Miami Dolphins free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets in action against the Indianapolis Colts on October 14, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Colts defeated the Jets 42-34. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 18: Matt Paradis #61 of the Denver Broncos calling a signal from the line in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

3. C Matt Paradis (Denver Broncos)

Last offseason, the Miami Dolphins opted to release some notable veterans. The team cut loose defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and tight end Julius Thomas. They also parted ways with center Mike Pouncey, the 15th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with the club and was named to three Pro Bowls. Cut loose by the franchise a year ago, he latched on with the Los Angeles Chargers and was a huge upgrade for that club and was named to a fourth Pro Bowl. The team dealt for versatile Daniel Kilgore but he was lost for the season after four games. He was replaced by Travis Swanson, who made 11 starts.

Denver Broncos’ center Matt Paradis did break his fibula in the team’s 19-17 home loss to the Houston Texans in Week 9. But there’s no reason to believe that the 6’3”, 300-pound performer won’t be ready for the upcoming season. In fact, it was not inconceivable that Paradis could have returned by the end of the ‘18 had the Broncos indeed qualified for the playoffs. In any case, he started every game for the club from 2015-17.

Like Gilgore, veteran guard Josh Sitton also spent most of his first season with the Dolphins on injured reserve. Adding Paradis gives the Dolphins a younger player at center and enables Gilgore to provide depth at guard as well. It could be a win-win for a troubled offensive line that allowed 52 sacks in ’18 and a unit that has four players that can test the free-agent market this year.

Next: No. 2

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