Miami Dolphins: Who Are the Biggest Priorities in 2012 Free Agency?

The Miami Dolphins haven't made many blockbuster moves via trade or free agency over the past few years, but the ones they have made have panned out. Personnel decisions aren't always a strong point for the Dolphins front office, but with names like linebackers Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett, they have proven they can make some smart decisions in free agency.

That being said, they must first make some decisions regarding their own free agents. With help from Brian McIntyre of Mac's Football Blog, we get a look at the Dolphins free-agency class of 2012. 

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Exclusive Rights Free Agents (2)

TE Jeron Mastrud
LB Austin Spitler

Restricted Free Agents (4)

RB Lex Hilliard
OT Lydon Murtha
DE Ryan Baker
DE Philip Merling

Unrestricted Free Agents (11)

QB Chad Henne
QB J.P. Losman
RB Steve Slaton
OT Vernon Carey
OT Marc Colombo
DE Kendall Langford
NT Paul Soliai
LB Ikaika Alama-Francis
LB Marvin Mitchell
LB Jason Taylor 
CB Will Allen

What does it all mean? 

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The Chad Henne era

It's probably over. Henne got constant votes of confidence from his previous coaches on a nearly weekly basis, but it's hard to defend him when he ranks 31st out of a possible 40 quarterbacks in passer rating since 2008.

I'm not great at math, but I think that's somewhere in the bottom 25 percent of quarterbacks.

Of course, this is no news to Dolphins fans, who were chanting "We want Or-ton!" as early as training camp and who are now chanting "We want Mann-ing!" 

Big decision coming on big Paul Soliai

The Dolphins have the ability to place the franchise tag on Paul Soliai again, but the bigger question is whether they want to or not. Having already done so last season, the rule is that the team must now give him 120 percent of the average of the top five salaries at his position. 

At just 28 years old, though, it may be wise from a business and team building standpoint to give Soliai the big money he's seeking. That being said, how much would a new defensive scheme change their plans? If the Dolphins switch to a 4-3, that may be all they need to move away from Soliai.

Either way, a big decision is coming.

Offensive line in focus

Starting right tackle Marc Colombo and starting right guard Vernon Carey are set to become free agents this offseason. With the starting right side of the offensive line set to hit free agency, the Dolphins may look to get younger there in the draft. Both Colombo and Carey will be over the age of 30 by the time the 2012 season starts, and what's more, both were brought in by the previous regime. With a new system in place, the Dolphins may start making some changes up front.

That being said, it's hard to simply replace talented starting linemen. The Dolphins may look to keep one or both on short deals while they transition to a new system with a new regime.

Make your case

Who is the biggest offseason priority for the Dolphins? Did I get it right, or am I dead wrong? Vote in the poll and make your case in the comments section below.

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