Perfect72
It's Only Happened ONCE!
The Miami Dolphins cannot and will not be fooled by their unexpected regular-season success. The Dolphins realize they’re not close to a Super Bowl as presently constituted.
As always, there will be change.
But what should be the priorities for Dolphins executives Mike Tannenbaum and Chris Grier and coach Adam Gase now that Miami’s offseason has arrived?
Here’s our Top 10:
Your thoughts?
As always, there will be change.
But what should be the priorities for Dolphins executives Mike Tannenbaum and Chris Grier and coach Adam Gase now that Miami’s offseason has arrived?
Here’s our Top 10:
- Get Ryan Tannehill healthy. The Dolphins quarterback did not rule out some type of knee surgery involving ACL and MCL knee sprains. Tannehill’s knee injury initially appeared catastrophic, but perhaps because Tannehill is made of Steel (incidentally, his son’s name) he was able to return to limited practice in less than four weeks. So perhaps it is a blessing that Tannehill didn’t return to the field and put himself at any further risk. Tannehill must and will do anything and everything the trainers tell him so he can be as mobile as possible in 2017.
- Add two linebackers, at least one terror thumper. Kiko Alonso had a commendable season. By far, Alonso led the Dolphins with 115 tackles and showed he should be a part of Miami’s long-term plans. Alonso has speed and toughness and played through injuries to a hamstring and a thumb. But Neville Hewitt (who is a worthwhile developmental player) was second among Miami linebackers with 64. Miami needs to invest in at least one linebacker, either in free agency or in the first two rounds of the NFL draft. Ideally, someone who can frighten an offensive coordinator and quarterback.
- Re-sign Andre Branch and/or add youth to defensive end. Cameron Wake is about to 35 and as much as he may believe and fans may hope, he can’t play forever. Branch is an interesting study. He had 5.5 sacks and once he entered the starting lineup opposite Wake, the energy (if not always the results) turned for the better. As always in free agency, it’s going to be about price. Branch improved his consistency but is one of the other 31 franchises sold that he should be paid like a number one defensive end?
- Extend wide receiver Jarvis Landry. Jarvis Landry may be Adam Gase’s favorite player and he is the most popular Dolphin. Landry had played only three seasons for Miami and has one year left on his deal, but he’s recently turned 24 years old. Landry has topped 1,100 yards in consecutive seasons and next years has a goal to become the first Miami receiver to top 1,000 in three consecutive seasons. A slot receiver, yes. But the heartbeat of the Dolphins offense. And a player worth extending at a rate of more than $11 million per year.
- Re-sign Kenny Stills, but only at a fair price. Stills averaged an outstanding 17.3 yards per catch and scored nine touchdowns this season. Stills likes Gase. Gase likes Stills. Miami would always prefer to re-sign its own. And Stills, 24, is a nice complement to Landry and DeVante Parker. But will someone pay him like a high number two receiver? At that price, Miami may need to pass.
- Decide if Laremy Tunsil’s left tackle future begins in 2017. Tunsil can play left tackle. Tunsil may be a Pro Bowl tackle as early as next season, if given the opportunity. Veteran left tackle Branden Albert is a mentor to Tunsil and has groomed him as his potential replacement. Albert is a former Pro Bowler and competent left tackle. He did not have an excellent season and battled through injuries. Does Miami try to re-work Albert’s 2017 contract, which at $10.6 million would be third-highest on the team?
- Consider extending Reshad Jones. Jones is an X-Factor on Miami’s defense, the kind of playmaker the team badly missed down the stretch. But Jones has played seven seasons in the NFL and is 28 years old. He might want a contract extension (there is one year left on his current deal at $8 million) that extends beyond what the Dolphins want to do. It would stand to reason Jones’ next deal may be worth about $8 million a year.
Your thoughts?
