Dolphins Bringing Back TE Anthony Fasano
The Miami Dolphins have signed a familiar face to return to South Florida on the first official day of NFL Free Agency. Miami signed TE Anthony Fasano on Thursday to return to the team where he played from 2008-2012.
Fans knew that the Miami Dolphins would focus this offseason on returning key players that helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons. Only a select few, however, could have predicted them bringing back a familiar face as well. On Thursday, the first official day of the NFL Free Agency, ESPN broke the news that the Dolphins had agreed to terms to bring back TE Anthony Fasano on a five-year deal.
Fasano spent five seasons with the Dolphins between 2008-2012, appearing in all but four games throughout that span. The news of Fasano’s signing came on the heels of the news reporting that fellow TE Dion Sims will likely sign with Chicago. Even though losing Sims will hurt some, bringing back Fasano is a tremendous signing for Miami.
Without question, Fasano enjoyed the best seasons of his career during his stint in Miami. In his five seasons with the team, Fasano recorded 177 receptions, 2,104 yards, and 23 touchdowns. Fasano never saw less than 31 receptions in a season when he was in Miami, and has never recorded more than 26 away from the team. Last season was his worst statistical one to date in his 11-year career, with just eight receptions for 83 yards and two scores.
Miami did not bring back Fasano to help rejuvenate his career as a pass-catcher, however. Unlike his first stint, Fasano will be in a backup role behind the newly acquired Julius Thomas. Instead, Miami is bringing back Fasano specifically for his blocking skills.
Anthony Fasano was graded NFL’s best run-blocking tight end in 2016 (88.1). Dion Sims, who is solid, was 41st, right behind Julius Thomas.
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) March 9, 2017
The Dolphins knew having Thomas and Sims on the same team was not going to bold well for other players like Ryan Tannehill and Jay Ajayi. Blocking has been a concern for Miami for the past several seasons, and Fasano’s ability will go a long way in improving that area. The contract details surrounding Fasano’s new deal remain unknown, but considering that it is a five-year deal at this point of his career, it’s very likely that Fasano will finish out his career in a Dolphins uniform.