With some serious questions at the No. 2 cornerback position, Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald wonders if the Dolphins could use some of their newfound cap space to sign a veteran late in the offseason. He mentions the names of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Jeremy Lane, though Lane’s status is up in the air after he pled guilty to reckless driving on what was initially a DUI arrest.
In theory, the Dolphins have Cordrea Tankersley and Tony Lippett to duke it out for the job, but Tankersley struggled as a rookie and Lippett is still recovering from Achilles surgery. They could also move Bobby McCain – who just signed a four-year, $27MM extension – to the outside, but he made a name for himself covering slot receivers. Instead of shuffling McCain or first-round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick to different places, the Dolphins may instead prefer to dip into the free agent market.
Here’s more from the AFC East:
- The Jets upgraded at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, offensive line, inside linebacker, and cornerback, Darryl Slater of NJ.com writes. However, in his estimation, they downgraded at tight end and defensive line while roughly staying at the same level at outside linebacker, safety, and special teams. He figures that the loss of Muhammad Wilkerson will hurt them in particular, even though he had to go. Wilkerson was chronically late and a headache for Jets coaches, but when he was on the field, he prevented opposing teams from doubling up on Leonard Williams. The Jets are hoping that Henry Anderson, rookie Nathan Shepherd, and Xavier Cooper can accomplish the same thing, but it’s a lot to ask from that group.
- The Dolphins expect to use new wide receiver Albert Wilson in a number of roles, as Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. “When we looked at Albert on film, we were intrigued, obviously with the speed,” receivers coach Ben Johnson said. “We were intrigued with the run-after-catch ability. I think all of that has been there. It’s been impressive to me to see him come in, pick up this system and learn these fundamentals that he wasn’t really doing the same thing in Kansas City. He’s really done a nice job the past two weeks. It’s really triggered us to say he’s not limited in the slot, he’s not limited outside. He can line up in the backfield. He can do so many different things for us. His versatility is really, really showing up.”
- The Patriots’ next round of offseason activities get underway on Tuesday and tight end Rob Gronkowski will be participating. Tom Brady has yet to confirm his participation, but he was on hand for the Pats’ fantasy camp for fans on Monday, which is an encouraging sign.
- Late last week, quarterback Tyrod Taylor discussed the trade that sent him from the Bills to the Browns.
Huh??? I’m an upgrade over the Mo Wilkerson of the last couple of years.
yeah, i didnt really see how that was a downgrade. especially after picking up Henry Anderson for a 7th and drafting two good linemen
My beef is about the safeties. Unless they both suffer sophomore slumps, 16-game rookie starters Adams and Maye should both improve in their second years.
Slater may have a point about Wilkerson, though, just in terms of his preventing other teams from ganging up on Williams.