Nov 2, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay (42) attempts to catch the ball as San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Kavell Conner (53) defends during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 37-0. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins entered this year’s free agency with the dire need to fill the holes left after a brutal 2014 season. While they have attempted to do so, this year will mainly be remembered for the splash they made, signing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and making him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history.
But other than the splash that was Suh, the Dolphins have kept fairly active. On the same day, Miami made a move that went a bit under the radar, as they brought in former Pittsburgh Steeler cornerback Brice McCain on a two-year, $5.5 million contract.
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Two days later, they made noise yet again, this time trading linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and a third-round pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for wide receiver Kenny Stills, a fifth-round pick in the 2013 draft. The move led to the departure of Mike Wallace (signed a five-year, $60 million deal in 2013) as he, along with a seventh-round pick in this year’s draft were dealt to the Minnesota Vikings for the team’s fifth-round selection in this year’s draft.
Overall I would say this year’s free agent class for the Dolphins has real hit-or-miss potential, obviously starting with the signing of Suh. While he could help catapult the defense line to a top group in the league, his contract will take up a large sum of salary, which could hinder Miami’s ability to bring in quality depth.
With the buzz around free agency beginning to die down, there are still moves the Dolphins could make. While the team is under the salary cap, it is important they strike cap-friendly deals, as they look to become the first team in NFL history that has two players with $100 million contracts (Ryan Tannehill?).
Here are the top five players left on the open-market that Miami should consider taking a look at.
Next: Keeping it within the organization