The Dolphins plan is clear heading into free agency….
The Dolphins also released Dimitri Patterson on Monday, clearing $5.4 million in cap space by doing so. Releasing Patterson makes sense from a financial standpoint, but it also created a hole at cornerback. Nolan Carroll is getting a lot of attention from other teams and it’s unlikely he’ll return. So where will the Dolphins turn? Names like Aqib Talib, Antonio Cromartie, and even Darrelle Revis are out there. Yes, THAT Darrelle Revis. The Bucs are trying to trade him and his $16 mil contract. I doubt they will and think they’ll either keep him or cut him outright.
Don’t get your hopes up though. With Brent Grimes already getting a decent sized deal, I doubt the Dolphins will spend big on another cornerback. Remember too that the Dolphins used 2nd and 3rd round picks last year on cornerbacks (Davis and Taylor). If the Dolphins choose to sign a highly paid veteran (i.e. Talib) it would indicate that the coaching staff and Dennis Hickey don’t think very highly of Jeff Ireland’s picks from last year.
The Dolphins might also use free agency to find a starting defensive tackle, as it looks like Randy Starks and Paul Soliai will be playing elsewhere in 2014. The Dolphins have Jared Odrick, but like to use a 3 man rotation at defensive tackle….so they’re 2 players short.
The other need that I think they’ll address is at running back. I don’t think they’ll spend big money, but the Dolphins need to find an upgrade over Daniel Thomas. I like what I saw from Lamar Miller, but Thomas has not shown me anything….like at all. I’d love to see the team get a back that can pick up a 3rd and 1. I don’t care who it is, just find me someone who can get the ball and fall forward for a stinking yard!
Free agency is going to be fast and furious……I can’t wait! It looks like the Dolphins plan is to fill holes in free agency to give them flexibility in the draft…a strategy I’m on board with. Be sure to check in with PhinNation for the latest news and analysis on what the Dolphins are doing!