Miami Dolphins free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

3. Melvin Ingram

Ingram is starting to experience some age-related regression, but he still projects to be an above-average pass rusher over the life of his next contract. Combine that with his solid play against the run and it’s easy to see why the Dolphins might be interested in his services.

If the Dolphins do elect to spend significant money on Ingram this offseason they need to alter their defensive scheme slightly to really get the most out of him. He lacks the size necessary to hold up as a defensive end in a three-man front. That means Miami either needs to give Ingram a healthy portion of snaps as an outside linebacker almost exclusively focused on working his way into the opposing backfield.

It’s a sacrifice Miami needs to make if they want to be more dynamic on defense in 2021. The philosophy of looking for two-way players at all times is a great theory, but that’s tough to do in free agency. If the Dolphins want to generate more sacks next season they might need to bend their thinking to make room for a twitchy edge rusher.

Ingram represents a nice compromise. He’s a quality worker against the run who will need to adjust slightly to maintain that level of play as an outside linebacker. His fit as a rush end on obvious passing downs is too good for Miami to pass up.