[Editor’s note: This preview was originally published on Feb. 24, 2017, and updated on March 6 to reflect changes in the market do to franchise tags, re-signings, cuts, etc.]
What you need to know
Fresh off their first postseason appearance since 2008, the Dolphins will look to build on their success of a year ago, but will need to address both their offensive and defensive lines in the trenches to make that possible. Luckily for them, the free agent/draft pool at the positions of need is looking strong and they should have every opportunity to improve their roster.
Salary cap room
$41,050,292 (12th in NFL; as of 3/6/17)
Biggest needs
- Guard
- Linebacker
- Defensive line
- Tight end
Notable free agents
- Kenny Stills, WR, 74.5 overall grade in 2016
- Andre Branch, Edge, 56.4
- Dion Sims, TE, 59.3
- Michael Thomas, S, 56.1
Must re-sign
Andre Branch, Edge, 56.4 overall grade in 2016
While the team has openly expressed bringing back WR Kenny Stills, the market for his services will most likely prove to be too much for Miami. Branch ranked second on the team in quarterback sacks (7) and third in quarterback hurries (32). Still only 27 years old, Branch is in the prime of his career and it makes sense for a team needing edge rushers to bring him back in 2017.
Dream splash
Dont'a Hightower, LB, New England Patriots, 85.7
Signing Hightower would not only significantly improve the Miami Dolphins’ defensive unit; they would also be taking him from their biggest divisional threat, which of course is the New England Patriots. Hightower is one of the league’s most versatile linebackers, highlighted by his 76.4 pass rushing grade in 2016, good for second best at the position.
Top 2017 free agency prospcets
T.J. Lang, G, Green Bay Packers, 87.0
There is no bigger hole on the Dolphins’ roster right now than guard, where are tasked with finding two starters for 2017. The 29-year-old Lang, who has graded out at 86.6 or better in each of the last three seasons, would immediately step in and solidify one of the spots in the trenches.
Zach Brown, LB, Buffalo Bills, 84.1
Kiko Alonso provided the Dolphins with some much-needed stability at linebacker in 2016, but the team still desperately needs another force in the middle. Brown ranked sixth of all inside linebackers with 107 solo tackles and also graded out well in pass coverage in 2016.
Jared Odrick, DL, Jacksonville Jaguars, 44.2
Odrick was a major disappointment in his two seasons for the Jaguars, so the team decided to move on and release him. A return to the team that drafted him, the Miami Dolphins, makes a lot of sense for both sides; the Dolphins need defensive linemen and Odrick had some terrific seasons in Miami, most notably 2013 (82.4) and 2014 (82.2).
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