5 moves that will turn the Miami Dolphins into a Super Bowl contender
By Luke Allen
Number 2: Miami Dolphins need to add a top veteran defensive player.
With the news of the Los Angeles Rams and All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner parting ways this offseason, the Dolphins must seriously look into bringing him in.
Rams and nine-time All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner mutually agreed Thursday to part ways, sources tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2023
Rams needs more cap space and Wagner wants to win. He will now be a notable part of this year’s free-agent class. pic.twitter.com/1A3KvudOhj
Wagner, who may have lost a step since being released by Seattle last year, can still provide a veteran defensive signal caller to a mostly young Dolphins front seven. That seasoned leadership in the middle of the defense could make a huge difference to the entire unit.
If Wagner’s price tag is too steep, other veteran defenders who are slated to be free agents this offseason include DT Javon Hargrave, LB Lavonte David, DT Fletcher Cox, DE Akiem Hicks and DT Dalvin Tomlinson.
One additional notable linebacker just released on Monday was long-time Viking, Eric Kendricks, who may not come at too high of a price.
Number 3: The Miami Dolphins have to retool their offensive line.
Like a broken record, the Dolphins have to address the offensive line again.
While the tackles were serviceable this season, the interior was once again a major concern in both pass protection and in creating lanes for the run game. If the Dolphins want to play the brand of football that gives them the best chance to win, the interior offensive line must improve.
The one glaring dent in this offensive line goes by the name of Liam Eichenberg, whose inept attempt at playing left guard in 2022 should fuel the Dolphins to seek his replacement this offseason.
Don’t get ‘re-tooling’ confused with ‘re-building’. In a total rebuild, a team would typically start from scratch. This is not the case. There is some legitimate talent on this Dolphins’ offensive line, but there are certainly some holes that need to be filled.
In order to keep Tua — or whoever else may be throwing balls in Miami — upright and to open up running lanes on the ground, there has to be consistent offensive line play from the outside in. Miami has some solid tackles, but they should look to swap some of the interior linemen. It may not come from free agency, though.
Free agents include Rodger Saffold, Dan Feeney, Tom Compton and Max Garcia — all mediocre at best. The Dolphins likely need to address this position in the upcoming draft. I wrote about a few sleeper prospects, including some interior offensive linemen who I think would be great value picks for Miami.