Five Biggest Free Agency Moves: Miami Dolphins
With free agency now into its fourth week as April’s Draft draws closer, it’s time to start reviewing which teams filled some needs and who got weaker. Here are the five biggest free agency moves for each team so far.
Under new head coach Adam Gase, the Dolphins were a surprise playoff team last season after securing a wild card spot. It marked Miami’s first post-season appearance since 2008. With Gase seemingly getting progress from quarterback Ryan Tannehill, things are looking up in South Beach. Now the focus shifts to a defense that ranked 29th in the league last season. Here are Miami’s five biggest free agency moves:
1 — Re-signing Reshad Jones
Jones doesn’t really get the attention he deserves, but he has been one of the league’s best safeties for several years. Jones anchors Miami’s secondary even though he doesn’t have much talent around him. The Dolphins gave him a five year, $60 million contract, keeping the former Pro Bowler in Miami for years to come.
2 — Addressing the linebacker corps
Miami really struggled against the run last season; allowing 140 rushing yards per game (30th). To fix this, they signed former Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons to a two year, $12 million deal. Timmons is stout against the run and should help the defense improve. The Dolphins also extended linebacker Kiko Alonso, who had a nice bounce-back year after injuries in 2015. As Miami’s best coverage linebacker, Alonso recorded 115 combined tackles with four passes defensed and two interceptions, and returns on a three year, $25 million deal.
3 — Trading for Julius Thomas
After two disappointing seasons in Jacksonville, Thomas joins former his Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase in Miami after the Dolphins sent the Jaguars a 7th round pick. In two seasons under Gase in Denver, Thomas had 108 catches for 1277 yards and 24 touchdowns. After the retirement of Jordan Cameron, this move looks even better. Thomas restructured his contract after the trade, reducing his cap hit as the Dolphins see if he can stay healthy.
4 — Re-signing Kenny Stills
Stills is Miami’s best deep threat at receiver and signed a four year, $32 million contract to remain with the Dolphins. While Stills may be overpaid, he is a vital component in Miami’s scheme, providing Gase and Tannehill with a vertical threat and adding another dimension to the offense. With Stills returning alongside Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker, and now Julius Thomas, the Dolphins have a loaded receiving corps.
5 — Solidifying the pass rush
After letting Olivier Vernon walk last off-season, Miami struggled to sack opposing quarterbacks; their 33 take-downs ranked in the bottom third of the league. Defensive end Andre Branch accounted for 5.5, which earned him a three year, $27 million contract to remain in Miami. That is arguably an overpayment for Branch, but good pass rushers are hard to come by. The Dolphins also sent a 6th rounder to the Rams for defensive end William Hayes, who had five sacks last year.
