Miami Dolphins: Offseason Analysis

The Dolphins completed an amazing turnaround last season, improving from 1-15 to 11-5 and an AFC East title. Quarterback Chad Pennington got plenty of the credit, and deservedly so, for the turnaround. 

I can’t help but to be impressed with the way Ronnie Brown returned from his knee injury as well. Ricky Williams was a solid compliment last season, but I expect Brown to take the lion’s share of the carries in ‘09. 

Ted Ginn Jr. made strides at wide receiver last year, and I expect him to continue his progress as a third-year WR, which historically has been the breakout season for wideouts.

Davone Bess will likely start opposite of Ginn, Jr. with Greg Camarillo serving as the third WR (assuming his knee fully heals.) Meanwhile, Anthony Fasano and David Martin form a solid duo at tight end. 

Re-signing right tackle Vernon Carey will be their top priority this offseason. They don’t have too many holes on offense, which is surprising from a team only a year removed from a one-win season. Bill Parcells will tinker I’m sure, but I don’t expect any major splashes.
 
Linebacker Channing Crowder, the team’s No. 2 tackler with 113, will not likely return to the Dolphins, so his hole will have to be filled. 

The Dolphins have two key free agents in their secondary. Cornerback Andre’ Goodman, who led the team with five interceptions last year, and safety Renaldo Hill, who was third on the team with 77 tackles and tied for second with three interceptions. 

They will both turn 31 later this year, so that could be a factor in the decision to bring them back. 

I expect both of them to test the free agency waters, meaning their secondary will be a key area of need this offseason.

KFFL Free Agent Tracker:

Pos	Player Name	FA Status	Previous Team	Current Team
RB	Patrick Cobbs	RFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
RB	Lex Hilliard	Re-signed	Miami Dolphins	Miami Dolphins
FB	Chris M. Brown	Re-signed	Miami Dolphins	Miami Dolphins
WR	Anthony Armstrong	Re-signed	Miami Dolphins	Miami Dolphins
WR	Todd Lowber	Re-signed	Miami Dolphins	Miami Dolphins
WR	Tab Perry	UFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
TE	Aaron Halterman	UFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
OT	Vernon Carey	UFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
OL	Matt McChesney	UFA (Cut)	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
DL	Joe Cohen	Re-signed	Miami Dolphins	Miami Dolphins
LB	Channing Crowder	UFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
LB	Quentin Moses	ERFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
LB	Kelvin Smith	UFA (Cut)	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
LB	Mark Washington	ERFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
CB	Scorpio Babers	Re-signed	Miami Dolphins	Miami Dolphins
CB	Andre’ Goodman	UFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
SS	Yeremiah Bell	UFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent
SS	Will Billingsley	Re-signed	Miami Dolphins	Miami Dolphins
FS	Renaldo Hill	UFA	Miami Dolphins	Free Agent