NFL free agency grades: How did each team do?

Miami Dolphins

Every agent in the NFL knew the Miami Dolphins had loads of cap space and were in their first aggressive offseason of their rebuilding project, so Miami naturally had to pay a premium price for free agents.

When that’s the case for a rebuilding team, they need to make sure they are focusing on one thing and one thing only: focusing on quality by signing difference-makers who can help the team over the long term.

The Dolphins did exactly that. Brian Flores now has one of the NFL’s most enviable cornerback duos in Byron Jones and Xavien Howard, as well as a dangerous group of playmakers at the linebacker position.

After the Dolphins’ free-agency period, Flores has a defense he can mold in his image and coach up into a unit which could take other teams in the conference by surprise. The focus on linebackers is especially interesting and clues other teams into what the Dolphins could have up their sleeve.

Flores will also have an upgraded pass rush, as Emmanuel Ogbah and Shaq Lawson, in particular, are underrated players who are capable of pestering quarterbacks.

Miami made cheap, effective signings on the other side of the ball, inking a capable veteran running back in Jordan Howard and another former Patriot in lineman Ted Karras.

While the Ereck Flowers deal is an absolute head-scratcher given the nearly $20 million in guaranteed money involved for a former laughingstock at tackle, Flowers is admittedly a noteworthy upgrade at guard for whoever starts under center.

Grade: A-