If it wasn't clear already, the Miami Dolphins' second preseason game should have been proof enough that they have zero depth behind their starters. It runs across the board, but the most glaring positions remain at cornerback, wide receiver, and edge rusher.
Wide receiver at least looks promising for Miami, with its rookie class creating room for long-term optimism. Caleb Douglas has starred this offseason, Chris Bell is returning earlier than anticipated from an ACL injury, and Kevin Coleman Jr. was a rare bright spot in the Dolphins' loss to the New York Giants.
Cornerback is still a work in progress and will be throughout the year, but general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has made it clear that he'll continue to churn out the backend of the roster until he's satisfied -- even going as far as claiming a CB during halftime at Hard Rock Stadium. Pass rusher help, though, could be more complex, and it just got more challenging with one veteran free agent coming off the board.
Miami Dolphins' outside look for edge rusher help just got smaller with Derek Barnett's signing in Cleveland
On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns signed former first-round pick Derek Barnett to a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million. The move came shortly after the Browns placed defensive end Alex Wright on injured reserve with a ruptured Achilles, ending his season.
There are no claims that the Dolphins had shown any interest in Barnett. Given the salary that he signed in Cleveland, instincts would say that they weren't. Miami does have approximately $16 million in cap space to use if it chooses, but if this offseason has taught us anything, it's that Sullivan isn't willing to dole out huge money to guys who are not in the long-term future. And make no mistake, neither Barnett nor any other players still available would be in the team's long-term plans.
Nevertheless, the Dolphins still need help on the edges to at least get them through the season. Chop Robinson and Josh Uche have solidified themselves as the starters for this year, but the depth behind them would all be fighting for roster spots rather than backup roles on the majority of NFL teams.
The Dolphins signed former first-round pick Clelin Ferrell at the end of July, but he was soon ruled out with a multiple-week absence by head coach Jeff Hafley due to an undisclosed injury. David Ojabo was given every opportunity to showcase his abilities against New York, but he did nothing with it and came out on the losing side of our winners/losers piece as a result.
Taking Sullivan at his word, chances are he'll look to the waiver wire to add to the pass-rushing corps, along with other positions. Miami is expected to be heavily involved in that regard, and this team could look very different in just a couple of weeks.
But although pass rushers aren't as hard to find as quarterbacks or offensive tackles, it's not the easiest either. That's why it's still deemed a premium position at the end of the day.
As I mentioned, there are no edge rushers currently on the open market who would be in the Dolphins' long-term plans. However, if Sullivan misses out on players in waiver claims, or there just aren't any worthy enough to bring in following team cuts, his hand may be forced. In truth, they just need to find a way to get through the season with a complementary pass rush.
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