Miami Dolphins: Signing Ndamukong Suh was a mistake

By Justen Rosenberg | Mar 12, 2015

Over the course of the last few seasons, the Miami Dolphins have turned themselves into aggressive spenders during free agency. With free-agent acquisitions such as Philip Wheeler (5 yr./$26 million), Dannell Ellerbe (5 yr./$35 million), Mike Wallace (5 yr./$60 million) and Branden Albert (5 yr./$47 million), the Dolphins have spent big-money trying to fix both sides of the ball.

Although money has been spent to better the team, many are still searching for the improvements made on the field, and not just in contracts. During the last two seasons, the Dolphins finished at a mediocre 8-8, leaving question marks over the team’s future.

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As they continue to do so – it’s almost like they’ll never learn – the team recently struck a deal with who many believed to be this year’s alpha of free agency – Ndamukong Suh.

The two sides agreed to an outrageous contract, making Suh the highest paid defensive player in NFL history. The deal, which is reportedly worth $114 million over the next five-seasons, will include an upwards of $60 million in guarantees.

Bringing in a player like Suh will do two things for Miami: solidify their defensive line as a top unit in the league, while at the same-time ridding them of any cap space they have left.

Dec 7, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Detroit won 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

It is without question that Suh is arguably the best interior lineman in the NFL. He, along with the combination of All-Pro Cameron Wake and third-year pass rushing specialist Olivier Vernon, will allow defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle to scheme around their weaknesses in the middle and in the secondary.

But was the signing of the best player in free agency really what the Dolphins needed to improve their roster? It’s quite simple to say “yes, of course”. But let’s take a look at the other side of the argument.

2014 – a year in which the Dolphins were expected to contend for a playoff spot and potentially over-take the New England Patriots as AFC East champions. Neither of those happened as the Dolphins collapsed during the second-half of the season, losing five out of their last eight games.

The primary problem Miami faced was stuffing the run. For consecutive weeks (@Denver, @Jets), Miami allowed 200+ yards on the ground. The following week against the Ravens, Miami struggled containing Justin Forsett and Bernard Pierce, as the tandem ran the ball for 121 yards.

It was clear that Miami needed to improve their front this offseason. But instead of giving Suh quarterback money, there were and still are, cheaper alternatives.

Take former Bronco nose tackle Terrance Knighton for instance. At 28 years of age, Knighton still has plenty left in the tank. More importantly, he would’ve been a much cheaper option and he excels in what Miami is deficient in, stopping the run.

The difference in stopping the run between the two is extremely marginal, and signing a guy like Knighton instead of Suh would not only have filled an area of weakness, but would’ve help be able to fill out their roster – which is important in ensuring success in the NFL.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) reacts to a play during the first quarter of the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With holes at wide receiver, tight end (if Charles Clay leaves), left guard, cornerback, safety and linebacker, there is still a lot of work to be done with little money to be spent.

It’s not just holes that needed to be filled, though. During the last month, there have been reports stating Miami’s interest in signing quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a long-term contract worth $100+ million.

For the Dolphins, agreeing on a long-term deal with a quarterback will put their past struggles at the position at ease. The only problem is no team has ever had two players with $100 million contracts on their team.

Even if Miami can manage to accomplish this feat, there are still 51 other spots that must be filled; 51 other players that must be paid.

Only time will tell if the addition of Suh will help the Dolphins; in all likelihood it will. It is without question the dominance that Suh brings to the table, but for Miami, shelling out a record contract to a defensive lineman was not something that needed to be done.

Next: Dolphins go receiver early in this seven-round mock

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