The Miami Dolphins continue to be one of the NFL’s most committed teams to a strong secondary. This was well established ahead of today’s start to the league calendar year, with Miami paying out significant amounts of money to outside cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones alike, plus their 2020 1st-round investment into CB Noah Igbinoghene and 3rd-round investment in SAF Brandon Jones.
Add in 2019 undrafted free agent Nik Needham and a safety tandem of Bobby McCain and Eric Rowe, both of which have experience playing cornerback in the NFL, and the Dolphins are deep in the secondary to a degree that would make most NFL teams envious. And they’re not done yet, either.
A report this morning is indicating that the Dolphins have agreed to terms on a contract with nickel corner Justin Coleman, formerly of the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots, on a 1-year contract worth up to $2.75M.
Former #Lions CB Justin Coleman has agreed to terms with the #Dolphins on a one-year deal worth up to $2.75 million, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2021
For Miami, the expectation should be that this team has checked the major defensive boxes other than looking to further boost the pass rush opportunities up front and adding another linebacker capable of playing in coverage (plus depth). Yes, the team would ideally peg down a rotational defensive lineman and more linebacker depth but the Dolphins have done well to double down on their identity early on: the defense.
Their premiere assets moving forward are likely committed to the offensive side of the football — and the combinations are endless. But Coleman’s addition brings an upgrade to the nickel and allows Needham and fellow 2021 restricted free agent Jamal Perry the chance to play more special teams in 2021 as well.