Miami Dolphins continue to address defense, sign safety Nate Allen

The Miami Dolphins continue to fill holes on their defense by signing safety Nate Allen.

There’s a theme surrounding the Dolphins this offseason. It isn’t surrounded by big-name free agents or throwing available cap space at players looking to cash in after rookie deals.

Miami’s Mike Tannenbaum and Chris Grier have gone out and filled key holes with players that fit truly fit their system. They continue that theme by signing Allen, reported by the teams official Twitter account this afternoon.

Allen is a seven-year veteran in the NFL. He spent his first five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Oakland Raiders in 2015. The native of Fort Meyers, FL and South Florida alumn started in just four games this past season in Oakland, finishing with 33 tackles and two interceptions throughout 2016.

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The starting free safety void was left after news broke about Isa Abdul-Quddus’ inevitable release after a failed team physical. Although Allen is listed as a strong safety (Reshad Jones is Miami’s starter at that position) he will likely move over unless Miami can fill the need with a quality starter in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Regardless, Allen fills a void in the back of Miami’s secondary whether it be as a starter or as a back-up to Jones. He’s just two seasons removed from a torn MCL which is a main reason why he hit the open market after re-signing a one year “prove it deal” with the Raiders last year.

Continue to monitor the safety situation in Miami. Jabrill Peppers has been a named that’s popped up; he could be a target for the Dolphins come draft time. Teams are still evaluating the former Michigan Wolverine on whether or not safety or linebacker is the best fit for him in the NFL.