Decision time begins subsequent week for the Miami Dolphins in terms of re-signing their very own free brokers.
It received’t be straightforward.
From my perspective, this Dolphins locker room was among the many most entertaining and media-friendly teams I’ve coated in additional than 20 years of professional sports activities. They had been completely nice. So from a private working standpoint, I’d be pleased to see virtually all of them return.
But clearly you may’t count on important enchancment if you return a ton of gamers from a crew that went 9-8.
Tough decisions have to be made, however listed here are my high decisions of free brokers that needs to be introduced again.
I’d prefer to see quarterback Teddy Bridgewater return to the Dolphins.
I’d additionally prefer to see linebacker Elandon Roberts again in addition to offensive sort out Brandon Shell and cornerback Nik Needham.
That foursome of Bridgewater, Roberts, Shell and Needham are the highest 4 free brokers that I feel the Dolphins ought to re-sign.
After that there’s operating again Jeff Wilson Jr., punter Thomas Morstead, linebacker Melvin Ingram and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
Then, I’d solidify particular groups with gamers resembling safeties Eric Rowe and Clayton Fejedelem and cornerback Justin Bethel.
Yes, I do know Bridgewater, the hometown child who attended Miami Northwestern, might be the largest shock. I’d carry him again for a lot of causes, main amongst these is that he’s a top quality backup to starter Tua Tagovailoa. Bridgewater, 30, had harm points final season between his knee and finger, however they weren’t power accidents which are more likely to recur this season. Beyond that he’s a recognized amount, well-liked, and desires to be right here.
Bridgewater’s stat line wasn’t spectacular final season — 49 of 79 for 683 yards, 4 touchdowns, 4 interceptions and an 85.6 passer ranking.
However, I nonetheless preserve Bridgewater provides the Dolphins among the best backup quarterback conditions within the NFL, one thing that’s mandatory contemplating Tagovailoa’s concussion considerations.
Other accessible backup quarterbacks resembling Carolina’s Baker Mayfield, Dallas’ Cooper Rush, Atlanta’s Marcus Mariota, or the New York Jets’ Mike White, the hometown child who attended University School, aren’t clear upgrades over Bridgewater.
Roberts, 28, who had a team-best 107 tackles final season in addition to 4.5 sacks, which was third on the workforce, was a workforce captain and revered chief. His depth and aggression assist set the defensive tone.
The concern is the Dolphins want to enhance protecting tight ends and operating backs from the linebacker place. But maybe Vic Fangio, the newly-hired defensive coordinator, can scheme up one thing.
The caveat is the Dolphins may need an curiosity in 32-year-old linebacker Bobby Wagner, the longer term Hall of Famer from the Los Angeles Rams who has been an All Pro the final three seasons. That would supersede Roberts’ return.
Shell, a seven-year veteran, was a strong backup final season, primarily at proper sort out, the place he may maybe compete with incumbent Austin Jackson. Shell, 31, even performed left sort out for the primary time in his profession, so in a pinch he may function a swing sort out.
Needham, 26, missed most of final season after sustaining an Achilles harm. But he’s younger, athletic and has place versatility between boundary and slot. He’s a plug-and-play starter.
That rounds out my high re-signing priorities.
Morstead and Wilson could be the subsequent two priorities, adopted by the linebacker duo of Ingram and Van Ginkel. Morstead had a strong season as a punter and needs to be introduced again. Wilson, acquired at midseason, is a bodily runner who brings an aggressive presence to the offense. Ideally, he’s the No. 2 after the Dolphins purchase a No. 1 operating again in free company or maybe commerce for Tennessee’s Derrick Henry (that’s my choice).
Ingram mixed with fellow edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips to offer a powerful cross rush final season, whereas Van Ginkel has potential as a playmaker.
The ultimate group — Rowe, Fejedelem and Bethel — are all particular groups aces who’re able to taking part in from scrimmage, Rowe greater than Fejedelem and Bethel.
Getting these free-agent selections appropriate is crucial towards enhancing on a season that ended with a wild card loss.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com