Miami Dolphins: Should they sign Michael Crabtree?

The Miami Dolphins will enter the 2015 season with an abundance of new faces. However, some of those faces do not know they will be in a Dolphins uniform next season as the team is not done acquiring and trading talent.

Outside of the NFL draft, which will take place in the end of April and early May, Miami will still be looking to add players through free agency.

Currently, wide receiver is a position that is under construction. After trading Mike Wallace and releasing Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson, the Dolphins are attempting to improve what was an inconsistent group last season.

More from Miami Dolphins

The project took a major step forward earlier in March, when the Dolphins traded a third-round draft pick and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe to the New Orleans Saints for wide out Kenny Stills. He caught 95 passes for 1,572 yards and eight touchdowns during his first two years in the league, is expected to be a younger, cheaper version of Wallace.

While Mike Wallace led Miami in receiving yards and touchdown grabs this past season, rookie wide receiver Jarvis Landry totaled a team-high 84 catches in 2014.

While it has yet to be seen if he could do that, the potential that Stills brings to Miami is intriguing. Match Stills with 2014 rookie standout Jarvis Landry, and Miami has a young corp developing at the position. Last season, Landry finished the year with 84 receptions, which is the highest in a season by a rookie in franchise history.

There is no denying the Dolphins have talent at the receiver position. Yet, other than Stills and Landry, the position is filled with uncertainties. It is likely Miami selects a wideout in the upcoming draft. But while developing a young group of receivers is nice, it is important that there is a veteran voice and leader within the group.

That being said, there are still free agents available for the Dolphins to sign.

Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback

Richard Sherman

(25) and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver

Michael Crabtree

(15) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins have already expressed interest in Michael Crabtree, the tenth overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2009 NFL draft. Last season, Crabtree was one of the 49ers top receivers, catching 68 balls for 698 yards and four touchdowns. In 2013, Crabtree suffered an Achilles injury and was forced to miss significant time. The injury clearly affected Crabtree, as he was not as explosive off the line last season. Crabtree had a career low 10.3 average yards per catch last season.

However, Crabtree was most effective on third down, something Miami could benefit from. More specifically, on third downs and 6-plus yards, Crabtree was one of Colin Kaepernick‘s go-to receivers. In this instance, Crabtree caught a total of 15 balls for 171 yards, an average of 11.4 yards per catch.

Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (left) celebrates after wide receiver Jarvis Landry (right) scored a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

In 2014, the 49ers ran their offense in shotgun formation 51 percent of the time. Much like the 49ers, Miami also ran a heavy shotgun offense, using this formation 53 percent this past year. A shotgun heavy offense bodes well for Crabtree, as he was best in this formation last year. Out of his 68 catches, 50 of them came while San Francisco was in shotgun. He also totaled 515 of his 698 yards in shotgun and had three touchdowns in this formation.

In three of the last four seasons, Crabtree was a part of a 49ers team that made it to the NFC Championship game. He also played a crucial role in the 49ers Super Bowl run in 2012, catching a career-high 85 balls for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns.

As stated earlier, the Dolphins have already expressed interest in Crabtree. The team held a private workout for him at their facility in Davie, Florida, two weeks ago but Crabtree left without a contract offer.

At this point of his career, Crabtree wouldn’t expected to come in and be the number-one guy. Still, Crabtree could make an impact both on and off the field, which is something the Dolphins are looking to add by the start of training camp.

Next: Should Miami trade their first round pick?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Miami Dolphins