Randy Starks, Paul Soliai ‘most likely gone’
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Paul Soliai (96) during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Miami Dolphins defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins starting defensive tackle duo of Randy Starks and Paul Soliai is one of the best in the NFL, and their ability to work together in either the 4-3 or 3-4 scheme has been remarkable to watch. Both veterans have consistently played at a high level over the past several years, and the Dolphins have known for quite some time that they would only be able to keep one of them when they both were set to be impending free agents this offseason.
Sadly, it looks like the outcome is worse than initially thought, as it doesn’t sound like the Dolphins will be able to keep either one of their star defensive linemen. The Miami Herald’s Adam H. Beasley reports that Starks and Soliai are “most likely gone”, and Starks hasn’t even received a contract offer from the Dolphins. Meanwhile, “no progress” was made on a deal for Soliai, so “all indications” are that he will be out the door.
It’s rough to hear that both steady veterans are set to leave, and neither of them should spend a long time on the free agent market before being signed. I’m sure plenty of teams value Starks and Soliai highly, even though they are both 30 years old. They are among the top free agents available on the defensive side of the ball, and lucrative contracts are on the horizon for both.