The Dolphins are the latest club to express interest in free agent cornerback Joe Haden, reports Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
Miami has been researching Haden in recent days, but had no interest in trading for the former Browns defensive back, per Salguero. With fewer than $9MM in available cap space, the Dolphins are searching for a discount cornerback. Haden could fit that bill given that his contract with Cleveland has offset language, meaning Miami or another team could sign Haden for the minimum salary and force the Browns to foot the rest of the cost.
While that’s a viable option in theory, Haden has already drawn quite a bit of interest since being released this morning. The Cowboys, Chiefs, Saints, and Steelers have all been mentioned as possible landing spots for Haden, so the 28-year-old could potentially start a bidding war that drives up his price. Haden’s agent Drew Rosenhaus predicted his client will have a new contract by Thursday.
The Dolphins have already lost cornerback Tony Lippett for the season due to an Achilles injury, so the club is looking for depth in the secondary. Miami currently projects to start Byron Maxwell and Xavien Howard on the outside, although Maxwell is reportedly fighting off competition for free agent acquisition Alterraun Verner. Other corners on the Dolphins’ roster include third-round rookie Cordrea Tankersley, Bobby McCain, and Walt Aikens.
Haden isn’t the most reliable defender, as he’s missed 14 games over the past two seasons. But if healthy, there’s a chance he could rebound to his previous levels of production: from 2010-14, Haden was a solid starter, starting 63 games during that time. While Pro Football Focus has ranked Haden poorly over the past two years, the Dolphins don’t put much stock in PFF’s grades, per Salguero.
Come on Philly. It’s a good opportunity.
The fish would be silly not to get Haden unless he’s hurt!