The Miami Dolphins have already started their offseason with the big signing of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who is one of the most respected minds in the league, and that's before the NFL Draft and free agency commence.
As I reported back in January, the Dolphins head to the offseason with an opportunity to be flush with cap space, but a few of the ideas I had in that article are no longer available.
I am back on the Mike McDaniel bandwagon, and that's due to how competitive the Dolphins were against the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, despite some really costly time management decisions, and how McDaniel is cleaning house within his own staff to lure in some proven names, such as Fangio.
Assuming we have cap space to make these moves, here is an updated shopping list for the Dolphins in free agency including PFF Ranking grades. Watch these names as the offseason progresses and keep tabs on sports talk radio shows for the latest updates.
1. Mike McGlinchey, OT (San Francisco 49ers)
While McGlinchey hasn't really lived up to his high draft status coming out of the 2018 NFL Draft, he has been steady at right tackle for the 49ers.
His familiarity with McDaniels and the offensive system McDaniels' runs makes him a natural fit for the Dolphins and gives quarterback Tua Tagovailoa an important protector on the right end of the offensive line.
Contract: four-years, $65 million
2. Ben Powers, OG (Baltimore Ravens)
Powers is a must-get here, and given that the Ravens will have to address the Lamar Jackson situation after handing Roquan Smith a massive contract, Powers is more than likely playing for another team next season.
Powers made massive strides in pass protection during the 2022 season, scoring a 86.5 pass-blocking grade which is the second-best mark among guards in the league this season.
Powers allowed only one quarterback hit the entire season, despite a revolving door at quarterback for the Ravens, and didn't give up a single sack.
Given Tagovailoa's injury history, and the alarming concussion issues, Miami can instantly elevate their line, and protection, by adding Powers.
Contract: four-years, $39 million
3. Daron Payne, DT (Washington Commanders)
Payne may be a pipe-dream signing, but adding him the Dolphins defensive front alongside Christian Wilkins in a Fangio scheme will be a luxury that would be very fruitful.
Payne's 86 defensive stops against the run the most in the NFL from 2018 to 2020, and would elevate an already strong Dolphins run game.
While Payne will likely fetch more money than Miami is willing to pay, I'd explore adding him to the Miami defense this offseason.
Contract: four-years, $85 million
4. Baker Mayfield, QB (Los Angeles Rams)
The Dolphins had major issues with healthy quarterbacks last season, having to rely on rookie Skylar Thompson to win their final regular season game to make it to the playoffs, and then again rely on him for their clash with Buffalo.
Thompson wasn't terrible, but he's also a project, and that's putting it lightly.
Miami needs a solid, healthy quarterback behind Tagovailoa, and perhaps another behind the backup.
For this, I'm going with Mayfield, who spent time with the Carolina Panthers and the Rams last season after he was jettisoned as a starter with the Cleveland Browns.
While Mayfield is no longer a starter, he could find a solid opportunity in Miami, as Tagovailoa has failed to play a full season, and with that offense Mayfield could produce some good numbers in spot starts.
Contract: two-years, $10 million
5. David Long, LB (Tennessee Titans)
The Dolphins linebacker corps needs an overhaul, and with Jerome Baker a potential cut candidate, replacements are needed.
Long shined as an off-ball linebacker with the Titans, scoring a 89.0 run-defense grade in 2022, his first as a full-time starter at middle linebacker.
Long could be a perfect fit for a Fangio scheme and can help reset an underwhelming linebacker unit in Miami.
Contract: four-years, $57 million
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