The Best Free Agent Fit at Every Position for the Miami Dolphins
It's comes as no surprise that, yet again, the Miami Dolphins have failed to make the NFL playoffs.
That means while millions of fans are eagerly anticipating another weekend of playoff football, diehard 'Phinatics like myself are counting down the days until the NFL Draft and free agency.
Nine picks in this year's draft should help fill the majority of the gaps on the 'Phins roster, but free agency will pave the way to the draft altogether.
The offseason signings will play a major role in whether or not this team will be playoff ready next season, and there is absolutely no reason they shouldn't be playoff ready next season.
It's time for us to turn our attention to the upcoming free agents who would look best wearing Miami's new logo in 2013.
Running Back: Reggie Bush
1 of 8Reggie Bush has undoubtedly been the most electrifying offensive weapon for the Miami Dolphins over the past two seasons.
To let him walk in free agency would be one of the biggest mistakes the Dolphins' front office could possibly make.
The 'Phins are ready to take the next step in their rebuilding process and field a truly competitive team in 2013, but management needs to realize that Bush is a necessary piece to their future success.
With two quality years under his belt in Miami thus far, here's to hoping we see many more with Bush running loose out of the backfield.
Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings
2 of 8With numerous talented receivers surrounding Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, it's unlikely that the Green Bay Packers will be willing to concede the money Greg Jennings will demand in free agency at season's end.
Ideally, that means Jennings will be free to head a warmer climate and reunite with his former offensive coordinator, now head coach, Joe Philbin.
With the Dolphins in desperate need of a true No. 1 receiver and Jennings in need of a new home, I couldn't possibly think of a better fit for all parties involved.
Offensive Line: Andy Levitre
3 of 8Jake Long is a truly talented offensive lineman, but recent performance issues and injuries leave the Miami Dolphins with no choice but to part ways with their former first overall pick.
With Jonathan Martin likely shifting to left tackle and Mike Pouncey solidifying the center position for the foreseeable future, the Dolphins will look to the draft and free agency to help bolster the line for their rookie QB.
I've already voiced my desire to bring in Chance Warmack at left guard with their first selection of the 2013 draft, but no one can say for sure what the draft will hold.
Keeping that in mind, it wouldn't be a bad idea for the Dolphins to pursue the best available free agent guard, Andy Levitre.
In his four-year career, he has yet to miss a game for the Buffalo Bills and has proven his reliability in both pass and run situations.
Regardless of the Dolphins' intentions come draft day, there is no denying that Levitre will act as an instant upgrade and fit nicely on either side of the line protecting Ryan Tannehill.
Tight End: Jared Cook
4 of 8At 6'5" and 248 pounds, Jared Cook brings the size and athleticism that the Miami Dolphins need out of the tight end slot.
The 25-year-old is looking for a new team that will incorporate him into their gameplan, and the 'Phins are looking for a big target in the red zone to develop alongside Ryan Tannehill.
Anthony Fasano wasn't a bad option in 2012, but Cook would certainly be an improvement in terms of youth and talent as the Dolphins continue to revamp their roster.
Defensive Tackle: Randy Starks
5 of 8As the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
The Miami Dolphins were smart in giving Paul Soliai an extension prior to last season, and they'd be wise to cut a similar deal to bring back Randy Starks.
The front-seven for the Dolphins was a force to be reckoned with against the run in 2012, and Starks deserves a lot of credit for that stellar performance.
Sure they 'Phins will likely bring in another pass rusher come draft day, but their answer at tackle should come in the form of re-signing Starks and giving Jared Odrick increased action up the middle.
Defensive End: Michael Johnson
6 of 8Defensive Coordinator Kevin Coyle is no stranger to the Cincinnati Bengals' 6'7", 270-pound monster.
Coming off the end, Michael Johnson recorded 11.5 sacks this past season in Cincinnati, finally asserting himself as a pass rushing threat in the league.
Miami already has a stellar front line intact, and the signing of Johnson will likely depend on Randy Starks' future with the team as well.
I personally wouldn't mind giving Jared Odrick some more snaps at defensive tackle, while giving Johnson the opportunity to play opposite Cameron Wake.
Then again, with a draft full of promising pass rushers, it wouldn't be surprising to see them stick with Starks up the middle and look to the draft for their pass rushing woes.
Either way, both Starks and Johnson are more than capable of being major contributors to the Dolphins' D in 2013.
Linebacker: No One
7 of 8I had no choice but to leave this position blank.
With Karlos Dansby sandwiched between Koa Misi and Kevin Burnett, the Miami Doliphins are set at linebacker heading into 2013.
I'm a firm believer that they should draft some depth at the position, but it would be a horrible move to throw money at a linebacker in free agency with so many other holes on both sides of the ball.
Defensive Back: Brent Grimes
8 of 8Brent Grimes may have missed the majority of the 2012 season with an Achilles injury, but he still has the skill set of top-tier NFL cornerback.
Luckily for the Miami Dolphins, the natural worries surrounding his return from injury should reduce his price tag come free agency.
Although Sean Smith would be a nice option to bring back as the No. 2 corner in 2013, the 'Phins primary concern involves finding a true lock-down cornerback to anchor their secondary.
Grimes can be that guy.




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