Miami Dolphins Free Agency: 8 Free Agents the Dolphins Should Target in 2012

And we've officially exhausted all relevant topics concerning the 2011 offseason.

So, out of fear of redundancy, let's peer into a crystal ball and take a look at which players the Miami Dolphins might focus their free agency efforts on next summer.

There's no telling what will transpire over the next year, which of these players will re-sign with their respective teams, or which positions will become areas of needs for the 'Fins over the course of the year. But there's no harm in speculating—and really, what else is there to do now that the lockout has surpassed Day 100?

Greg Olsen

Most of the NFL's elite offenses have a dangerous tight end in their arsenal (See: Chargers, Patriots, Packers, Falcons, Jets, etc.), and incumbent Anthony Fasano won't ever ascend to such a level.

Miami's philosophy doesn't seem to emphasize tight ends heavily but, at some point, they're going to have to invest in a real upgrade (Charles Clay probably isn't the answer). Greg Olsen is seething with potential but has not been fully or properly utilized in the Chicago Bears offense.

Last season, Olsen's numbers dipped—if he remains a secondary option in 2011, he could return to his collegiate home in Miami and instantly become a focal point in the Dolphins offense.

Jason Campbell

Before you dismiss Jason Campbell as a bust or an unpromising quarterback option, consider the talent he has been surrounded by. In Washington, he threw to an unspectacular receiving corps headlined by a streaky Santana Moss. And last season, his first as an Oakland Raider, Campbell had virtually no legitimate weapons outside of Zach Miller yet still posted a 7-5 record.

Campbell's first season in Oakland was unspectacular, but he'll have the opportunity to garner a long-term contract in 2011. If by some chance Campbell does escape into free agency next summer, he would make for a fantastic cheap, low-risk pick up.

He's an accurate passer (60.8 percent career completion rate) who has thrown eight or less interceptions in three of his five NFL seasons. In other words, he fits the criteria for a Dolphins quarterback.

Kyle Orton

If the Dolphins don't pursue a trade for Kyle Orton this summer, he will be atop their target list next year.

The 'Fins would immediately benefit from Orton's services. In just two years with the Broncos, he has thrown for 7,455 yards and 41 touchdowns, but failed to make a playoff appearance. An Orton-Dolphins marriage hit a major speed bump when Brandon Marshall told Jeff Darlington of the Miami Herald that he and his former quarterback "had ups and downs."

Although Miami should not let Marshall dictate which quarterback they pursue, his input should be considered. Plus, Orton is only 28 years old which makes him a favorable option to 31-year-old Carson Palmer.

Robert Meachem

Miami drafted wide receiver Edmond Gates with hopes that he will develop into a potent vertical threat, but there is no guarantee he will do so. Gates must make the leap from Division II college ball to the NFL, and there is a chance he won't pan out.

If Gates flops, Miami will once again be in the market for a blazing fast receiver and the best option will be Saints receiver Robert Meachem.

In three seasons in New Orleans, Meachem has averaged 16.3 yards per reception. Meachem has been relegated to a secondary role in the Saints' stacked receiving corps, and there's no telling how dangerous he could be with a starting job.

Ben Grubbs

Hopefully, either John Jerry or Nate Garner will have a breakthrough season in 2011 and the Dolphins won't have to pursue a guard next summer. Neither have shown particularly great promise yet, so there is a good chance Miami will seek an upgrade in the near future.

The most ideal fit for the 'Fins might be Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Grubbs. At 6'3", 315 pounds, Grubbs embodies the breed of massive lineman that Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland are so fond of.

Size aside, Grubbs has not missed a single over the past three seasons and he would probably carry an affordable price tag.

Michael Griffin

The 2011 season will serve as judgement day for Chris Clemons. He showed glimpses of great promise during his 2010 campaign, but was often a liability down the deep middle zone of the field. If he doesn't progress and neither Reshad Jones nor Jonathan Amaya break out, the Dolphins will look for a safety on the open market.

Arguably the best option will be Titans safety Michael Griffin. He's a freak athlete who possesses a great balance of coverage skills and physicality. Last season, Griffin recorded 86 tackles and four interceptions en route to his first Pro Bowl.

Laron Landry

The sixth overall selection in the 2007 NFL draft, Redskins safety LaRon Landry has struggled to find his comfort zone in the NFL. He has rotated between free and strong safety, but has never intercepted more than two passes or registered more than 80 tackles in a season.

However, Landry has an extremely unique skill-set that would be welcome in Miami's secondary. A change of scenery could catalyze his development into the elite safety Washington hoped he would be.

Anthony Spencer

The Miami Dolphins-Dallas Cowboys connection is well documented, publicized and predictable. Basically, if Miami has a need and a Cowboy hits the market, Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland lunge at the chance to grab a former player.

One of Miami's most pressing needs is a pass-rushing linebacker, and Anthony Spencer would be a perfect solution. Over the past two seasons, Spencer has racked up a combined 11 sacks and 102 tackles.

Although he might not want to take a reduced role with the Dolphins (unless he moved to inside linebacker or beat out Koa Misi), Spencer would provide Miami with one of the league's most potent trios of outside linebackers.