Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Ranking the top 5 Dolphins off-season moves

By Brian Miller

Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) during a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass under pressure from Los Angeles Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) during a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Ted Larsen (62) sits on the bench in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Ted Larsen (62) sits on the bench in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dolphins have taken a far more passive role in acquiring offensive lineman. Especially guards. Each season the Dolphins enter the off-season with every member of the media and even more fans placing a premium on the guard position.

2017 was no different.

With the trade of Branden Albert to the Jaguars and the moving of Laremy Tunsil outside to left tackle, the Dolphins not only had a hole at guard they created the hole. Jermon Bushrod would enter free agency and the Dolphins were being linked to every top named guard on the market.

And of course they were. This was the Miami Dolphins after all and who better to spend top dollar on the top names. Miami stayed firm in their decision to no longer overpay for veteran free agents. So no Kevin Zeitler. Instead Miami watched other teams pay top premiums for players that in the past saw the market set by Miami.

Instead the Dolphins turned to the cheaper options that fit the mold of what they are working to build. Veterans who are getting a little older and no longer command top dollars but are also relatively injury free.

Miami opted to sign Ted Larsen to a three-year deal. Larsen is versatile and can play more than just guard. He isn’t expensive and plays with the same team first mindset that Adam Gase is instilling in his young team.

Larsen is penciled in as a day one starter for the Dolphins and the addition has taken the need for a top one or two-day draft pick off the table for Miami.

The Dolphins followed Larsen with re-signing Bushrod. Bushrod played well last year and his contract too is team friendly. This allows the Dolphins to enter the draft not needing a day one starter but a player that they can develop. For once, Miami seems to have the coaching staff to do just that.

Home/Dolphins News