The Dolphins have the second most cap space this year and are poised to make some big moves in free agency. If you were GM who would your number one free agent target be? For a list of the top 100 free agents per PFF click here https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-the-50-best-available-nfl-free-agents-in-2020 For a look at the cap space situation for all teams click here https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cap/2020/
I don’t think the list is great but it’s just a point of reference for us. I’m not sure we could get the production out of Derrick Henry that the Titans did this year so I’d be skeptical of making him the highest paid RB. We could probably get Melvin Gordon for much cheaper.
It's barely worth paying attention until the big names are resigned by their respective teams. That said, I would look hard at anyone coming from New England - most notably, Kyle Van Noy or Joe Thuney. Look for guys who are versatile, especially on defense.
I gotta wonder if the way the Titans ran him will wind up hurting him in the long run. I have not seen a team run a RB like they did Henry since Ricky Williams. I gotta believe that this postseason took a toll on him.
Joe Thuney is my number one. He strengthens us and weakens our rival. Plus he’s a great guard and he’s just coming off his rookie deal/still young.
Been working on this list for awhile: Austin Ekeler, RB, LAC He's a RFA, but easily my favorite free agent running back that won't break the bank... *cough*Henry*cough* 40m/4yrs Derek Watt, FB, LAC Unclear if Gailey will even entertain the idea of a FB, but Flores seems to want one. It just doesn't look like Cox is the guy. 2m/2yrs Demarcus Robinson, WR, KC Fantastic speed complement to the outside duo of Parker/Williams; affordable upgrade from Isaiah Ford as a WR3/reserve starter. 12m/3yrs Tyler Eifert, TE, CIN Ideal candidate for a 'prove-it' contract. If it works out, you've got a dynamic one-two punch at TE. 3m/1yr Anthony Castonzo, OT, IND I'm not psyched about this one, but the free agent market for left tackles is a barren wasteland and I'm already projecting Wirfs to be the on the right side of the line. Castonzo could be serviceable for a couple of years. 20m/2yrs Brandon Scherff, OG, WAS This signing alone bumps the Miami o-line up a letter grade. Scherff is an absolute mauler and will pave the way for a solid ground game next season. 60m/5yrs Chris Jones, DL, KC This is a scary contract to swallow given Jones's recent injury history, but when he's healthy, he's the best 5-technique in football. He'll play the Trey Flowers role in Miami, but with the added ability to stunt inside as a 3 or 1-tech thanks to his size and strength. He can have the impact Ndamukong Suh was supposed to have. This is my No. 1 target. 90m/5yrs Elandon Roberts, OLB, NE Nothing much to say here, but I can almost guarantee this signing will happen. Roberts is Flores' guy. He'll only see a portion of defensive snaps, but he's cheap and versatile. 4m/2yrs Trae Waynes, CB, MIN Waynes is coming off an unusually poor season (graded a 65.1 per PFF, good for barely average). However, he's only 27, and the Minnesota secondary as a whole was poor this year. This is a good time to buy low with Waynes and bank on a rebound season playing across from X Island. 15m/2yrs Justin Simmons, S, DEN Absolute stud, do-it-all safety who will have Flores salivating as a perfect fit in this defense. Pair him with Isaiah Simmons and you've got the nastiest safety duo in the league; maybe even the start of the leagues next 'No Fly Zone' with Howard and Waynes on the boundary. Just sayin'. 75m/5yrs The crazy part is, Miami could sign all of these guys to the contracts laid out above and still have 25 million in cap space to work with. I certainly agree with Grier's philosophy to spend smart, not recklessly, and this may be a hint on the reckless side, but if you find that franchise quarterback you will have a Super Bowl-caliber roster on your hands with these pickups.
Anthony Castonzo and Brandon Scherff are tops on my list. After that i'd love to see us sign Melvin Gordon.
Castonzo has pretty much said it's either the Colts or retirement. I would only sign Gordon if it's a really reasonable deal. Much rather prefer to grab a guy in the draft than spend $$ on a RB.
I would rather do both. It wouldn't surprise me if none of the running backs on the roster are on the roster next year.
I'd rather a smaller contract player like Eckler vs. Gordon if we are adding vets. Perhaps guys like Matt Brieda or Gus Edwards.
On this list from Tyler .... would go for: Gordon Jones Simmons Scherff which still leaves plenty of $$$ in reserve ....
I would spend our money on Scherff, and Derek Watt.. i think that instantly improves our running lanes. i think Costanzo would command more money than he is worth. i would also target Bud Dupree. And hopefully we draft someone like Aj Epenesa to play on the other end. I think Aj can be every bit as good as TJ Watt. With Aj, Bud and Wilkins, we got ourselves a nice young d line. Those are my realistic targets as i dont think Amari Cooper nor Derrick Henry will reach free agency without a franchise tag or long term deal.
Miami can snag a running back in the draft, either at 26 or in the second, depending on when/if the positional run starts. I would spend on the OL first and foremost.
These are players I wanted us to draft and now have proven they are very good at this level.. Justin Simmons..a great free safety, Flores has roots going back to Boston college ties. Joe Schobert..keep taking from the badger pool, and get it right this time with the best one. Graham Glasgow..we need an upgrade at center or Guard..he’s it. Sure go for Sherref or Conklin, or Thuney...get one of them. Like to sign Austin Eckler to a decent contract, dual threat back with toughness and heart..pair him up with one of the nice backs in the draft..whole unit needs rebuilding. Sleeper on the dine with Dewaune Smoot from the Jage, player coming into his own.
Arik Armstead is a name that should certainly be brought up. He's essentially already playing the Dolphins DE position with how SF uses him, he's played well, and they've seemingly shown they've given some consideration towards spending at DE(taking shots at Flowers and Clowney). He also might be worth a bit to them given he might have a bit of the flexibility to be a true 3-4 DE as well.
Armstead at 5/75/45gtd Scherff at 6/78/45 gtd Schobert at 4/20/10gtd Logan Ryan at 3/21/10gtd Glasgow at 4/32/14gtd Van Noy at 3/27/18gtd that spends 62m if available cap space.