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 continuing to fall.
The NFL free agent pool lost its 5th talent on Saturday on account of the franchise tag; and while it isn’t a surprise to see the Washington Redskins place the tag on offensive guard Brandon Scherff, the move formally creates even more scarcity in free agent circles.
Washington Redskins: OG Brandon Scherff
Miami candidate: Yes
While the Dolphins might not have necessarily been kicking the door down to sign Scherff in free agency, he was still a top talent at one of the Dolphins’ biggest positions of need. The math was there for this pairing to at least be explored — and now we can say for certain that it won’t materialize. Even if the Redskins tried to tag and trade Scherff, Miami is more likely to balk at the cost of high dollars and cap picks to bring in his services.
The domino effect is real here, too. With Scherff off the board, Patriots OG Joe Thuney remains as the best interior talent on the market — and he’s head and shoulders better than the rest of the group. Will the Dolphins get cold feet with his negotiations, much like they did with Trey Flowers?
If the cost for Thuney reaches $16M+ and the Dolphins decide to walk away, they should be applauded for their restraint and commitment to a long-term point of view.
Friday’s Franchise Tag designations:
Baltimore Ravens: OLB Matt Judon
Miami candidate: Yes
Denver Broncos: S Justin Simmons
Miami candidate: Possibly
Jacksonville Jaguars: DE Yannick Ngakoue
Miami candidate: Yes
Los Angeles Chargers: TE Hunter Henry
Miami candidate: No
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