NFL Free Agency: Ranking Miami Dolphins' Remaining Free-Agent Targets by Need

The Miami Dolphins have been one of the most active teams so far in the free-agency period, but they still have work to do. With some cap room remaining and roster holes to fill, Miami has continued looking at players and having them in for visits.

The Dolphins have been targeting offensive linemen, pass-rushers and cornerbacks. Those are their three remaining positions that need some significant upgrading.

While it would be unrealistic for Miami to sign an impact player at all three of those slots, they have five draft picks in the first three rounds where those holes could conceivably be filled.

But Miami has the money to spend, and with some talent still out on the market, they would do well to add a good veteran or two before settling in the draft. Rumors have been swirling over the past few days about different prospects, and this upcoming week will be a huge one for free agency.

Here's a look at the Dolphins' remaining targets, ranked in order of how badly Miami needs to sign them. 

6. Tracy Porter

I'm going to start off the list with a guy who has not been connected with Miami at all, although he really has not been talked about by anyone yet.

Tracy Porter is a talented, 26-year-old cornerback who was drafted 40th overall in the 2008 NFL draft by New Orleans. He was solid for that team and was a clutch performer during the Saints' Super Bowl-winning 2010 playoff run. 

Porter is athletic and can fit into any scheme. The only reason he has not drawn interest is because of his serious injury issues. Just this past season, his only with Denver, he suffered from seizures and a concussion that kept him out of a large portion of the year.

Porter has yet to play a full season in the NFL, and his injury history is concerning, although he could be had for a relatively cheap, one-year deal that would be very low-risk should Miami decide to take a shot with him.

5. John Abraham/Dwight Freeney

This move seems to be a logical one for Miami, although neither player has been directly connected to the team at this point. But with the Dolphins' remaining salary cap space, it would make sense to offer a decent one-year deal here.

Both defensive ends bring a speed-rush that would perfectly complement Cam Wake and make the defensive line one of the most dangerous in the league.

Both players are older at this point, and may not be able to play every down. But with Olivier Vernon and Jared Odrick in the rotation, they wouldn't have to. While they may be holding out to go to a top contender like Denver or New England, it's telling that there have not been any agreements reached yet.

With Elvis Dumervil signing in Baltimore on Sunday, that could start the ball rolling and get these defensive ends to make up their minds. But as of now, with no clear leaders in the race for their services, Miami is still in position to make their move.

4. Branden Albert

I know Branden Albert is not actually a free agent, but the Chiefs have made it known that he is very available on the trade market. 

Miami has been linked to Albert in a trade, with the Chiefs reportedly asking for two draft picks, one being a second-rounder in April's draft and the other being a pick in the 2014 draft.

With two second-round picks and a hole left by Jake Long at left tackle, the Dolphins would seem to be a pretty obvious trade partner here. But they are a team that is continuing to build, and a second-round pick in addition to a future selection is a steep price for Albert.

If it could get Albert for a third-round pick and a mid-late round pick in 2014, I think Miami should pull the trigger. But it could regret giving up anything more than that.

3. Brandon Moore

It came somewhere out of nowhere when it was reported that Brandon Moore was visiting the Dolphins last week. The move would make sense, though, as Miami could use an upgrade over John Jerry at guard.

Moore is 32 years old, but has been a stalwart on the line for the New York Jets. He has been healthy and consistent as a blocker, and he would serve to strengthen Miami's line while weakening its division.

If Miami were able to get Moore at a decent price, which it may be able to do considering the lack of other offers he's received, he would be a great addition to the roster.

2. Brent Grimes

Brent Grimes would almost assuredly have been locked up already if not for his Achilles injury he suffered last season. Grimes is one of the more talented corners in the league, but the injury has set some teams off his trail.

A number of teams, including the Dolphins, have hosted Grimes for visits. The Falcons still have interest in re-signing him, and the Browns and Buccaneers are Miami's other biggest competition.

Grimes has not made his preferences known, and it's still up in the air as to where he's leaning toward. Miami desperately needs a starting-caliber cornerback after letting Sean Smith walk. Richard Marshall is a good nickel corner, but it needs someone with Grimes' talent on the outside. 

It would also help Miami a lot in the draft if it could lock up Grimes, as it would only need to spend one high pick on a corner instead of two. 

1. Eric Winston

Eric Winston should be Miami's top free-agent target at this stage. With the departure of Jake Long, the Dolphins need to find someone to pair with Jonathan Martin on the outside of the line. 

Martin has the capability of playing either the left or right side, but by signing Winston, who is a pure right tackle, it would allow Martin to move back to the left, where he played in college.

Miami has hosted Winston for a visit, but he left without a deal. He would really be a perfect fit for the Dolphins. Without him, they would have to look for a tackle in the draft, and having a rookie and second-year tackle protecting a rookie quarterback would be a recipe for disaster.

Winston should be the Dolphins' top priority for the rest of free agency. The 29-year-old went to the University of Miami and considered signing there last season. He clearly has interest in Miami, and the team needs to respond by locking him up soon.