I knew that it would be sooner rather than later that our Defensive Minded Head Coach would put his stamp on the Dolphins Roster and make no mistake about it Brian Flores did exactly that day one of the 2020 Free Agency “Legal Tampering” period.
The Miami Dolphins 2020 free agency was somewhat of a surprise for me because I did not expect the Dolphins to be as active and aggressive as they were, the Dolphins jumped out of the gate swinging as they had to battle for the top rated CB on the free agent market CB Byron Jones who was also being pursued by the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders. According to reports the Las Vegas Raiders actually offered him more money per year but the Dolphins offered more money up front which sealed the deal.
So before you fans (that act like it’s your money) want to cry about the Dolphins overpaying for a CB who has only two interceptions in his NFL 5 year career keep in mind there was a reason two other teams drove up his price with an attempt the get the coveted corner-back and we Dolphins fans should be grateful we have an owner that is willing to pay whatever is needed to get who they want!
Byron Jones is considered one of the best corners in the league he totaled 46 tackles last season with six passes defended, was named to the Pro Bowl and was a second-team All-Pro in 2018 and has turned in a coverage grade of 70 or better in four of his fives seasons in the league. Jones also have twice as many tackles then our other high price part of the dynamic duo with 283 to Howard’s 140 combined tackles over the same time period. (2016-2019)
Even though Byron Jones was the Biggest Fish Miami reeled in so far in free agency they also added 9 more players and as often is the case in free agency had to overspend a little but what I am really excited about is how they went about this, the Dolphins stuck with two themes, all were young players and former first or second round selections. The others were key special teams players and have something the team liked and will have a role for.
- CB Byron Jones (27 years old) NFL Draft: 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27
- OG/OT Ereck Flowers (26 years old) NFL Draft: 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9
- DE Shaq Lawson (26 years old) NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19
- ILB Kyle Van Noy (29 years old) NFL Draft: 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40
- DE Emmanuel Ogbah (26 years old) NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32
- OLB Kamu Grugier-Hill (26 years old) NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 6 / Pick: 208
- RB Jordan Howard (25 years old) NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 5 / Pick: 150
- LB/FB Elandon Roberts (25 years old) NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 6 / Pick: 214
- C Ted Karras (27 years old) NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 6 / Pick: 221
- S Clayton Fejedelem (27 years old) NFL Draft: 2016 / Round: 7 / Pick: 245
- FS Adrian Colbert (26 years old) NFL Draft: 2017 / Round: 7 / Pick: 229 (re-signed)
When you think about last season and how the Dolphins made the extreme move to do a “total rebuild” and having to endure a known down season for 2019 and even with all the changes the Dolphins under Brian Flores exceeded expectations with a talent depleted roster, so to see the moves made in free agency one can’t help but be encouraged and excited knowing that the Dolphins are committed to building a team that will be more talented and competitive.
I love the moves made in free agency and even though only time will tell what will be the outcome, having Brian Flores and his staff working with these young players most of whom are on their 2nd contract and in the prime of their careers, one can’t help but think the Dolphins have significantly improved the roster and have added competition that will only help others to step up to the challenges ahead.
I give Miami an A+ for the 2020 free agency moves made!
Total Grade A+
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The Dolphin Seer 