The Dolphins have been big players in free agency before, and appear ready to become one again.
On March 10, NFL free agency will open and money will start flying from all directions. One team which is apparently ready and willing to spend are the Miami Dolphins, who are reportedly targeting defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Suh, who is set to hit the market after five stellar seasons with the Detroit Lions, is the top-ranked free agent on most boards.
ESPN insider and former NFL front office executive Louis Riddick spoke about Suh's market and the Dolphins' interest via conference call on Thursday.
"I think it's a real possibility. I think the interior of the defensive line, to upgrade it would help the defensive end position. They started off rushing the passer very well last year with (Cameron) Wake and (Olivier) Vernon, but as the year went on those guys fizzled out and they didn't have the push inside that they needed. ... I think it's very real that the smoke coming out of there at that position and Suh in particular, is very real."
After releasing receivers Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson, along with corner Cortland Finnegan, the Dolphins have $9.5 million in cap space. The team is also expected to part ways with mercurial receiver Mike Wallace, saving them another $2.5 million. Miami would have to continue shedding salary to afford both Suh and its upcoming draft picks, considering the mammoth contract he is about to command.
"Suh has let it be known his agent will determine where he goes, and an agent number one marching order is maximizing money. Suh will get a record deal, and it will be well north of $50 million and push high into the teens in terms of average per year. If Detroit can't sign him, the attention turns to Nick Fairley and what kind of deal can be reached there."
The Lions are also trying to keep Suh in town, but declined to tag him at $27.2 million on Monday's deadline.
Eagles making the same mistake?
The Philadelphia Eagles have spent the better part of the last two weeks clearing out a boatload of cap space. After releasing Trent Cole and Cary Williams, head coach Chip Kelly dealt LeSean McCoy for Kiko Alonso, giving Philadelphia $40.39 million to work with when the market opens.
There has been rampant speculation that the Eagles will be aggressive in free agency to fill team needs before trading a multitude of picks to move up for Marcus Mariota come the NFL Draft. Riddick believes it would be a foolish move on the organization's behalf to spend lavishly, something it did in 2011 when Riddick was the director of pro personnel.
"During my time in Philadelphia we went full scale in free agency in 2011. ... It is not a formula for success when you look back historically. I was involved in it with my time in Washington in the early 2000's too. It is always hard to gut your team and then reload in free agency."
Colts making moves?
The Indianapolis Colts made a surprise run to the AFC Championship game in January before being blown out by the New England Patriots. Despite their success, many in the league see the Colts as a bad roster with Andrew Luck propping them up.
With $41.28 million in cap space, general manager Ryan Grigson has the wherewithal to acquire help on both sides of the ball. Indianapolis has been active already this offseason, moving on from LaRon Landry and Ricky Jean-Francois. Riddick believes the team could fill some needs, perhaps with a mix of stars and lesser-known talent.
"The easy answer in DeMarco Murray, but at the same time the offensive line needs to be upgraded. I know it is easy to bash Trent Richardson and he's not the same he was in college, but that line needs upgrading. They need a big power back that can slash and get north and south to take some pressure off Andrew (Luck). ... They have some issues to work through and on the defensive side of the ball, one of the names jumping out to me right now, who could end up being one of the better signings of the league if he can stay healthy, is Tyvon Branch at safety."
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