NFL free agency update: Dolphins pick up option on tackle Ja’Wuan James

With the Denver Broncos making a last-minute push to acquire Ja’Wuan James, the Miami Dolphins decided to pick up his fifth-year option.

A former first-round pick in 2014, Ja’Wuan James has been the Dolphins starting right tackle from the very start. According to Pro Football Focus, he was rated as the 17th best tackle in all of football in 2017. He has started every game (40) of his career. The knock on James has been his inability to stay on the field in two of his four years in the NFL. In 2015, a toe injury prematurely ended his season after just seven games. Last season, it was a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve after just eight games.

The Denver Broncos recently called to inquire about trading for James, but were abruptly turned down. On Sunday, the Sun-Sentinel reported that the Dolphins had been actively exploring trade options for James. It was even suggested that the Dolphins could release him if no feasible trades came to fruition. On Tuesday, the Dolphins picked up his fifth-year option, effectively taking him off the market.

Contracts details

Miami picked up James’ fifth-year option worth $9.34 million.

National reaction

Next: 2018 NFL Free Agency Tracker

Grade

On the surface, this seems like a no-brainer move for the Dolphins. James is just 25 years old, is a top 20 tackle in the league, and the price isn’t staggering at $9.3 million. To be sure, he does have a worrisome injury history and will command a much higher salary after next season. However, guys of James’ size (6’6″ 311lbs.) and skills don’t exactly fall from trees. I’m guessing the Dolphins listened to what the Broncos and other teams had to offer and it just wasn’t enough to part with a guy who has already proven himself and still has a high ceiling. If he can’t stay healthy in 2018, he’s unlikely to be franchised or signed long-term.

Grade:  A-