NFL Free Agency 2012: 6 Potential Steals for the Miami Dolphins

The NFL’s free agency period is right around the corner, and teams like Miami, Denver and Arizona are already a step ahead in negotiations with Peyton Manning.

Many people are focused and have been focusing on the top-tier players available like Carl Nicks and Vincent Jackson.

As evidenced by the “Dream Team,” signing several big name players does not always equal success.

There are many good transactions that go unnoticed during the offseason, and the next few slides will focus on a handful of players that could be considered steals for the Miami Dolphins in free agency.

Josh Johnson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Josh Johnson will be going into his fifth season in 2012 and is set to hit the open market.

Rightfully so, a large portion of the quarterback talk has been focused on Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, while the rest has been on guys like Matt Flynn and Jason Campbell.

By no means am I saying that Johnson would come in and be the starting quarterback, but if Miami was able to grab him, it would give the Dolphins either a solid backup to Matt Moore or a solid third string/Wildcat option behind Matt Moore and either Matt Flynn or Peyton Manning.

Early Doucet

This year’s class of free agent wide receivers is loaded with talent, and former Arizona Cardinals wideout Early Doucet could fly under the radar when the free agency period opens.

The 26-year-old had just less than 700 yards receiving and five touchdowns for the Cardinals this year and would be a solid option for Miami as a No. 4 or slot receiver.

Doucet, along with Brandon Marshall, Davone Bess and another quality free agent or draft pick would give the Dolphins a solid receiving corps that can be successful no matter who the quarterback is in 2012.

Leonard Pope

Head Coach Joe Philbin has made it clear that he would like to add an explosive young tight end to the roster this offseason and will likely look to the draft to do so.

If Anthony Fasano’s contract cannot be restructured and he winds up being traded or released, then former Kansas City Chief and Arizona Cardinals tight end Leonard Pope would be a great depth option for the Dolphins.

His numbers are not anything to get excited about, but he is a good blocker and at 6’8" can be used effectively in the red zone.  

Trevor Laws

The Philadelphia Eagles will more than likely be letting Trevor Laws go this offseason as they have both Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins ahead of him on the depth chart.

Current Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai may not be re-signed, and if that is the case, Miami will be looking for some help on the defensive line.

Even if he does stay with the team, it is always good to have depth, and Trevor Laws would be solid pickup if they are indeed looking to add depth.   

Larry Grant

Similar to Trevor Laws, Larry Grant will more than likely be available this offseason as the 49ers have both Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman at middle linebacker.

While starting in three games for San Francisco in 2011, Grant recorded 39 tackles, two sacks and forced a fumble.

Larry Grant would add both depth and youth to Miami’s linebacker corps and will get more playing time as guys like Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett start to age.

Greg Toler

The Arizona Cardinals placed a fourth-round tender on cornerback Greg Toler who was a restricted free agent going into this offseason. This means that if Miami signs him, they will have to give their fourth-round pick to Arizona.  

Getting Greg Toler for a fourth-round pick would be a steal for Miami as they would be getting an up-and-coming defensive back that is capable of playing both No. 2 and nickel corner.

Toler missed the 2011 season with a knee injury, but had a solid year in 2010. He recorded 90 tackles, two interceptions (one for a touchdown) and forced two fumbles while starting in 13 games that year.

This would be a huge upgrade for the Dolphins secondary.