The time has passed for free agent signings to count against NFL teams in regards to potential compensatory picks in 2020. That means that we should now see a second wave of free agency. Teams no longer need to feel worried about losing extra picks for next year, and there are still holes on a number of teams that need to be filled.
The Miami Dolphins are clearly one of those of teams. The Dolphins have been very tight-lipped in their dealings this year, but it's been no secret that they are attempting to stockpile picks for 2020. This offseason, they have already traded away quarterback Ryan Tannehill and defensive end Robert Quinn in separate deals to net themselves fourth and sixth-round picks, respectively. Chances are they will continue to look for ways to acquire more and should walk into the 2020 NFL Draft with at least a dozen selections.
Now that the formula for comp picks has been lifted, Miami will look to add a number of players at key positions. They already signed former Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Jordan Mills to a one-year, $3 million deal this past Thursday. Mills will battle in camp for the starting right tackle position, and he is the early favorite as a one-year stopgap.
That was not the biggest news to come out of Miami on Thursday, however. The Dolphins locked up their Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard with an extension worth $76.5 million over a five-year span, with $46 million guaranteed. That's great news for Miami, but they still need to find someone to play on the opposite side of Howard. Although they may not find a long-term solution just yet, there may be a stopgap player still out there that could fill in for at least one year.
With a team in a rebuilding phase, there are a number of other positions that Miami needs to fill out before the start of training camp. Therefore, the Dolphins should be busy with new signings in the coming weeks. Let's take a look at some of the players still available that the Dolphins could elect to bring in.
1. Nick Perry
Surprisingly, the Dolphins did not add any pass rushers in their 2019 draft class. Miami did sign a few undrafted outside linebackers and edge defenders following the draft, but they still need to add considerable help if they plan on applying any pressure this year.
On Monday, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald reported that the Dolphins were in talks with former Green Bay Packers OLB Nick Perry. The Packers cut Perry back in March so Miami did not need to wait until Wednesday when comp picks would no longer be affected to sign him. Still, nothing has transpired further since Beasley's report.
Pass rushers are, arguably, Miami's biggest need at this point and adding Perry would make a ton of sense. How much Perry is looking for in a deal remains to be seen, but it can't be that high. Both sides should be able to come to terms, and I would bet that the Dolphins are the favorite to land Perry at this point.
2. Morris Claiborne
As I mentioned earlier, Miami needs to find someone to man the opposite side of Howard. Morris Claiborne is probably the best player left on the market that can do that. Claiborne is a former top-10 pick from 2012 out of LSU. While he has not lived up to that billing, Claiborne has established himself as a dependable corner. That's all that Miami can ask for at this point.
Claiborne was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, but he has spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets. It's still possible that he could return to the Jets, but talks between them have not generated much. Provided that Claiborne's asking price is not too high, Miami could swoop in. If they were able to pull that off, the Dolphins would have their other starting CB for 2019.
3. Sam Shields
Sticking with cornerbacks, Sam Shields could be another option for the Dolphins. He would also be a cheaper option than someone like Claiborne. Shields has ties to the Miami area as a former University of Miami alum. After going undrafted in 2010, Shields was signed by the Green Bay Packers. He would go on to spend his first seven seasons in the league in Green Bay.
Shields hit a rough patch, however, in 2016 and 2017. Dealing with a series of concussions, Shields would play only one game in those two seasons. In 2018, Shields bounced back and signed with the Los Angeles Rams. He played in all 16 regular season games, and was a strong contributor in the Rams reach of a Super Bowl.
Shields has expressed interest in returning to the Rams, but it's unclear if the interest is mutual at this point. Miami seems like a good landing spot for a player like Shields looking to revitalize his career. Shields already has a Super Bowl ring, however, and after coming close to another one last year with the Rams, he may not be interested in playing for a rebuilding squad like Miami.
4. Danny Shelton
As you know, Miami selected former Clemson standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins with their first-round selection. That doesn't mean they couldn't use more help on the inside though. Who better than someone who already knows the scheme?
Danny Shelton was traded to the New England Patriots a year ago and already knows the system under head coach Brian Flores. It's a surprise that Shelton is still available on the market. At age 26, it would be a great addition for the Dolphins. Adding Shelton could solidify Miami's defensive interior with him, Wilkins, Vincent Taylor, and Davon Godchaux.
5. Jamie Collins
Jamie Collins is another player that is familiar with the Patriots' system. Collins was traded to the Cleveland Browns in the middle of the 2016 season. He received the big payday that he was looking for from the Browns, but they elected to release him after two seasons with the team.
Collins is a versatile linebacker, a quality that the Dolphins new coaching staff is really looking for. Effort has been the issue in regards to Collins throughout his career, but Flores would know best if it is really an issue that Collins has. If it isn't, this could be a perfect fit for both sides.
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