As we all know, the Dolphins have two key players hitting the free agency market this off season, and with Miami already over the salary cap, it’s going to be extremely hard to keep both Olivier Vernon and Lamar Miller. The one glaring “positive” is the Dolphins do have some expensive contracts that they can part ways with, such as Greg Jennings, (I cringe to say it) Cameron Wake, Grimes, Jordan Cameron and Suh’s contract almost begs for a restructure.
Both Miller and Vernon are home grown Miami residents, former Miami University players, and it would be great if Miami were able to retain both players. However, most football wagering fans are doubting that this is possible. There is a good chance that Miami may not be able to re-sign either player, which means there will be two more big holes on the team. But, their is also the chance that Aponte and Tannenbaum can show “All-Pro” caliber, knock it out of the park, and keep them both!
Miller is one of the cornerstones of the offense, and when he has had a good game, the Dolphins have usual won. Not only accomplished in running and receiving game, he is a very good at blocking. He is a true three down back, the type of back Gase covets. Because the Dolphins rarely feed him the ball, he has extremely low mileage, and could easily play another 4-5 years with high productivity. Also, as one of the fastest backs in the league, he possesses home run threat ability.
With Wake in his mid thirties, in the last year of his contract, and coming of a very serious injury, Vernon has become another cornerstone and the only DE on the roster with pass rushing talent. However, while Vernon had a big 2013 season with 11.5 sacks, the last two years he has regressed statistically to 6.5 sacks (2014) and 7.5 sacks (2015). This season has demonstrated his inconsistency which was attributed to a nagging injury. The problem is he has demonstrated flashes of fantastic play, but also, for whatever reason, inconsistency. This might make it tough for Miami to pay him big money if he asks for it, but due to circumstances, they may be forced to “pay-up”. Yet, if Vernon can play consistently up to his potential, then he would be an essential signing.
Miller is the more stable and safe of the two big signings – and the more likely to be signed. But, due to the lack of talent at DE and on the whole defense, as well as the difficulty in finding pass rushers, Vernon has the bigger upside and downside, and maybe worth it even if he is “over paid”. I see that the Dolphins must somehow keep both, even if it means letting go of older vets, getting creative with the cap, and going full court press on the egos of both of them. It will be very difficult to make it happen, but we need a slam dunk this off season and getting them both inked would be a great head start. What do you Dolphins Fans think about these two players? And if you had the authority, what would be your move?
