Which former Jet player should the Dolphins sign?
By Ryan Davis
The New York Jets have cut five veteran players this offseason who have connections to the Miami Dolphins organization through Mike Tannenbaum and Adam Gase.
These five players are still available and might interest the Dolphins: CB Darrelle Revis, LB David Harris, C Nick Mangold, T Ryan Clady and WR Eric Decker.
Tannenbaum, the Dolphins current Executive Vice President of Football Operations, was the general manager of the Jets from 2006 to 2012. During that time, the Jets made the AFC Championship game in back to back years, 2009 and 2010. He drafted Revis and Harris in 2007 and Mangold in 2006.
While Ryan Clady and Eric Decker played for the Denver Broncos, Adam Gase was the offensive coordinator.
The Dolphins could sign one of those veterans for a 1-year $2 million deal for the 2017 season. Should the Dolphins add an ex-Jet to add some depth to a roster that still needs to fill some backup roles? How do each of the five free agents fit with the needs of the Dolphins?
Darrelle Revis
Revis is 31 years old and has started in 140 games at the cornerback position for the Jets, Patriots and Buccaneers. He is a 7-time Pro Bowler, 4-time First-Team All-Pro and the 2009 AFC Defensive Player of the Year. One day his bust may sit in Canton. In his prime, Revis was a shutdown corner with over 20 interceptions in his career.
However, he is no longer in his prime. The Dolphins have one proven starter in Byron Maxwell, plus some nice young players that could develop into special players in the future such as, Xavien Howard, Tony Lippett, Bobby McCain and rookie Cordrea Tankersley.
The Dolphins should see the young players develop rather than sign Revis. Revis has lost a step and would go against the current philosophy of the Dolphins.
Verdict: Don’t sign
David Harris
Harris is 33 years old and has started in 147 games at the linebacker position for the Jets. He has 6 seasons with over 100 tackles and over 1000 tackles for his career. Harris is a solid linebacker coming off a productive season with 95 tackles.
The Dolphins have Lawrence Timmons and Kiko Alonso as starters at this time but are still looking for a third linebacker. Rookie Raekwon McMillan, Mike Hull, Neville Hewitt and injury plagued Koa Misi are competing for the third spot.
Again, it would be smart for the Dolphins to see the young players develop rather than sign Harris at this time.
Verdict: Don’t Sign
Nick Mangold
Mangold is 33 years old and has started for 164 games at center for the Jets. He is a 7-time Pro Bowler, a 2-time First-Team All-Pro and a Second-Team All-Pro. Over the past decade, he has been a consistent durable player who has tremendous knowledge of the game.
The Dolphins have Mike Pouncey as their starting center. However, the last time he played all 16 games in a season was 2012.
Mangold would add depth at the center position and can start, if Pouncey cannot.
Verdict: Sign
Ryan Clady
Clady is 30 years old and has started over 100 games at left tackle for the Broncos and the Jets. He is a 4-time Pro Bowler, a 2-time First-Team All-Pro and a Second-Team All Pro.
A few years ago, Clady would have been considered one of the best left tackles in the game, but recently he has suffered from injuries.
The Dolphins have Laremy Tunsil as their starting LT, Ja’Wuan James as starting RT and Sam Young as a back up T. Clady could bring depth to the tackle position and be a backup for Tunsil.
Verdict: Don’t Sign
Eric Decker
Decker is 30 years old and has started 75 games at wide receiver for the Broncos and the Jets. He has 3 seasons of over 80 receptions and a 1000 yards. Over his career, he has 52 touchdowns. Last year, he suffered a shoulder injury and only played in 3 games. The Dolphins have Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Devante Parker as their starting receivers. Plus, the Dolphins have a bunch of young hungry receivers who could take a step forward this year. Overall, the Dolphins have great depth at the receiver position and should have no interest in Eric Decker.
Verdict: Don’t Sign
Final Verdict: Dolphins should sign Mangold so he can start when Pouncey misses games from injury.