Dolphins trading for Benardrick McKinney signals free agency plans

The Miami Dolphins filled a void at linebacker by trading for Benardrick McKinney and also tipped their hand for what they’ll do in free agency. 

Though the new league year and 2021 NFL free agency have yet to begin, the Miami Dolphins have been busy. Just a few days after releasing linebacker Kyle Van Noy, the franchise pulled off a trade that fills the hole. On Sunday, Miami and Houston agreed to a trade that will send Benardrick McKinney to the Dolphins in exchange for edge defender Shaq Lawson and a swap of late-round picks.

McKinney is coming off a 2020 season where he barely saw the field due to injuries but, at his best, he could be a nice addition to the Brian Flores defense. He’s a better coverage player than Elandon Roberts, who is departing in free agency, and is also adequate against the run. His versatility fits well into the movement in formations that Flores likes to deploy.

With the hole at linebacker now plugged, though, the Dolphins now head into free agency with more options. At the same time, the trade might actually signal what Miami’s front office is planning on the open market as it pertains to continuing the improvement of the defense.

Expect the Dolphins to be after big-time edge rushers in free agency.

After signing Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah, among others, last offseason, the Dolphins appear likely to make a big splash on the free agency market with edge defenders once again. And with the over $32 million in cap space they have (per Over the Cap), Miami can be aggressive with an attractive crop of players.

The likes of Carl Lawson, Jadeveon Clowney, Yannick Ngakoue, Melvin Ingram, Bud Dupree and many more are all expected to be available on the market this offseason. While no one in that group is necessarily a perfect player, all can have a substantial impact on the Miami defense.

Moreover, as Miami has the No. 3 and 18 picks in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, they could bring in a young player with one of those picks to learn behind some veterans.

All told, the McKinney trade is simply a savvy move for the Dolphins. It fills a hole at linebacker while also opening up their options throughout the offseason. We saw Miami make a big leap in the 2020 season and, with some more smooth operation, they could possibly make another jump this year.