The Miami Dolphins hopes of landing potential big fish on the free agent market is currently at the mercy of each of the league’s 31 other teams. Because before the “legal tampering period” opens on Monday and before the NFL’s actual free agent signing period kicks off on Wednesday afternoon, the league’s teams are facing the end of the franchise tag period — and the dominoes are starting to fall.
As a result, the NFL’s free agent pool lost four of their best talents on Friday; with the first set of official franchise tags designated across the landscape. Who got tagged on Friday? Were they targets for Miami?
Baltimore Ravens: OLB Matt Judon
Miami candidate: Yes
This one hurts for Miami. Because while the franchise tag designation was expected for a number of other pass rushing talents, it wasn’t until recently that there was any momentum that the Ravens could tag Judon. His run defending prowess was boosted with a more productive season rushing the passer in 2019 and Judon’s ability to play standup or with his hand in the dirt would have been a good fit for the Dolphins.
Denver Broncos: S Justin Simmons
Miami candidate: Possibly
Miami certainly could have used a player of Simmons’ talents. He enjoyed a big breakout season in 2019, logging 4 interceptions, 15 passes defensed and 93 total tackles — a do it all kind of defender who thrived under new Broncos coach Vic Fangio last year. The potential chemistry with Brian Flores’ multiple, attack style defense is there — but it is also a moot point with Simmons on the tag for this season and likely to finalize a long-term deal.
Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Yannick Ngakoue
Miami candidate: Yes
This one hurts for the Dolphins, too — but this was the expected move for quite a while. The good news? Ngakoue himself still seems pretty committed to not playing in Jacksonville again. So the market for Ngakoue might not be dead just yet. The big question now is what would he command in a trade scenario?
Jacksonville is sure to ask for the moon; so Miami should proceed with caution here and not get desperate.
Los Angeles Chargers: TE Hunter Henry
Miami candidate: No
The breakout of TE Mike Gesicki last season effectively closes the need for a big-time tight end. Yes, Gesicki will need to repeat his performance to prove he’s really the long-term answer. But amid all the other issues the Dolphins have, making a splash play at tight end is about as low of a priority as you can have.
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