On March 14th, NFL teams will be allowed to propose offers to unrestricted free-agents and officially sign them on March 16th starting at 4 p.m. EST. With currently a projected $61.2M spending budget, the Miami Dolphins should make a lot of noise during this period.
Tools used to do this: Spotrac, OverTheCap, The Draft Network and PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator
What Miami needs to focus on this off-season:
Offensive Line - Since the first draft of the rebuild in 2020, Miami has used four legit draft picks in the past two drafts on offensive lineman (Jackson, Hunt, Kindley, Eichenberg). Three of them were selected in the top 50 (Austin Jackson 1:18, Robert Hunt 2:39 and Liam Eichenberg 2:42). In 2021, the five man front gave up 40 sacks and ranked 30th in rushing yards. According to ProFootballTalk, Miami was also graded as the worst offensive line in the NFL. Miami needs to use free agency as the building block of this unit, not the draft.
Juice up the offensive skill positions - The Dolphins receiving room cannot be relied upon whatsoever, health and performance wise. You cannot rely on DeVante Parker giving you seventeen games per year or Preston Williams and Albert Wilson just isn’t the same player anymore. The only receivers/tight ends that played more than sixteen games this season were Mike Gesicki (set to be a F.A.), Durham Smythe, Mack Hollins (set to be a F.A.) and Jaylen Waddle. Miami really only had two reliable targets the whole season in Jaylen Waddle and Mike Gesicki, how can you even judge any young quarterback with this offense? The backfield doesn’t get much better, as they used six running backs throughout the entire season (Myles Gaskin, Phillip Lindsay (FA), Duke Johnson (FA), Salvon Ahmed (FA), Malcom Brown (FA) and Patrick Laird (RFA). There isn’t a single legit RB1 on this roster, which plays a part in why their run game ranks almost dead last in the league. To give Tua a fair judgment, Miami must do everything they can to actually give him a chance to perform with a legit NFL offense.
Throw the trash away - I’m done with guys like Jesse Davis on this roster. Miami must take these negatives of the roster, as they could possible clear a huge amount of money off the books. Not all of them are as bad as Jesse Davis, but some just can’t be relied upon on whether that has to do with their yearly health or overall level of talent. These guys include obviously Jesse Davis ($3.6M), DeVante Parker ($3.3M), Eric Rowe ($4.5M), Adam Butler ($4.1M), Clayton Fejedelem ($2.2M), Allen Hurns ($2.5M) and Cethan Carter ($3.6M). With these cuts, Miami would have an additional $23,029,110 in cap space, bringing their total to $84,261,752.
*All numbers have been provided by OverTheCap/Spotrac
Starting cap space: $51,317,989 (ranks second in NFL, includes Gesicki tag)
Cuts:
Jesse Davis ($3,610,000) - I don’t even think words can describe how bad Jesse Davis was last season, every Sunday looked like Miami was playing with four guys on the offensive front. Davis let up 8 sacks during the season which was tied for 6th in the league. One of those sacks led to their young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missing three games with fractured ribs back in week two vs the Buffalo Bills at home. I squinted every time I saw Davis on the field, he put the quarterback in danger on every play. You cannot have a player like that on your football team, especially when it comes to protecting the quarterback.
DeVante Parker ($6,044,118, post-June 1 release) - You cannot rely on him playing 17 games a season, he just cannot stay healthy. Parker has only played one full season in his current 7 year career which was back in 2019 (16 games). I’d rather have Allen Robinson for a Will Fuller-type of deal or give the bank to Davante Adams with a rookie like Jahan Dotson or Jameson Williams than keep DVP and pair him up with one of those rookies I just named. Miami needs to get legit targets for Tua that can both stay on the field and produce.
Eric Rowe ($4,550,000) - Jevon Holland and Brandon Jones started to take his snaps as the 2021 season went along. Holland and Jones are two guys that should not come off the field in ‘22. Miami needs to rely on the youth and move on with the $4.5M.
Adam Butler ($4,150,000) - The defensive line in Miami has normally been a rotation. I think you can easily find a somewhat cheaper replacement for Adam Butler, not saying he’s expensive but I do like the amount he’d free up.
Cethan Carter ($2,525,000) - Special teamer, same explanation as Fejedelem.
Clayton Fejedelem ($2,275,000) -Mainly a special teamer, I would rather have Elijah Campbell, Trill Williams and $2.2M than Fejedelem.
Allen Hurns ($2,575,000) - Hasn’t played since the 2019 season and is a 30 year old receiver who isn’t that effective? I’m good.
Cap space total after cuts: $77,547,107 (ranks first in NFL
Money cleared: $26,229,118
Guys I’d bring back:
Miami Dolphins 2022 “Free Agent” Class:
Unrestricted:Will Fuller, Emmanuel Ogbah, Mike Gesicki, Duke Johnson, Elandon Roberts, Mack Hollins, Justin Coleman, Phillip Lindsay, Albert Wilson, Jacoby Brissett, Durham Smythe, Jason McCourty, John Jenkins, Duke Riley, Brennan Scarlett, Michael Palardy, Greg Mancz
Restricted: Nik Needham, Preston Williams, Sam Eguavoen, Trill Williams
Exclusive Rights: Salvon Ahmed, Elijah Campbell
Emmanuel Ogbah - Ogbah has been by far Miami’s best and most consistent pass rusher, which is why he needs to be re-signed. Ogbah has not missed a game in two seasons and has totaled 76 tackles, a career high with 61 pressures and 18.0 sacks in that time frame, which has been the football of his career. Ogbah is currently entering the prime years of his career at the age of 28. I’d give Ogbah a four year extension for $48M ($12M per season).
Mike Gesicki - I’m on the fence with this one, simply because of how he would fit in with new HC Mike McDaniel’s scheme. New TE’s coach Jon Embree in a interview with the Dolphins media stated that “blocking will be an integral part of this new offense we’re installing”, which is Mike Gesicki’s biggest weakness. Gesicki on run plays was normally taken out for Durham Smythe or Adam Shaheen because they were normally lined up next to the tackles. He has the build of a modern day tight end which is really being more of a receiving threat than being both a blocker and a weapon. The only issues about bringing him back is that he cannot block and he is not a burner in terms of speed (Miami wants to build a track team). These two things could hold back this new offense, but I do believe that Mike McDaniel will have another plan in mind for him as he is a very smart guy. I’d place the franchise tag on Mike Gesicki for a fully guaranteed $10.9M. If they decided to let Gesicki walk next year then they’d most likely get about a 3rd round compensatory pick.
Nik Needham (RFA) - Needham’s 2021 season was arguably the best season of his career. At only 25 years old, Needham totaled 59 tackles, five defended passes, two interceptions, two hits on the quarterback, one sack and one fumble recovery while only having a snap percentage of just 54%. Needham also allowed a 65% completion percentage with a QBR of just 73.4. All of this earned him a top-10 slot coverage grade in the NFL according to PFF. While there was some mix up in the slot between Needham and Justin Coleman, Nik started to pick it up at the midway point of the year. Since he is a restricted free agent, the Dolphins will have the ability to place either a first-round tender worth $5.562M, a second-round tender worth $3.986M or a original-round tender worth $2.54M (Miami will not do this type of tender). The most realistic options are the first-round tender and the second-round tender. As the Dolphins fictional GM, I’m placing the second-rounder tender on Nik Needham for $3.986M (any team can claim a player put on a tender, but they would have to give up the designated draft pick that’s attached to the player).
Duke Johnson - The Miami native played great in his four game stretch as a Dolphin. His biggest games came against the Jets in week 15 (22-107-2) and the Patriots in week 18 (25-117-2). He provided the Dolphins with a blocker in the backfield and a hard-nosed run style that they haven’t successfully had since Jay Ajayi a couple of years ago. Duke is currently one of one in Miami’s backfield in terms of his playstyle. I’m giving him a one-year extension worth $1.2M.
Elandon Roberts - I love Elandon Roberts. He is a very physical player that can fill open holes and make you feel the after effects. Roberts is also an ILB for the Dolphins, which really has been their biggest need as we saw that Jerome Baker cannot play it, he succeeds the most as an OLB. Roberts has really had his best statistical seasons with the Dolphins. In 2021, he totaled 83 tackles, 6 TFL’s, 2 QB hits, and 1 sack. Let’s also not forget about his 82 yard pick six vs the Raiders back in week 3. I’d give Elandon Roberts a two-year deal worth $5M ($2.5M per season).
Mack Hollins - This is a guy who should’ve been used a lot more in Miami’s offense. A very talented player as both a special teamer and a wide receiver, Hollins is a guy who I’d certainly look to bring back. Hollins is also an all around great guy as you can see on Miami’s media page, full of energy. This is the type of guy that should be on every NFL roster, also one you cannot let go of. I’d love to see him back in Miami next season with more volume on the offensive side of the ball. I’m giving him a two-year deal worth $2.6M ($1.3M per season).
Durham Smythe - A player who can both provide an ability to block and receive, Smythe is certainly a perfect guy to bring back into this offense. Two-years for $3M ($1.5M AAV).
Duke Riley - Ilike him as a role player, very physical. One-year for $1.2M, which is only 900k more than his last deal with the Dolphins.
Sam Eguavoen (RFA) - Was very impressive in the preseason, would love to see him back.
Trill Williams (RFA) - Young corner with a solid amount of potential, would like to see him serve on special teams again.
Salvon Ahmed (ERFA) - Boys with Myles Gaskin and is very explosive, won’t be expensive to bring back.
Elijah Campbell (EFRA) - Would like to see him return as a special teamer again.
*For this fictional off-season, Sam Eguavoen, Trill Williams, Salvon Ahmed and Elijah Campbell will all have their base salaries listed at $990,000 to make things easier.
Current cap space after moves: $61,544,141 (ranks first in NFL)
Guy’s Walkin’:
Will Fuller V - After receiving a one-year deal for $10M from Chris Grier, Fuller was only seen in the aqua and orange twice. Fuller in the first two weeks of the season was still serving his 8 game suspension from a PED violation that happened towards the end of the 2020 season. In those two games (weeks 3 and 4, Raiders and Colts), he totaled 4 catches for 26 yards. His season came to an end in week 4 after he broke his finger while coming down with a snag. Sources close to the team believe that it wasn’t really the finger injury that held him out, it was his relationship with former HC Brian Flores who is now the LB coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Another source close to the team also told me that “Will Fuller just does not love the game, he’s here for the money”. There has been a lot of rumors, thoughts and opinions on Will Fuller during his time in Miami, and I think I’m good with leaving him on the market. Without the PED’s, he cannot stay on the field. This has to be one of the worst contracts in Dolphins history. I’d give his type of contract to a guy like Juju Smith-Schuster or Allen Robinson if his market does indeed crash like Fuller’s last year.
Jacoby Brissett - I believe Mike McDaniel will find a veteran backup that he’s had experience with in the past or maybe one that he knows is close with Tua Tagovailoa. Mike McDaniel when asked about the backup quarterback situation said “It is very important for the backup to have a great relationship with the starter…we are looking for a veteran”. I don’t think Brissett is that guy.
Albert Wilson - Wilson just isn’t the same player anymore. He’s out of shape, slow and now washed. He’s just got to go at this point.
Justin Coleman - Igbo needs more playing time if they want him to develop, which is why I’m letting Coleman walk. He was a serviceable option for the Dolphins during his time. The loss of Coleman should also give Trill Williams some snaps at corner too.
Phillip Lindsay - Not going to lie, I like Phillip Lindsay a lot, but I do believe that Miami should draft Kenneth Walker III out of Michigan State. I just don’t think he played/did enough to receive an extension. He did miss some games due to injury also.
Michael Palardy - Wasn’t reliable at sending the ball to the other side of the field, but was reliable when your inside the 50 and you wanna drop it inside the 10. Miami needs to find a guy who can send the thing to the other side of the field and force teams to drive all the way, I’m talking at least 70-75 yard drives.
Jason McCourty - Old.
Preston Williams - Another receiver who cannot be relied upon due to his constant issue of staying healthy. These types of players need to be eliminated, especially from the receiving room.
Malcom Brown - He sucks.
Brennan Scarlett
John Jenkins
Greg Mancz
Restructures:
Xavien Howard - With a new contract extension in the talks, I do believe that a restructure will come with it. For now though despite the recent news of a contract extension in the talks. The move will clear $8,445,294.
Byron Jones - Jones does have a big contract and seems like a great guy who would accept a restructure to help bring in more talent to win now. The move will clear $8,836,667.
Jerome Baker - Baker gets the same reasoning as his teammate Byron Jones. The move will clear $1,380,000.
Cap space before restructures: $61,544,141 (ranks first in NFL)
Cap space after restructures: $80,206,102 (still would rank first in NFL)
My Free-Agent Class:
Honorable Mentions:
Laken Tomlinson:This signing would make a lot of sense for Miami, as he’d pick up Mike McDaniel’s playbook in a second, he’s the perfect scheme fit. Tomlinson has been playing the best football of his career, as he’s recorded his second consecutive season with an overall PFF grade above 75.0. He also recorded a career-high 75.2 pass-block grade in 2021. While he is on the older side (30), Mike McDaniels zone-heavy scheme should have no negative impact on Tomlinson and his performance. He should still be as effective as he was in San Francisco. I wouldn’t be surprised if got signed in real life by the Dolphins, but as me being the GM, I believe that the Dolphins need to make use of the former 18th overall pick in Austin Jackson, especially with all of the additional veteran assets added. Tomlinson should receive a multi-year deal worth around $8M-12M per season.
Juju Smith-Schuster:Similar to Marcus Mariota, Tua and Juju are pretty tight and they both share the Samoan culture. Juju is also very effective in the slot as he is a very physical receiver that does extremely well blocking (which you rarely find). Juju is a guy who’ll get an Will Fuller type of deal as many clubs will have questions around him. Teams don’t believe he is a WR1, one that can only produce with other elite talent (hasn’t produced since the exit of AB) and he only played in 5 games last season with a shoulder injury. Schuster should get a one/two-year deal worth somewhere around $7-12M per season. Should be a low-risk, high-reward option but will most likely land in K.C. with the overpowered Mahomes, Hill and Kelce which will potentially set himself up for a payday in the future if all goes well (similar to Odell Beckham Jr’s situation). *He’s only 25 years old with 5 years of NFL experience!
Raheem Mostert: Another former 49er, Mostert would easily pick up and succeed in this offense. HC Mike McDaniel would also already know what he is getting out of Mostert, both physically and mentally. His best campaign was back in 2019 when he totaled 137-772-8 on the year while playing the whole season (first time he’s ever done that in his career, first season where he’s played over 11 games). The biggest red flag of Mostert’s is that he cannot stay healthy. He’s like the DeVante Parker of running backs, the sky is the ceiling for him but he simply cannot stay on the field. Mostert will most likely get a one-year prove it deal worth about $3M or $4M.
Ben Jones: Michael Deiter ain’t gonna cut it. Jones over the past three years has been purely consistent and reliable. Jones only allowed 1 sack and was given a grade of 77.8 by PFF. Miami needs an NFL veteran leading this offensive line, no more mediocre youngin’s. I’d give Jones a two-year deal worth $14M. More importantly, he rarely misses games!
The actual class:
Terron Armstead: The Dolphins offensive line is horrendous, especially at the tackle spots. Mike McDaniel showed how the addition of a legit NFL tackle can make an impact to an entire unit (Trent Williams in SF), which is why I believe he’ll go after Terron Armstead during F.A. The Dolphins new OC Frank Smith was also Armstead’s OL coach for some time back in New Orleans, so there are some ties to him. I’d give Armstead a three-year deal worth $60M ($20M per season), as he’ll make an immediate impact to this awful front five.
Ryan Jensen: The Dolphins would be adding another anchor to their revamped offensive line with this signing. Jensen hasn’t missed a game in five years! In 2021, Jensen played 97% of the Bucs offensive stats and did not miss a single game despite his lingering ankle injury. PFF is expecting the Bucs offensive anchor to receive an annual average of $10M per season (which is what he made in Tampa Bay), but that can certainly go up as the Bengals and Jets are expected to go “all-in” on Jensen. I’m giving him a three-year deal worth $42M ($14M AAV), which would pass Detroit’s Frank Ragnow for highest paid center at $13.5M annually.
Allen Robinson: I’ve wanted A-Rob in Miami for a while now, and it could finally happen this year. Some may be currently thinking “Allen Robinson sucks, he didn’t do anything last year”, well that’s not the case. Let’s not forget about what he has done in the past with quarterbacks such as Blake Bortles, Mitchell Trubisky, Matt McGloin, Christian Hackenberg, etc. He put up 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns with Blake Bortles, and two +1,000 yard seasons with Mitchell Trubisky. Robinson is a guy who has performed very well with the given quarterback talent he’s received. This could be a great time to easily get a top 10 wide receiver who’s had a down year because of poor quarterback play for fairly cheap/under his actual value. I believe A-Rob would succeed well with Tua and the RPO offense. I’m giving A-Rob a four-year deal worth $64M ($16M AAV). Much more reliable than DeVante Parker.
Trent Brown: Brown is a total monster, standing at 6’8 359 pounds. While Brown is a mauler on the field, the only concern for him is his durability and age like Armstead. While he’ll only hit the open market at the age of 28, Brown weighs 359 pounds. The more he ages and the more wear and tear he puts towards his body, the less relevant he’ll be. While he’s only played 14 games in the past two seasons, I am still going to sign him regardless because of the impact he’ll put towards the line and the massive frame he’ll provide for Tua’s blindside (he is also 100x better than Jesse Davis). If he does go down, I’ll expect Liam Eichenberg to be much improved with the additions of these vets and the newly assembled staff. I’m giving Brown a two-year deal worth $20M, a Ereck Flowers-type of deal.
My revamped offensive line:
LT: Terron Armstead, LG: Austin Jackson, C: Ryan Jensen, RG: Robert Hunt, RT: Trent Brown
Bench: Liam Eichenberg (G/T), Robert Jones (G), Michael Deiter (C), Solomon Kindley (G)
*Austin Jackson played great compared to now when he had Ereck Flowers on his side. That veteran presence and improved offensive line staff should really help speed up the development of all these young lineman, especially Austin Jackson.
Marcus Mariota: Tua and Mariota have a really strong relationship, as they both share the same culture (Samoan) and high school. Tua looked up to Mariota while growing up. This type of connection is what HC Mike McDaniel was talking about, ““It is very important for the backup to have a great relationship with the starter”. Mariota also has the ability to win football games when given the chance, so he really checks all of the boxes of being a backup QB. I’d give Mariota a one-year deal worth $8M.
Other candidates who could sign: Jeff Wilson, Trenton Cannon, Leonard Fournette, James Conner, Melvin Gordon, Dont’a Hightower, Nick Mullens
Remaining cap space: $19,954,436
NFL Draft:
Key additions: Terron Armstead, Allen Robinson, Ryan Jensen, Trent Brown
Draft needs after additions: RB, WR, ILB
1:29 - Jahan Dotson - WR - Penn State: Miami is not playing around with their offensive rebuild, and they decide to take the speedster Jahan Dotson. While clocking in a 4.43 40 at the NFL combine, Dotson is a very crafty and shifty route runner that can create a great amount of distance in seperation. He also provides that big play ability, which he can go up and bring it down if he has to. The trio of Allen Robinson, Jaylen Waddle, and Jahan Dotson would easily become one of the best cores in the league and would keep DB’s on their toes at all times. *Allen Robinson also went to Penn State, same goes for Mike Gesicki
2:47 - Kenneth Walker III - RB - Michigan State: I get the player I wanted, the Michigan State product. The considered Heisman finalist in 2021 totaled 1,636 rushing yards with 18 rushing touchdowns. Walker will provide Miami with physicality and power. Walker is a very elusive, powerful back that isn’t easy to bring down (similar to Leonard Fournette). The only red-flags about Walker is that he is not an effective receiving back or pass blocker, which will prevent him from becoming an every down back. An “every down back role” shouldn’t even matter regardless, as Mike McDaniel likes to utilize the entire backfield in his scheme. Miami could use Duke Johnson for protection and Myles Gaskin for the receiving game, they have options.
3:101 - Brian Asamoah - LB - Oklahoma: After investing heavy into the offense during free agency, Miami finally adds a new defensive piece to the unit. Asamoah is a guy who would fit perfectly into Miami’s defensive prospect checklist, great athleticism which allows him to be a sideline-to-sideline player, big hitter, has a great ability to recognize run plays (big need), and is an inside linebacker (another big need). Asamoah would bring an automatic impact to that ILB unit, and would also contribute greatly in their nickel packages.
4:119 - DeAngelo Malone - EDGE - Western Kentucky: “He has excellent overall athleticism with speed, burst, and quickness. He is explosive off the snap as a pass rusher and threatens the edges in an instant. A very loose and agile athlete, Malone shows an ability to corner and flatten to the quarterback with very little difficulty. He flashes the ankle flexion to turn tight angles and can reduce his surface area around the edge to bend the arc. A high-motor player, Malone plays hard and hustles to the football with impressive closing speed”. - The Draft Network. The addition of DeAngelo Malone would bring another piece to Miami’s dangerous pass rush alongside Emmanuel Ogbah, Jaelan Phillips and Andrew Van Ginkel.
4:123 Khalil Shakir - WR - Boise State:4.43 40, another step of building the ultimate track team. I mainly took him because of one, his forty time and two, to replace our early departures. Another guy who does great after the catch, creating separation, and provides overall quickness.
5:157 Matt Araiza - P - San Diego State: A big struggle of Miami’s since the departure of Matt Darr, Miami invests into the special teams by selecting the young punter out of San Diego State. At the combine, Araiza punted an 80 yard ball and pinned it at the one! After seeing that, I was like “Miami needs to get this guy, lol”. Miami reaches a little bit as they know Araiza wouldn’t make it through round 6 and most definitely 7.
6:198 James Mitchell - TE - Virginia Tech: Mitchell was a standout athlete in high school in both basketball and football. He started to emerge as one of the Hokies biggest playmakers in 2019 and 2020. Same was going his way in 2021, but he went down with a knee injury just after two games. Mitchell during his time at Virginia Tech almost did everything, he was put on the line, in the slot, in the backfield, a special teamer (including a returner) and even an emergency quarterback! Mitchell is one of those players that can certainly do it all, but he will need a lot of work to succeed at the NFL level. The amount of variation he can bring to an offense is what makes him a great fit for the Dolphins, wouldn’t be surprised if he made the roster as a special teamer though.
7:243 Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa - EDGE - Notre Dame: Miami has some fun with this selection and takes Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa…yes. He is related to Tua Tagovailoa. The selection of his relative should help even more with his confidence as it’ll truly show that the team wants to build around him, especially when it comes to guys he’s close with. Myron probably won’t make the team, but it would be cool to see a “second” Tagovailoa on the roster for some time.
Remaining cap space: About $10M
Overall Roster Evaluation:
Legend: * = Free Agency - (R) = Rookie
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Offense:
Quarterbacks: Tua Tagovailoa, *Marcus Mariota
Running Backs:(R) Kenneth Walker III, Duke Johnson, Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed
Biggest Free Agents in 2023: Mike Gesicki, Christian Wilkins, Andrew Van Ginkel, Myles Gaskin
Two first-round picks in 2023 (one via SF)
I hope you guys enjoyed “my time as the Dolphins GM!” Please share your thoughts with me about how you think I did and what moves would you make? Please like our pages (Pigskin_Reports and 24/7 Phins) and subscribe for more content!
Great job. Only thing is I would keep Lindsay over Ahmed.