Fansided

NFL free agency 2019: Grades for every team

By Kevin Parvizi

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants yells prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants yells prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Sarah Stier/Getty Images /

Miami Dolphins

Key Additions

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, CB Eric Rowe, TE Clive Walford, TE Dwayne Allen

Key Departures

QB Ryan Tannehill, RT Ja’Wuan James, OG Josh Sitton, DE Cameron Wake, DE William Hayes, WR Danny Amendola, RB Frank Gore, OG Ted Larsen, DE Andre Branch

Grade: B-

Though the Miami Dolphins lost a long list of solid contributors, many of these players are over the age of 30 and on the decline. Though a few of them, namely edge rusher Cameron Wake, remain effective, the Dolphins have their eyes on the future with head coach Brian Flores at the helm.

At this point, the Dolphins know they don’t have a core of players that can contend for a title, so instead of staying in the purgatory of yearly mediocrity, which has been the case for this franchise, they can eventually build towards something bigger.

Signing Ryan Fitzpatrick is a sign that the Dolphins are ready to dive into a full rebuild, though, perhaps, they could have gotten with an even worse option at quarterback to fully tank. Fitzpatrick, whose interceptions are always the main issue, has been successful in the past with the New York Jets and did put up big numbers for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. And with Albert Wilson, Kenny Stills, Kenyan Drake, DeVante Parker, and the new tight ends around him, he does have better pass-catchers than some national observers think.

The losses on the offensive line will hurt, but, cynically perhaps, the Dolphins may not be as interested in protecting a veteran stopgap by paying premium for expensive (James) or older (Sitton) linemen.

On paper, the Dolphins lost a lot, but they had to clear up cap space and remove veterans in order to move forward. Miami needs a new roster, a new quarterback, and building blocks for a real contender.

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