The Miami Dolphins had to make prudent offseason moves with their backs against the proverbial cap space wall.
Miami lost some of its biggest names — Christian Wilkins, Jerome Baker, Xavien Howard, and Robert Hunt — in free agency. Yet, the Dolphins have added Jordan Poyer, Shaquil Barrett, Jonnu Smith, Jordyn Brooks, Aaron Brewer, Kendall Fuller, Benito Jones, Neville Gallimore, Jody Fortson, Siran Neal, and re-signed Anthony Walker Jr., Braxton Berrios, Nik Needham, and Robert Jones.
Could more players be on the way?
Miami Dolphins News Today
As the offseason rolls on, Miami will be tasked with balancing their long-term cap flexibility with the urgency of a win-now window and the looming ramifications of extending quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Its cap space isn’t the healthiest in the league, or particularly close, but that doesn’t mean more acquisitions cannot be made.
Former No. 2 Pick, Other Veterans Make Sense for Dolphins
Pro Football Network’s Nick Pedone believes that the Dolphins aren’t quite done with free agency. Among the names listed are edge rusher Chase Young, offensive guard Cody Whitehair, and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.
Young is still only 24 years old and was a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie year in 2020. While he’s battled injuries throughout his four-year career, Young matched his rookie total of 7.5 sacks and aided the San Francisco 49ers to another Super Bowl appearance following his trade from the Washington Commanders.
His market value is a one-year, $13 million deal, per Spotrac.
Whitehair has a ton of experience and could add to Miami’s rebuilding offensive line. He’s played 124 games in eight NFL seasons and started in 118 for the Chicago Bears. Whitehair has played both center and left guard for his former organization, following his selection with the 56th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Whitehair was a Pro Bowler in 2018 and would add to Miami’s interior offensive line with the aforementioned Brewer.
The Dolphins would always like to add to their pass defense. Ranked 15th against the pass by allowing 3,761 yards and 25th in passing touchdowns allowed (27), Miami could use another cornerback, especially in the gauntlet of quarterbacks that is the AFC.
Jackson, 28, is going to cost a bit more to boost the back end of the defense but has a track record of productivity. He has 56 pass deflections and four interceptions in his seven-year career with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants.
Jackson has a market value in the range of a four-year, $45 million deal, per Spotrac.
With $4,534,375 left in cap room, per Over the Cap, Miami will most likely need to make some corresponding moves to make things happen.
KEEP READING: Dolphins Free Agency Fits
Does Quez Watkins Make Sense for Miami Dolphins?
Miami Herald Dolphins insider Barry Jackson reported that the team is interested in adding another wide receiver to the team’s arsenal. Former Philadelphia Eagles 25-year-old receiver Quez Watkins could be a cost-effective player that won’t break the bank for the cash-strapped organization.
“Dolphins have been poking around on more receivers to fill out their rotation,” Jackson wrote. “Among the names they’ve inquired about, per source: Quez Watkins, who caught 98 for 1249 and 6 TDs for Eagles over past 4 years. I’m sure there are others too. Not sure who they’ll add but more to come.”
Watkins was the 200th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Southern Mississippi. He most famously had an opportunity to reel in a catch from Jalen Hurts in Super Bowl LVII, but couldn’t convert. Hurts placed the ball in his hands over 30 yards downfield, and Watkins dropped it, which would’ve put the Eagles inside of Kansas City’s 10-yard line.
“I should’ve used late hands and I didn’t and it caused me to have a drop with a DB on my back,” Watkins said via Philly Voice’s Shamus Clancy.
Philadelphia ended up opting for a field goal and lost the game 38-35. Even so, Watkins’ speed makes him an easy fit for the fastest offense in football.
CONTINUE READING: Braxton Berrios’ Contract Details
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