NFL Free Agency: Offensive Linemen the Miami Dolphins Should Pursue

All the free agency talk in Miami revolves around the quarterback and halfback positions. The Dolphins definitely need additions to the backfield, don't get me wrong, but the front office can't afford to neglect adding depth to the line.

Injuries have been a big problem for Miami's line. T Jake Long had shoulder surgery this offseason, G Nate Garner missed all of last season with a broken foot, and T Vernon Carey missed the last four games of 2010 with a knee injury.

First-round pick Mike Pouncey will contribute immediately and should be a great addition to the interior of the line, and Miami has tendered Garner and expect him to return in 2011.

Still, the Dolphins' line was mediocre at best last season, and the front office should look to acquire at least one of the free agents on the following slides.

C Lyle Sendlein

Arizona will want to re-sign one of the best pass-blocking lineman in the league, but with several linemen who will be unrestricted free agents as soon as the offseason begins, the Cardinals could lose Sendlein to a team that acts quickly.

Miami could really use a dependable center like Sendlein in the middle, allowing Richie Incognito and Mike Pouncey to move back to guard, their natural positions.

Sendlein is young and hasn't missed a start in three years; he'd be worth the money. Miami needs to pursue him and steal him from the Cardinals. 

T Langston Walker

Walker played in Oakland the past two years and has been a pretty big disappointment for the Raiders. He's struggled in pass protection but could be an asset to the run game.

Dolphins T Vernon Carey has struggled with injuries and inconsistency on the field, and Walker could add some much-needed depth. He's no solution or long-term fix, but if he comes cheap, Miami should acquire Walker to back up the tackles.

G/T Marshal Yanda

Marshal Yanda's natural position is guard but last season started all 16 games at tackle, taking over for the injured Jared Gaither. He can play center too.

Yanda would be an excellent addition to Miami's line, but he won't be the cheapest option.

Still, he's young, solid, consistent and versatile. Yanda would make a great addition to the Dolphins.

G Daryn Colledge

Colledge has told press he doesn't expect to be brought back to Green Bay. He has been consistent for the Packers for years, starting every game for the last three years.

If Cognito or Puncey start at center, Colledge would be a great addition to the interior, fighting Garner for the starting position.

C Olin Kreutz

Kreutz doesn't seem to be a likely pickup for Miami. He is an unrestricted free agent, but he'll be asking a price the Dolphins won't be willing to pay without giving up someone else.

Should Miami go this route, Kreutz has tremendous upside despite his age of 34 years. He's been considered one of the NFL's top offensive lineman for years and still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

He'd bring great leadership, experience and consistency to Miami as he's started 129 consecutive games.

It's a long shot, but stranger things have happened.