The Miami Dolphins have the most cap space in the league to utilize in 2020 NFL free agency but which five big-name free agents should they target?
Every offseason is critical for an NFL team. Between NFL free agency and the draft, every team has the opportunity to set the course for their franchise for the next few years, establishing their future. This is especially true as it pertains to the Miami Dolphins as they are now set to enter 2020 NFL free agency with their roster having been torn down to the studs over the last year.
Armed with six picks in the first 70 selections of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Dolphins are expected to get a massive haul come late April. But before then, they can also make a huge impact in NFL free agency. After the release of Reshad Jones, the Dolphins have roughly $95 million in cap space to work with, the most in the NFL.
ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe recently reported that the Dolphins will exercise “judicious aggression” in 2020 free agency in terms of how they’ll operate. What exactly that means remains to be seen. But with their cap space, it’s clear that no one is out of their price range if they’re interested.
With that in mind, which five big-name players could the Miami Dolphins target in 2020 NFL free agency? Let’s dive in.
5. Melvin Gordon, RB
With NFL free agency approaching, the buzz is starting to grow around the players each team could potentially target. One such player that has surfaced for the Dolphins is running back Melvin Gordon. As reported by ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe, Miami is expected to check in on the price of the former Charger and, given their cap space, they could pay whatever if they’re inclined.
Gordon’s value could be diminished after a tumultuous and, frankly, less than ideal 2019 campaign with Los Angeles. After holding out for a new deal, Gordon returned to only play 12 games for the Chargers last season and was not all that productive.
Yes, he had 162 rushing attempts for 612 yards and eight scores to go with 42 receptions for 296 yards and one touchdown but Gordon only averaged 3.8 yards per carry and was maddeningly inconsistent. In fact, Austin Ekeler out-performed Gordon by a wide margin for the season, which is likely why the Chargers elected to re-sign Ekeler and are ready to let Gordon walk.
Miami had the worst rushing attack in the NFL last season and, while the Dolphins also need to address the offensive line, they need more talent in the backfield as well. If Gordon doesn’t demand the world in terms of a new contract, then it’s a possibility that Miami should explore, especially if they can negotiate a front-loaded deal that doesn’t keep them on the hook long term.