5 Roster Moves the Miami Dolphins Will Make This Preseason

In a matter of days, the Miami Dolphins acquired Reggie Bush, Kevin Burnett, Matt Moore, Marc Colombo, and Kevin O'Connell. All factor into the conglomerate of pieces Miami hopes will form a playoff-contending roster.  

And there's still one whole month until the season officially beings.

That leaves Miami with plenty of time to fill the remaining holes and mend the shortcomings that continue to plague the roster. The 'Fins are still desperate for a quarterback, quality depth along the offensive line, and maybe even another running back.

It's impossible to predict what Miami will do over the next month, but it's safe to assume that they are not done wheeling and dealing.

Sign Leonard Davis

Despite the instability currently hovering over right guard, the Dolphins have not yet made a substantial push for former Cowboy Leonard Davis.

Once Dallas cut the three-time Pro Bowler, the Dolphins figured to be the first team in line for his services.

Davis played under Tony Sparano in Dallas, and he would provide a welcomed upgrade over John Jerry, Nate Garner, Vernon Carey, or whomever Miami plans on plugging in at right guard. 

Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post reported last week that the 'Fins were amongst many teams to reach out to Davis.

Davis is probably just taking his time and exploring all possible options. Nevertheless, it would be very surprising if the Dolphins don't ultimately land him. 

Trade for Dennis Dixon

Last week, Dennis Dixon's agent told ESPN that his client does not want to continue backing up Ben Roethlisberger and would welcome a trade.

Dixon has served as a Steelers backup since the team drafted him in 2008 but has posted only marginal numbers (71.4 QB rating, 402 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) in three career starts (2-1). 

Dixon signed his tender on August 1, but that does not rule a trade out. In order for a team like the Dolphins to acquire him via trade, they would have to part with a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick—which would absolutely be worth it for a possible upgrade at quarterback.

Dixon is inexperienced, but he has a very unique blend of speed and athleticism. Given ample opportunity, he could be a very serviceable NFL player.

Unless Chad Henne, Matt Moore, or Kevin O'Connell stand out, Miami might get desperate and make a move for Dixon. 

Bring Channing Crowder Back

Just because the Dolphins cut Channing Crowder does not mean he won't play for Miami this season. Crowder was slated to rake in a very nice sum of money, but Miami was clearly not willing to continue overpaying their injury-prone linebacker. 

Crowder provides invaluable leadership and intelligence, but injuries have severely diminished his athleticism. At this point in his career, he might be best suited playing a situational role behind Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby. 

Expect Miami to re-sign Crowder at a much cheaper price. 

Trade Phillip Merling

The Dolphins are no strangers to trades. Last season alone, Jeff Ireland cooked up five deals.

So, now that Miami has a surplus of defensive ends and a lack of talent at other positions, a trade might be brewing in the not-too-distant future. 

Between Kendall Langford, Randy Starks, Jared Odrick, Tony McDaniel, and Phillip Merling, the Dolphins boast one of the league's deepest and best defensive lines. However, they don't need all of them, and the odd man out is clearly Merling. 

Since Miami drafted Merling in 2008, he has been solid but has not received an extended string of starts to prove his true value.

The Dolphins could easily exchange him for a middle-round draft pick, but they could also try to exchange him for an offensive lineman, running back, or any player of modest value. 

Sign Another Veteran Running Back

In a dream scenario, Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush form a potent duo. Thomas pounds the rock in between the tackles, while Bush bounces outside and catch passes.

But as of now, we really don't know what to expect from either player. Thomas is a totally unproven rookie and Bush is a wild card as well.

In order to secure some stability at running back, the Dolphins should bring in a veteran. The team already re-signed Lex Hilliard (though he could play fullback) and has Kory Sheets waiting in the wings.

Regardless, Miami should try to make room for a player like Ricky Williams, who can mentor and still run effectively.

Remember, the Dolphins brought in Tiki Barber for a workout, so they are obviously considering the possibility.