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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 /
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Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) reacts after making an interception catch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) reacts after making an interception catch during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Miami Dolphins entered the 2017 off-season needing to extend safety Reshad Jones. Jones opted to sit out, albeit for a day, mini-camp last season because he wanted a new deal. The Dolphins told him they would discuss it this year and that is what they did.

Unfortunately for the Dolphins other issues were at play that created a bigger need than just Jones. Isa Abdul-Quddus who played well in 2016 and was going to be the starter next to Jones was released due to a serious injury that will likely end his football career.

Miami didn’t panic but instead continued with their goal of extending Jones signing him to a four-year extension. Still needing to address the strong safety position the Dolphins signed Nate Allen to a team friendly deal and then signed talented but troubled safety T.J. McDonald to a one year deal.

The McDonald contract is interesting because he will not be able to play until week nine of the 2017 season as he serves an eight game suspension for driving under the influence of drugs.

McDonald however has a tremendous amount of upside and if he can get his off-field issues worked out the Dolphins will get fresh legs for the 2nd half of the season and an opportunity to evaluate him for a possible new contract prior to the start of next off-season.

Overall the decisions that the Dolphins made at safety have given them flexibility with the draft and an upgrade on paper over last season.

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