphins would save $7.2 million of Albert’s $10 million cap number if they release him and that is plenty enough to sign a top free agent guard to replace Tunsil on the inside.

It’s time for the Dolphins to address the line and let it build. When the line plays together Miami is very good but only six games in 2016 had all of it’s starters on the field and that includes the injuries to Albert, Tunsil, and Mike Pouncey.

The issue here however is that Albert is getting older (32) and already having back issues. The Dolphins can’t afford to rely on him for a full season anymore and if they can’t count on him then they need to let him go.

Save the money and move on.