Miami Dolphins 2013 Free Agency Preview
By Josh Sanchez
This post was written Brian Miller of PhinPhanatic.com.
The Miami Dolphins face an interesting 2013 off-season leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft. Armed with over 44 million dollars in cap space, the Dolphins are poised to make a splash in this years free agent market. According to GM Jeff Ireland, the Dolphins situation is part of a plan that has been in development for two years. Regardless, the team has needs and positions to fill.
The Dolphins seem to adopt a Green Bay style of management that is based on keeping their own free agents and building the team through the draft. That can not be the case this off-season. The Dolphins are set to allow key members of their team leave for free agency including Reggie Bush, Jake Long, Sean Smith, and Brian Hartline. All starters last season. The loss of these players only add to the holes the team will need to fill.
WR – The most obvious position for the Dolphins. Jeff Ireland has held numerous talks internally about players like Mike Wallace and Greg Jennings. He spent more time conversing about WR’s at last weeks scouting combine than any other position. It seems to be the first focal point of this off-season and finding a number one option for Ryan Tannehill appears paramount.
CB – With the trade last season of Vontae’ Davis and the apparent free agent departure of Sean Smith, the Dolphins will be looking at filling two vacancies at the position despite the expected return of last years FA pick-up Richard Marshall. Look for the Dolphins to make a play in both the draft and free agency.
Oline – With Jake Long likely leaving, the Dolphins will move Jonathon Martin to the left side leaving a need at RT. It’s likely the team will pursue an RT in free agency and save the draft selections for other positions.
DE/OLB – Yet another need, the Dolphins will look to fill a pass rushing role opposite Cameron Wake but may find better options in the draft.
TE – The Dolphins could very easily add a premium TE to their offense and if they fail to do so in the free agent market, they will need to focus their attention to the draft. Anthony Fasano is an impending free agent but it appears as though he will remain a Miami Dolphin. Regardless of whether Fasano is re-signed or allowed to walk, the Dolphins appear poised to make a major run at the position this off-season.