Miami Dolphins: 6 Top Free-Agency Targets at Defensive Tackle
The free-agent checklist for the Miami Dolphins features several prominent positions, as general manager Dennis Hickey looks to improve the quality of the roster. Arguably the biggest position of need is defensive tackle.
For 10 games of the 2014 season, the trio of Earl Mitchell, Jared Odrick and Randy Starks were solid enough for the unit to be one of the better run defenses in the league, allowing a 100-yard rusher just once. In Week 12, however, the Denver Broncos exposed the Dolphins’ lack of toughness and size, and the team collapsed to a 2-4 finish.
Miami must prioritize finding a high-impact defensive tackle, and free agency is going to be the first chance for the Dolphins to fill their need. Right now, the potential free-agent list features six players who are capable of replacing either Odrick or Starks in Miami’s tackle rotation.
We’ll explore the six best candidates, using their recent performance as a predictor of possible future success.
Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
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Potentially the biggest household name on the free-agent market is Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 draft is coming off his blockbuster rookie contract, where he made $64.5 million over five seasons, according to Spotrac.
Suh has been a phenomenal player since entering the league, racking up 36 sacks and 15 pass deflections. His ability to get into the backfield and blow up both passing and running plays have earned him the right to be called the best defensive tackle in the league.
How dominant was Suh in 2014? He led the NFL with 37 quarterback hurries and 38 run stops, according to Pro Football Focus.
With that type of production, Suh is going to command an enormous contract.
He’s deserving of it. NFL.com's Chris Wesseling reported in November that Suh's deal is likely to be bigger than the six-year, $100 million contract J.J. Watt signed last year.
Miami would have to cut a lot of veterans to make that type of deal work within its cap situation. Although some cuts are likely, as we have previously explored, releasing several veterans for one high-priced signing is unlikely and less than ideal from a roster-building standpoint.
Terrance Knighton, Denver Broncos
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In the likely event Miami is priced out of the Suh sweepstakes, the Dolphins would be wise to turn their attention to a run-stopping defensive tackle who can complement their current roster.
One of the best players available is Terrance Knighton of the Denver Broncos.
Knighton revived his career in Denver after an unsuccessful stint in Jacksonville. His two years in Denver showed that although he isn’t effective as a pass-rusher, he is a rock for the center of any defense at 317 pounds.
As long as the Dolphins retain either Odrick or Starks, then Knighton would fit well—he was a rotational player in Denver, which would be the same situation in Miami. Knighton was still productive, stopping 22 run plays in 528 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
".@MrKnighton2u: I haven't gotten the feeling from the #Broncos that I will be back. I'm looking forward on being a Bronco or a fresh start.
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Knighton’s new contract shouldn’t be as costly as Suh’s price tag, as he isn’t a dominant pass-rusher. The cost for pass-disruptors is only rising, but the market inefficiency might be with specialists like Knighton.
That’s a good thing for the Dolphins.
Dan Williams, Arizona Cardinals
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Similar to Knighton, and possibly a better overall player, Arizona’s Dan Williams should be high on Miami’s wish list. The former first-round pick is scheduled to hit free agency this offseason, and the Cardinals will start the league year $13 million over the cap—so it’ll be tough to afford Williams.
Williams had weight issues early in his career, but he’s become a dependable run-stopper in the middle for one of the NFL’s best defenses. At 327 pounds, Williams is an anchor who routinely draws double-teams.
Even in a 4-3 defense like Miami’s, Williams could free up edge-rushers like Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon. Defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle stopped using 3-4 fronts in 2014 without a real nose tackle, but with Williams available, at least that versatility is present for him to attack offenses with.
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Nick Fairley, Detroit Lions
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In the ultimate power move to finally motivate Nick Fairley, the Detroit Lions declined his fifth-year option before the 2014 season. This left Fairley on a one-year deal to prove to the team that he is worth a big investment with his next contract.
Fairley responded with great play until he injured his MCL and PCL in Week 8. In just 297 snaps, he created 17 quarterback pressures and stopped 10 runs by himself, per Pro Football Focus. He was on pace for a career season.
With the injury and his history of work-ethic questions, Fairley might be the ideal buy-low candidate. He has said he wants to stay in Detroit, but the Lions need to figure out whether they can re-sign Suh first.
Corey Peters, Atlanta Falcons
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After the top four defensive tackles, we’re digging deep to find the run-stoppers who offer little outside of gap integrity and ability to draw in double-teams. A younger option with more upside to improve is Atlanta’s Corey Peters.
Peters signed a one-year, prove-it deal after 2014, and he was a nice player for the Falcons defense. He is built like a 3-technique in a 4-3—so he’s not a nose tackle—but he was consistently good against the run.
He made 17 run stops in 535 snaps, and his run defense graded at 2.3 for the season by Pro Football Focus. His run grade was tied for 23rd in the NFL, so he’s definitely a cheap option for the Dolphins.
Pat Sims, Oakland Raiders
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Should the Dolphins strike out on all other options, Pat Sims is a pretty decent player—and he should come cheaply.
The former Cincinnati Bengal and Oakland Raider is hitting the open market after completing a one-year, $1.45 million deal.
Sims graded negatively in 2014 by Pro Football Focus, but he was an average run defender. He’s not the type of player Miami should target to get more than 400 snaps, because he’s not too impactful, but he is a potential fourth defensive tackle instead of a third rotational piece.
All stats used are from Sports Reference.
Ian Wharton is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, contributor for Optimum Scouting and analyst for eDraft.
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