Miami’s Cornerback Situation

Jimmy Bourbon

9 years ago

The break down on the Dolphins’ major issues is simple: they have three positions that desperately need an upgrade – Guard, Linebacker, and Corner Back. Yes, I know they also have positions that really need an upgrade as well, but those are the DEFCON 1 needs. With Guard, Linebacker and Corner, the Dolphins MUST find a way to address each of these positions, either through free agency or the draft, in order to have a shot at a competitive season in 2016. Here’s an overview of the cornerback situation.

The Dolphins have a “Pro Bowl corner” in Brent Grimes. However, he is rapidly entering the final stages of his career at the age of 32. Last season he began to show signs of slippage as he suffered at the hands of tall and speedy receivers like Brandon Marshall and Sammy Watkins, two players that Miami will face twice each year. Most CB’s would be expected to have issues with them as size and speed are a deadly combination. But, if you are the number one CB on the roster, getting paid $10 million a year, then it’s a problem for the team. Grimes salary number this year is $9.5 million, with $3 million being “dead” money if they cut him – so by cutting they would save money, but only a portion. The problem is, Grimes is still by far their best cornerback on the team, so at this point, they can’t afford to part ways with him. The general feeling among the best pay per head reviews is that Miami will find a cornerback this off-season to pair with Grimes. And then in 2017, when Grimes salary will be $8.5 million (but only $1.5 million will be considered dead money), contemplate partying ways with him – and Mika the Shrill (can anyone else not stomach another season with her) .

Regardless of what Miami’s long term decision is on Grimes, the Dolphins need to find a player that can hold his own across from Grimes. At this moment there is no one on the Dolphins roster that can be relied upon to play consistently well opposite of Grimes. There is one player that’s intriguing at the cornerback spot, Tony Lippett. Last season, Lippett spent his rookie year transitioning from being a wide receiver to a cornerback. And though it will likely take more than one season to fully blossom into a full-time starter, he is tall and lanky, and as a former wide receiver, he has very good ball skills and understanding of the WR position. While very raw, he “seemingly” is the only other CB hope on the current roster.

Outside the roster, in the immediate future of FA, one player that is going to hit the market that could be a huge improvement for the Dolphins secondary is Trumaine Johnson from the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson just completed his 4^th year in the league, with last year being his best year. He only played in 14 games, but he was still able to finish with 7 interceptions, which was the second-most in the entire league. He also had 71 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 touchdown, and 17 passes defended. In addition, Johnson is one of the bigger cornerbacks in the league at 6’2”, 208 pounds. The problem with Johnson though is he will be highly sought and will command a large salary as the 5th or 6th ranked CB in FA, but it’s possible if the other CB’s ahead of him aren’t tagged his price might drop a bit. Due to the cap situation in Miami, it’s more than likely that the Dolphins will address the CB position in the draft so they can heal their cap.

The sad part is seeing Sean Smith, who is ranked the 4th CB in FA and Vontae Davis blossom on the Colts roster while Miami has such a huge void. Bad coaching and talent evaluation brought the Dolphins low. Let’s hope this is the year to turn it around. Go Fins!!!

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