In the last article Choosing Other Teams Players Over In-House Talent: Part 1 we looked over the curious and somewhat turbulent trade that could end up being a huge pro or con to the 2016 Miami Dolphins season. The feelings and expectation ranged from total bust to brilliant maneuver. Only time will tell what becomes of it. But, Tannenbaum made some good moves in the flurry of action by acquiring Mario Williams, signing a rising gem like Isa Abdul-Quddus, and giving an offer to C.J. Anderson. All three fill holes and all three upgrade the talent pool.
The Dolphins decided to see if Mario Williams has anything left in the tank by signing him to a $16 million 2 year deal. Of all the moves that the Dolphins have made this off-season, this is one of my favorites. Miami knew Vernon was going to be out of their price range, which is clearly evident after the Giants signed Vernon to a record setting $85 million dollar 5 year contract with $52.5 million guaranteed! I’d be willing to bet Mario Williams has a better next two seasons then Vernon does. Williams is the type of player that can dominate a game, create his own sacks, whereas Vernon is a good pass rusher that, while talented, has been inconsistent. Though Mario’s effort issue last season is troubling, he was put into a system that didn’t fit him, and frustration can take down the best. Pride alone will demand he has a monster season, if for nothing else to position himself for a raise.
Next the Dolphins paid Safety Isa Abdul-Quddus a handsome 3 year contract of $12.75 million, which is about $4.25 million a year. Isa has mainly been a special teams specialist throughout his 5 year career, however, around mid season last year, he became the Lions starting safety. He did not have any interceptions, however during the last half of the season he was quietly rated as one of the best safeties in the NFL. It doesn’t take the best sportsbooks to bet Miami is banking on him being able to continue his positive play from last season and play Robin to Reshad Jones’ Batman.
The Dolphins have also signed Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson to an 4 year offer sheet worth $18 million and $10 million guaranteed, however, the Broncos till Tuesday to match. Even though Anderson is a restricted free-agent because he was an undrafted rookie, Miami will not need to give up any draft picks, if Denver does not decide to match the Dolphins offer. Depending on whether or not Denver decides to match the Dolphins offer, this could be an extremely solid replacement for Lamar Miller. The Dolphins currently have a huge hole to fill at running back, since Miller signed with the Texans. This is a step in the right direction as Anderson has a more complete tool-set as a back than Miller. Anderson played under Gase in Denver, so there is definitely a familiarity with the offensive system there. Anderson is young, and has a 4.7 yards per carry average over the last 2 seasons and absolutely destroyed the Dolphins when we played the Broncos in Denver in 2014, so it’s always good to have a player like this on your team.
These additions will pay positive dividends. And while they don’t mask the remaining holes, they do offer a positive step forward. They are cap friendly, don’t constrict the future with bonus-heavy contracts, and offer talent despite the 2nd tier pay outs. These are the steady plays to counter balance the risky moves of the trade. Much work is left to be done in order to validate these move – most notably the offensive line. But, remember the reigning champions signed Mathis, who ended up being a top 5 guard, very late in the off season. There is still time and still hope that the biggest need will be addressed.
