Dolphins looking to free agency for MLB

Smart move. They need leadership and better play from that position, and that isn't likely to come from a rookie.

 

MLB free agent class isn't exactly booming with options....There are a few though,

Brandon Spikes, and Mason Foster top the list for me.
Colin McCarthey is a tackling machine and could be one of those below the radar signings that proves to be gold.

Jabari Lattimore, Nate Irving, Casey Matthews???? I'd rather look to the draft
Rolondo McClain can't stay out of trouble,
Rey Maualuga is a flat out Hell NO, but knowing us he's the guy we're after lol.

 

Over the past six years the Dolphins have spent millions of dollars on free agent LB's and have had little success with these LB's.
In fact Dansby was the best of all these LB's and he ended up being better after they cut him than he was when he played with Dolphins.

It is time the Dolphins quit relying so much on free agents and start building this team through good drafting.

 

Brandon Spikes is pretty much the sole FA I think who would represent a meaningful upgrade from Koa Misi in Kevin Coyle's defense.

 

Isn't Brandon Spikes a 2 down MLB? I think we would need to get a nickle LB more than a base MLB. I also think that before you go for a MLB we need to have a plan for DT.

 

If colin mccarthy is 100 percent heathy I would bring him in..

Pat willis in a trade, or david harris because of the tbaum connection.

remember, hickey tried to sign the 31 year old dwqell jackson last year so the story is probably very real.

 

Ask the 49ers about Willis.....

 

Do they usually throw smokescreens this early?

 

I think you could probably solve your issue now by adding a Nickel sub for Koa Misi. The problem is more him not being able to make a 100% snap count than it is his actual performance on the field.

But pretty well, yeah, you might need a Nickel sub but I think that's OK all things considered.

 

At this time, free agency rumors can mean many things: General interest the player; method to pressure another team to secure their own player while perhaps targeting another player; and attempt to increase the free agent pool in a position of need.

I assume such rumors start with agents, which may make the Dolphins grouping Harris with Foster intriguing. Did this convey a message to David Harris that his next contract offer will be in Mason Foster's range and not what he has previously earned?

There were other nuggets in the Barry Jackson article that started the LB threads:

1. Dion Jordan not mentioned, which may mean that he's viewed as a DE. Obviously, he'll play in special packages but considering multiple players indicated that he needs to get on the field more; perhaps, the staff is working on changing the DE rotation. In other words, Cam Wake playing only one side may not make sense, especially when he was surrounded by players hampered by injuries and poor play.
2. Misi playing SLB. The hope is for McCain, but his season did not end well. Since Misi is a coach favorite, McCain will have to earn a starting spot plus he's provided with a good example of what it takes to become a starter.
3. Trusnik not being retained. Misi offers multi-position flexibility as a MLB & SLB and this may open the door for Ellerbe to return as a MLB & WLB. Jelani Jenkins is the 3 down LB and with 5 DLine schemes and nickel/dime defenses, LB snaps will be limited. Therefore, is the team looking for a 3 down MLB or stopgap measures to shore up the LB as Tripp, Freeny, and future draft picks ascend the depth chart?

 

While I won't argue that there are some quality players in free agency. The Dolphins just don't seem to be able to find the players in free agency who can come in and make this team better than mediocre.

The Dolphins were 7-9 in 2012 and they went into that off season and last off season with plenty of cash to spend in free agency. While I am not one of those Dolphin fans who want to see the organization get rid of Wallace. The fact is they paid him far more than he was worth as a free agent.

Grimes has been the only free agent in the past two years who actually played up to his contract. Albert was probably overpaid based on his injury history, but he at least appeared to be a good signing prior to being injured again.

The Dolphins spent tens of millions in free agency since the 2012 season and all it has led to are two consecutive 8-8 seasons. It just hasn't been money well spent, IMO.

The best teams are built through the draft and only need to supplement their team once they are only a player or two from being a legitimate SB contender.

Because we have a coaching staff that seems to hate to play younger players unless they have no other choice.
The development of players taken in the draft are usurped, while playing time is given to players who for the most part are no longer effective players in the NFL.

I just feel that at this time the Dolphins need to be more concerned with drafting talented players who will be with the team long term. Probably the best thing about them having so little money to spend in free agency is that will mean they have less money to waste on over the hill players.

Hopefully they will have great drafts this year and in 2016. If they do, the new HC in 2016 just might be able to finally lead this team to the playoffs in the next 2-3 years.

 

I am not a big Misi supporter and I don't think he is an effective MLB. He is okay against the run, but he is a liability in pass coverage and not really a pass rushing OLB.

He also has had trouble staying on the field in recent years because of injuries. With all the other needs they have on the team, including at the LB position, I accept he will probably be on the roster in 2015. I do hope the next HC will be looking to replace Misi in 2016.

 

Can you elaborate? I would assume they would say we has been one of the top 5 linebackers in the league when healthy.