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The Miami Dolphins appear poised to make something of a splash in free agency this offseason — as the pending maneuver to move on from linebacker Kyle Van Noy after just one season with the team would indicate. But with the start of the NFL’s “legal tampering” period just one week away, the Dolphins’ free agent planning will require fine tuning as the team continues to posture for the opening of the league calendar year.
Miami’s objectives as things currently stand are clear: build upon the clear and obvious progress on both sides of the football — but with an added emphasis on putting more skill players and playmakers on the roster in an effort to help bolster the offensive attack.
Which begs the question of which NFL free agent to be is the ideal fit for the Dolphins? NFL.com took their turn at picking out one ideal free agent for all 32 teams ahead of the start of free agency and their choice for the Dolphins may be a bit controversial with fans:
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones.
“Whispers suggest mutual interest between Jones and the Dolphins, with Miami looming as one of the few teams with ample cap space. Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed had their moments, but Jones would add a big-play, tackle-shedding star behind second-year passer Tua Tagovailoa. The question is whether Miami’s inventive, forward-thinking front office believes in paying a running back (basically the least-coolest concept in today’s NFL) over grabbing help in the draft.” — Marc Sessler, NFL.com
Yes, the prospect of paying a running back in free agency isn’t highly appealing. But neither is using a first-round selection on one, so the Dolphins seem to be stuck in an unenviable position unless they’re looking to try their luck at letting the board fall their way once again in 2021 — a decision that did not play out in their favor when the team chose such a route in 2020. If Miami wants to get premiere positions on the roster with rookie contracts, then the team will have the opportunity and spending power to make a union with Jones happen. That is, of course, provided no other teams come in over the top and initiate a bidding war for his services next week.