After an ugly 2021 Season the Phins are making plenty of good moves
The Miami Dolphins were at the top of the list of the teams with the most available cap space entering free agency period. Chris Grier wasted little time and expense on improving the roster not only signing new players, but also resigning plenty of their own FAs as well.
It seems Grier is very motivated this offseason–VERY!
Phins very motivated to have a good offseason
On paper, most betting software solutions providers are betting the Phins have won the offseason so far. For starters Miami re-signed their own two biggest priority free agents in Gesicki and Ogbah. Gesicki signed the franchise tag for this year that pays him close to $11 million and can give both sides a chance to work out a long term deal. Ogbah signed a 4-year deal, which most analysts were predicting Miami would not do. This was a big win for Miami because he has played at an elite level these last two years. It’s good to see us keep good talent instead of waving goodbye and creating another hole on the roster.
Miami took care of plenty of their own and re-signed Duke Riley, Elandon Roberts, and Preston Williams. Roberts is a thumper and super physical and was a leader on the field. Riley and Williams feel like they have more upside to be tapped into and both are on team friendly one-year deals. It gives the new coaching staff one last try to coach them up and see what we can get out of them.
Then Miami methodically went after quality players at positions of need. They signed the best backup QB in the market in Teddy Bridgewater, and given Tua’s injury history, he will have a good shot to get some playing time. If Bridgewater does have to take over, he has starting QB talent to get the job done with little drop off from what Tua can do.
Dolphins appear to have improved their roster
Miami also signed a sneaky good receiver in Cedrick Wilson, who was playing in a stacked Cowboys wide receiver room. Due to injuries, Wilson was able to get playing time and made the most of it with 45 catches, for 602 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’ll have the chance to carve out a nice role in this offense, with Waddle, Parker, Bowden Jr., and Williams.
In addition, Miami signed another former Cowboy in Guard Connor Williams, who only allowed 15 pressures, which was the fewest for any NFL guard. He was also ranked the 11th best guard in the NFL by PFF. However, he was the one of the most penalized player in the NFL last year, so that will be something to improve on and keep an eye on. However, even with the sloppy play Williams is now our most effective offensive lineman on the roster by far.
Considering how bad the Phins O-line has been for years, this is big news!
Miami also finally made a move at running back by signing former Cardinals RB Chase Edmonds. He may not be a big name running back, however he has shown production. Last year he played in 12 games rushing for 592 yards with 5.1 yards per carry average, 2 touchdowns, and 43 receptions for 311 yards. Compare those to Gaskin last year who played 17 games, rushed for 612 yards with a 3.5 yards per carry average, 3 touchdowns, and 49 catches for 234 yards and 4 touchdowns. Edmonds did more with less opportunities, except for getting in the end zone. Either way, he is a dual threat running back that should get the opportunity to improve our running attack.
Plenty of ammo to still improve the roster
Lastly, the Dolphins added special team ace Keion Crossen, who also can give some depth at the cornerback position. Miami still has a bit more cap space and can also clear around $20 million in cap space by waiving some of its own players. So, expect more movement on the roster with addition and subtraction.
If Miami can land another offensive lineman, preferably a starting tackle, and preferably the best one available, then they’ll have filled a ton of their biggest needs. This will give them the option of drafting the best player available in the upcoming draft. That sure sounds good!
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans thoughts on the moves so far in Free Agency?