The Miami Dolphins lead the entire league in cap space entering the 2022 offseason. With new head coach Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa continuing to develop, their free agent class can make or break the team’s future. Here are the list of players I believe the Dolphins should target in free agency.
Terron Armstead, Offensive tackle
The highest coveted tackle this offseason, Armstead will be approached by many teams, but none with more money than the Dolphins. He has spent his entire career protecting the blind side of Drew Brees, and could provide similar benefits for the young Tua Tagovailoa.
Mike McDaniel’s offense in the past featured Trent Williams, a big bodied left tackle who is a legitimate superstar, something you often do not hear about the position. Terron Armsetad has a similar build as the future hall-of-famer and can be utilized as a great blocker in multiple run packages.
Chandler Jones, Edge
The Dolphins’ defense was a major factor in their seven game win streak this season, holding great offensive teams such as the Baltimore Ravens to only ten points. However, another pass rusher can make this defense upgrade to an elite one.
Chandler Jones would work perfect in any 3-4 defense, and a duo of him and Xavien Howard would be one of the best in the NFL. The largest concern is the pass rusher’s health, since he has not played a full season since 2019, where he recorded 19 sacks. If he stays healthy, the Dolphins would secure the best defensive player in free agency.
Dalton Schultz, Tight End
Mike Gesecki is on pace to depart Miami, and if he does, Schultz can be a perfect replacement to operate in Mike McDaniel’s run-first offense. Schultz has been an efficient run blocker for Dallas the past couple seasons, and hauled in eight touchdowns to boot.
With the return of Will Fuller and the emergence of Jaylen Waddle, Schultz will have the ability to get single coverage in the red zone. It will be interesting to see how Tua develops now that he has a full arsenal of weapons.
Cordarrelle Patterson, RB/WR
Sticking to the theme of offensive playmakers, Miami needs to upgrade at the running back position. Miles Gaskin has not developed as the team has expected, and the Dolphins finished the season third to last in rushing yards.
Patterson has the ability to run in between the tackles and be a threat in the passing game out of the backfield. He is the ultimate swiss army knife, and has proven to be an elite statistical player when offenses use his strengths creatively.
Haason Reddick, Edge
If the move to sign Chandler Jones does not work out, Haason Reddick is a cheaper alternative who has proven to put up big numbers in the past. He has recorded 10+ sacks in each of the last two seasons, including an eleven sack campaign with the Panthers a season ago.
Redick is much younger than the aforementioned Chandler Jones, turning 28 at the beginning of the 2022 season. While Jones is the better pass rusher now, Reddick may be a better long-term option that better matches up with the Dolphins’ building plan.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB
Ok, stick with me on this one. In no way am I advocating for Bridgewater to compete for the starting job with Tagovailoa, however he would be a perfect mentor and injury replacement if he is unable to find a starting job elsewhere.
Tagovailoa and Bridgewater are both former first round picks and have gone through gruesome injuries in their football career. No possible backup quarterback would be able to relate more to the young player than “Teddy Two-Gloves”.
