The list of Miami Dolphins who are becoming unrestricted free agents is disturbingly long on agonizing decisions that will have to be made by the team, and short on easy answers. The best of estimates at this point, is that the Dolphins should be over the expected salary cap by over $3 million which will make these decisions all the more agonizing.
Offense
Topping the list of Dolphins' free agents on the offensive side, is Charles Clay. Clay has been a star player for the Dolphins, not only because of his pass catching, running and blocking skills, but also because his ability to gain extra yards after the catch, which has often become a game changer for Miami. Clay's many achievements will place him near the top of the 2015 FA market and require a big paycheck once the signing period begins. Clay's attention getting set of skills makes him the only “easy answer” decision for the Dolphins, much like Brent Grimes was last year. It would not be a surprise, if the Dolphins were to offer the star tight end a nice contract once the free agent signing period begins later this spring.
Back up quarterback Matt Moore and running back Knowshon Moreno promise to become the most stressing decisions the Dolphins will have to make on offense. Moore was signed by the Dolphins in 2011, and soon thereafter, Moore became the starter for the Dolphins when then first string quarterback Chad Henne was benched. Moore did a nice job for Miami in 2011 and made AFC Offensive Player of the Week that same year in week 11. Matt Moore is probably one of the best back ups in the NFL, a role he seems to have adapted well to, but with the Dolphins' salary cap room situation, he may actually become expendable in 2015. Making the decision on Moore so much harder, is the fact he Dolphins do not have a suitable replacement for him at this time.
Moreno will become another dilemma for Miami, because of his stellar performances on his injury shortened season, and his injury filled past. Miami's front office will have to make their decision based on the running back's future potential and the real threat he is, while at the same time considering his injury history.
Guard Daryn Colledge did a nice job for the Dolphins in 2014 after being signed to a one-year contract, but his age and season ending injury almost guarantee he will not be wearing a Dolphins' uniform in 2015. Veteran guard Jason Fox may not receive a lot of attention in the FA market, and the Dolphins may echo the same sentiment and not be interested in the former 'Cane either. Veteran running back Daniel Thomas has failed to become the player Miami had in mind when they drafted him, but because of his blocking skills, combined with the salary he will command, Thomas may turn out to be a keeper for the Dolphins. Offensive lineman Samson Satele also performed surprisingly well in 2014, and that combined with his salary requirements, almost guarantees his return.
Defense
Jared Odrick has become one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL and as he becomes a free agent, the offers are expected to rain down on him. The Dolphins may be working on a deal that would keep the skilled defensive tackle home for several years if some reports on Twitter are accurate. Preempting the bidding frenzy of the free agent market, by offering Odrick a deal before he becomes a free agent, the Dolphins will hope to avoid a bidding war and get a hometown discount by doing so.
Safety Louis Delmas' performance in 2014 became more noticeable, after he was lost for the rest of the season because of injury. The veteran Delmas will also enter the free agent market if the Dolphins fail to offer him a contract before March 10. The soon to turn 28-year-old has had a number of devastating injuries which should keep the bidding low for the South Florida born safety.
Drafted in the seventh round of the 2011 draft by the Dolphins, safety Jimmy Wilson will also become a free agent this year. Wilson amassed a total of 58 tackles and 1 interception in 2014, but the third year safety's sometimes over-aggressive style has cost the team, dearly at times. Wilson started a number of games in place of both Reshad Jones and Delams last year, outside of his customary role as a nickel package back. Miami's lack of depth in the secondary however, which proved burdensome for the Dolphins in 2014, and if his value in the free agent market doesn't demand big dollars, the Dolphins will undoubtedly bring him back.
Linebackers Jason Trusnik and Kelvin Sheppard present an interesting case for Miami. The 30-year-old Trusnik had 38 tackles in 2014 and made a name for himself among Dolphins' fans in run defense, but he struggled mightily in pass coverage. The very athletic Sheppard, saw limited action in 2014, but in a losing effort against the Patriots, the 27-year-old linebacker recorded 10 sacks and forced a fumble. Working on the linebackers' behalf is the fact that linebackers Phillip Wheeler and Daniel Ellerbe, who are still under contract, may be released before the final cuts of the preseason are made.
Final Evaluation
The Dolphins would love to keep Charles Clay and Jared Odrick, but salary cap demands and these players hitting the open market later on, offer a dose of harsh reality for the aqua and orange. The Dolphins will be scratching their heads and sharpening their pencils throughout the off season, as they try to retain these two and others. The numbers, as they stand right now, guarantee that in order for this to happen and still sign the new class of rookies, Miami will have to cut some high priced players currently on the team or at least restructure their contracts. Fortunately for the Dolphins, salary cap guru Dawn Aponte, is one of the best in the NFL at performing miracles. They will need her to perform at her best during this off-season.