[jwplayer UbhYJT3k-ThvAeFxT]
The Miami Dolphins aren’t swinging for the fences, but they’re making contact on Day 1 of the NFL’s “legal tampering window” ahead of 2020 free agency. The first shoe to drop came shortly after the negotiation window opened at 12 p.m. ET when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Dolphins had agreed in principle to sign OG Ereck Flowers to a three-year, $30 million contract.
A few hours later, the Dolphins have struck once again, this time with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealing that the Dolphins are set to ink Lawson to a three-year, $30M contract of his own.
The #Dolphins are giving Shaq Lawson a 3-year deal worth $30M, source said. A nice payday. https://t.co/PIPFflE67z
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
This is a good get for Miami — and addition by subtraction against their division rivals in Buffalo, as well. The Dolphins have a desperate need for more talent along the defensive line; while Lawson isn’t the most potent pass rusher on the market, he meets the criteria the Dolphins are looking for up front. With long arms and heavy hands, Lawson is a stud in the run game and was a part of a ferocious front seven in Buffalo after a slow start to his career as a former early pick by the Bills.
Is he going to be a sexy pick-up? No, probably not. But this team needs these caliber players, too — solid starters and reliable contributors who fit the DNA that Brian Flores and Chris Grier desire for their team to have. And Lawson certainly fits the bill. If the Dolphins are able to add some potent speed on the opposite side to compliment the power components that Lawson brings to the table, Miami will be well on their way to a much improved, more well-rounded pass-rush group in 2020 and beyond.
[jwplayer dnT5FzK8-ThvAeFxT]