The Miami Dolphins struggled to a 6-10 record last season, in a year that saw head coach Joe Philbin fired mid-way through the season. Interim coach Dan Campbell provided a bit of a boost after taking over, but the team struggled late. Adam Gase is the new head coach, and he'll be tasked with getting the Dolphins back to the playoffs. In order for Gase and the Dolphins to make the playoffs, there are several things the team must accomplish before the season starts. The Dolphins are over the cap next season, although a rise in the salary cap should help. With that in mind, here are 6 Things The Dolphins Must Do This Offseason:
6. Cut WR Greg Jennings, Re-sign Rishard Matthews
Jennings is almost assuredly going to be a cap causality this offseason. He's set to make $5.5 million, a number that far exceeds his play. Cutting Jennings will free up $4 million in cap space and the Dolphins can use some of that money to pay Matthews. He was the team's second best WR last year, although DeVante Parker showed promise late. Matthews likely won't cost much, and pairing him with Jarvis Landry, Parker and deep-threat Kenny Stills means the Dolphins are set at WR.
5. Find A Way To Bring Back Olivier Vernon
Vernon was incredible last season, but he's a free agent. He will likely command a hefty contract this offseason, but the Dolphins should do everything they can to bring him back. The presence of Derrick Shelby and Cameron Wake might help the Dolphins accept the potential loss of Vernon, but he's just 25 years old. The Dolphins won't be as good on defense if they lose him.
4. Make A Decision At Running Back
Lamar Miller played well last season, which makes the Dolphins' refusal to give him the ball enough completely baffling. He's a free agent and while he won't command a ton of money, the Dolphins can't enter next season with just Jay Ajayi at running back. Ajayi has promise, but Miller is a proven running back. The Dolphins would be wise to re-sign Miller. If they don't they'll need to bring in someone else.
3. Add Some Secondary Help
Reshad Jones was great last season and he's locked in at safety. But the other starter, Michael Thomas, is a free agent. He played pretty well and is worth bringing back. Brent Grimes isn't what he once was, but is a solid starter. Brice McCain could be cut and isn't worth starting. Jamar Taylor is a liability. The Dolphins need to find a new starter at corner and get some depth as well.
2. Get Some Offensive Line Help
The team didn't even wait until after the postseason to dump Jason Fox, in a move that saved salary and got rid of a liability on the offensive line. Branden Albert and Mike Pouncey are the only sure-fire starters on the offensive line. The team must find help, or the entire offense is going to struggle.
1. Make Ryan Tannehill Live With Gase
Obviously I'm not totally serious with that one, but the point is clear. Tannehill struggled last season (the one-dimensional offense didn't help) and he didn't take the leap many expected.