The Miami Dolphins were ranked Top 10 in available cap space heading into the 2021 Season. However, the teams ahead of Miami on the list had near double the cap space… and many of them are spending it!
I didn’t figure getting outgunned financially in Free Agency to be a major issue because Miami has overspent in the past with little real impact. Brian Flores stated that he’ll recite the song lyrics of “You Don’t Always Get What You Want” on Wednesday. This was a strong hint that the Phins wouldn’t overpay for talent in Free Agency…
… and so far, given the news of who’s signing who, Miami won’t be a big player when signings officially kick-off.
Still, Miami is buying into Free Agency on some level. And before all is said and one, they might even ultimately splurge on one big addition.
Free Agency is moving fast and furious
I have already said my #1 target was center Corey Linsley. Not only is he one of the best centers in the league, but our O-line still needs improvement. Having a very good veteran at the center position would be a huge boost to our youngsters in the offensive line unit.
Unfortunately, Linsley has agreed to a mega-deal with the Chargers.
The good news is the Dolphins are reported to be all-in on New England center David Andrews. While Andrews has only had one very good season, he is a quality center. Not to the level of Linsley, but he would be an upgrade. Andrews did miss all of 2019 and four games in 2020, though. His pass blocking took a solid step back from his 2018 PFF grade. His consistent mid 70s to high 70s grades fell to an ugly below average 56.4 grade. Was Andrews struggling to recover his full abilities after missing the entire 2019 season when blood clots were discovered in his lungs? Or was it because of a new offense and starting quarterback in Cam Newton? Was it just a down year?
I’m sure Brian Flores knows exactly why… and if he’s in on Andrews, this is good news as long as they don’t over spend.
Miami is spending smart
Miami resigned Vince Biegel, signed fb/te/special teams player Cethan Carter, and punter Michael Palardy, which was announced last week. This is clearly not what most of the bookie website software providers were betting on Miami doing out of the gate.
If healthy, Biegel is a great signing.
What was really surprising was that the big spenders out of the gates were the Patriots. Amazingly, the Patsys spent just over $200 million on contracts! While they added some good players, the Dolphins know all too well that being the Free Agency champs doesn’t translate into post season wins.
Let’s hope that tradition continues.
Building around Tua… with a shadow behind him
Miami seems to be focusing on offense and building around Tua, which should be the goal.
The big name at running back was Aaron Jones, but he is returning to Green Bay. At wide receiver both Chris Goodwin and Allen Robinson were tagged by their respective teams, so they have both been removed from the market. A couple names that have been linked to Miami were Kenny Golladay and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Golladay is reported to be going to the Jets and Smith-Schuster doesn’t seem like the character type that Flores and Grier will spend big money on.
Seems like a big name offensive players isn’t in the card.
The Dolphins have agreed to terms with former Rams running back Malcolm Brown. While Brown had more carries than Phins current RBs, Gaskin and Ahmed, he wasn’t as effective. Guess they are building a stable of backs with another coming in the draft.
The big addition is Jacoby Brissett, who is a downgrade from Fitzpatrick, but his skillset is a better match for training Tua. Does this scratch out another rookie QB? I’d say likely. Will there be a real QB competition is the real question? If there is, and Tua can hold of Brissett, it will be a good sign. Brissett is a bit underrated, so this was a quality signing.
Phins seem to be focusing on the draft
It looks like Miami is focusing on using the draft to fill a lot of their needs. One interesting bit is the odds on which player will be selected with the 3rd Overall pick. Justin Fields is sitting at +125, with Penei Sewell and Ja’Marr Chase tied for second at +200. Like I said, I don’t see Miami selecting a QB at #3. This means the best odds could be the Dolphins trading out of that spot to a QB needy team.
I think the focus on the center position was a realistic path with money well spent. I suspect that some of the free agents will be surprised to see that teams are in no hurry to sign them. The diminished cap dictates that teams watch their pocketbook. After the draft, there will be more free agent movement.
“The diminished cap dictates that teams watch their pocketbook. After the draft, there will be more free agent movement.” Really good point. We could see a second wave of signings. Yeah, I’ve been on the enter position as a major need for a long time… longer than Jimmy… but don’t tell him. Andrews is a little bit of a risk… but he is still pretty young and his best days could be ahead of him. I hope it works out. With all the money spent by the Pats, I wonder why they didn’t resign him?
I think the focus on the center position was a realistic path with money well spent. I suspect that some of the free agents will be surprised to see that teams are in no hurry to sign them. The diminished cap dictates that teams watch their pocketbook. After the draft, there will be more free agent movement.
“The diminished cap dictates that teams watch their pocketbook. After the draft, there will be more free agent movement.” Really good point. We could see a second wave of signings. Yeah, I’ve been on the enter position as a major need for a long time… longer than Jimmy… but don’t tell him. Andrews is a little bit of a risk… but he is still pretty young and his best days could be ahead of him. I hope it works out. With all the money spent by the Pats, I wonder why they didn’t resign him?