The Dolphins are not expected to pursue top-end free agents when the market opens in March, sources tell Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
That strategy would represent a shift under new general manager Chris Grier, who last month was promoted to replace Mike Tannenbaum as Miami’s top personnel decision-maker. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has historically been open to adding expensive free agents, but deals for players such as Ndamukong Suh, Lawrence Timmons, and others didn’t help Miami get any closer to championship contention. With Grier and presumptive head coach Brian Flores now leading the club, the Dolphins seem to be planning for a different approach.
Indeed, Miami intends to “lose enough” to receive a high pick in the 2020 draft, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Adding free agents that would help the Dolphins win in 2019 won’t fit with the club’s long-term outlook, so Miami isn’t likely to be in contention for quarterback Nick Foles or Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers, who could be linked to the Dolphins given his relationship with Flores.
Currently, the Dolphins project to have the NFL’s sixth-least amount of 2019 cap space with roughly $13.5MM in available funds. However, Miami could grow that figure to more than $56MM simply by cutting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, wide receiver DeVante Parker, and defensive ends Robert Quinn and Andre Branch. The latter three moves are considered all but certain, while Tannehill could potentially be a trade candidate.
Meanwhile, star cornerback Xavien Howard — who is entering the final year of his rookie deal — said he hasn’t had any extension talks with the Dolphins, according to Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com. Jackson reported last month that Howard was expected to command at least $15MM annually on his next contract, but it’s unclear if Miami is willing to go that high.
I would hope they would try to resign good players like Howard. He is young and ascending.
I would be ok with a drop into the abyss if it meant long term success. The last 10-12 years have been a waste for life long Fins fans
It never results in long term success though. Smart ownership adopts George Allen’s “The Future Is Now” approach (although with a few less old veterans).
incredibly refreshing for any incoming rookie coach that mngt intentionally plans on stinking-up the joint to tank towards last place
It would be ironic if Flores came in and upset the owners plan to tank by actually winning. Ross would probably fire him at the end of the season for doing that…lol.
If I’m Miami I look into trading Howard, they could definitely get a lot of draft capital for him.
Why even bother orchestrating a near complete coaching staff overhaul if your intention is to wave the white flag even before the free agent market opens? How do the Dolphins expect to attract coaches in future years if they won’t even make an effort to obtain upgrades? Fans would be better off investing in golf memberships than going to Dolphin games now.
tank for Tua
I genuinely hope they don’t get him I’d actually die of laughter