Miami Dolphins Make Strong Push on the Free Agency Market

The Miami Dolphins have made a massive push in the dawn of the NFL free agency. The franchise from Florida has landed five players, four of them defenders, among which Kyle Van Noy and Byron Jones. Besides these two guys, Shaq Lawson, Ereck Flowers, and Clayton Fejedelem will also move to Florida.

The former Patriots linebacker and one of the most important pieces in their defense, has agreed to a four-year $51 million contract with Miami. According to many, Van Noy has been the leading defender in New England’s latest two Super Bowl quests.

He would post 250 tackles, 16.5 sacks in 51 regular-season games for the Patriots, and 46 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles in 10 playoff events.

Kyle Van Noy appeared in 51 games with 45 starts in New England, making 221 tackles, 16.5 sacks, two interceptions and five forced fumbles.#Dolphins pic.twitter.com/DcdkzGK0cq

— Dolphins Nation (@DolphinNationCP) March 17, 2020

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores wanted Van Noy besides him and reportedly worked very hard in recruiting the player with whom he had a good relationship during his tenure in Foxborough.

Meanwhile, Byron Jones came from Dallas Cowboys and became the highest-paid cornerback in the league. Miami had the biggest salary cap space before the start of the new season, and decided to give this super-contract to Jones. He will earn $82.5 million for five years, with $57 million guaranteed.

Some are suggesting that this might be a massive gamble for the Dolphins due to Jones’ inability to make interceptions. With just two of them since becoming a pro, he is under heavy criticism. Meanwhile, the fact that he can play at the safety position and that he allows just 53% of passes towards his direct rivals is what makes him so valuable.

After this move is officially completed, the Dolphins will have the most expensive cornerback duo in the NFL. Xavien Howard also has a five-year deal worth $76.5 million, and it seems that Flores’ who likes to play man coverage, wants to have top assets for that gameplan entering the next season.

DE Shaq Lawson landed from Buffalo, and he will sign a three-year $30 million contract. Miami had one of the worst (if not the worst) pass rush defenses in the league last season. They were last in sacks and pressures on QB, and Lawson is expected to change that.

Although he isn’t an elite in his category, what might be his advantage is the fact that his potential was never fully exploited in Buffalo. The Dolphins are more than ready to give him the freedom and the leading role, which might be a jackpot in the end. He is 25 years of age at the moment and has the last chance to take a step forward.

Lawson’s motivation will be boosted with $6 million of potential bonuses and incentives.

Clayton Fejedelem is a safety who played for Cincinnati Bengals and will join the Dolphins for the next three seasons. During his stint with the Bengals, he was the leader of the special team and arguably its best piece also.

Now, Flores and Miami got one offensive player, and he might be the best possible move in the entire story. Ereck Flowers is an OL who is coming of a fantastic year in Washington. Although the Redskins had a disastrous campaign, Flowers recorded 92% of pass block rate, which was his career-best.

We all know that the Dolphins have lousy protection, and were the worst in the league in that aspect of play, meaning that Flores’ arrival is a massive boost.

It is expected from the franchise to go after Tua Tagovailoa in the upcoming NFL Draft, and it seems that Flores wants to add one top guard to his offensive line and make it easier for the rookie to develop. So it is not only improving the offensive line, but also, an indication that the franchise will go after a QB in this draft.