Do the Miami Dolphins have a problem at cornerback?

Kickoff is a few weeks away and the Miami Dolphins have hit an unexpected speed bump. The lackluster play at corner back opposite of Xavien Howard.

Throughout training camp and preseason, Miami Dolphins players pushing for starts have all been stuck in a turnstile. No one has stood out. If the problem isn’t take care of before the season starts, then that kink in the armor could prove to be fatal.

Cordrea Tankersley had a rough night in the second preseason game against the Panthers.The second corner position has quickly become a glaring need with the underwhelming group that is Tankersley, Tony Lippett and Torry McTyer. I have been high on all three in the past, but they’ve marred by inconsistency. So what options remain if none of those three can step up?

The first, and most obvious, solution is to continue playing former-nickel, current-boundary corner Bobby McCain. McCain hasn’t exactly wowed anyone either, but at this point, he could be the best option already on the roster. Since he was primarily the nickel, I’d expect a learning curve so patience might be the key if he is seriously viewed as a Dolphins’ starting, outside corner.

Playing McCain out of the slot might not even be the best option for the Dolphins according to the front office though. Reports from Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald revealed last week that the Dolphins were “actively shopping” for corner help. That’s not a vote of confidence for the current crew.

The Dolphins also brought in free agent Bashaud Breeland, who formerly played for the Redskins and failed a physical with the Panthers a couple of months ago. As long as he is healthy, Breeland would be an immediate help and likely the de facto starter if the pen hits the paper. The problem is that he is entertaining many visits and has a large audience of suitors that are interested in his talents. I would consider signing Breeland a long shot.

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Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel mentioned on Twitter that Sean Smith or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could be potential fits and would be immediate starters. I’m inclined to disagree. I think both Smith and Rodgers-Cromartie are both past the point of providing meaningful football contribution. I think even a one-year deal for either would prove to be wasteful.

After scouring Over the Cap’s list of remaining FA corners, I’m convinced that if there is going to be any help coming it’ll have to be by trade. I would hate parting with a 2019 draft pick, but if there’s a good value that could pay decent dividends then I would make peace with trading away a 4th or 5th rounder.

One name that popped in my head was Eli Apple. I think that is a name worth calling about. He gained some late season notoriety in 2017 with his clash with Landon Collins after a sophomore-slump season. There’s no doubt, however, that’s he talented. He also comes with the Ohio State pedigree that has a proven track record of developing defensive backs. It’s worth kicking the tires on.

Regardless of whatever route the Dolphins take, it doesn’t bode well that they are already making calls for potential trades. I’m more convinced now than I was a couple of weeks ago that it’s something that should be addressed. If handled appropriately, a move could stabilize a talented defensive backfield that has all the other pieces it needs.