Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald takes a look at some of the issues new GM Dennis Hickey is faced with this offseason as it relates to the team’s impending free agents.
Randy Starks
Salguero mentions that DT Randy Starks is unlikely to offer Miami a discount this offseason as he was “somewhat peeved” by the fact that he was forced to play out the 2013 season under the franchise tag.
Considering that both Starks and fellow defensive tackle Paul Soliai are both set to become unrestricted free agents, it would make sense for Hickey to try to retain one of them and then insert Jared Odrick into the starting lineup to replace the other.
Starks, 30, is in a great position to cash in on the open market after putting together a solid season. He totaled 49 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble this season and was rated as the No. 7 defensive tackle in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
We have him listed as the No. 10 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
Paul Soliai
Salguero believes that of the two, DT Paul Soliai is more likely re-sign with the Dolphins as he “really, really doesn’t want to leave” Miami.
However, it’s still unlikely that he’ll offer them much of a discount based on the fact that he and his agent, David Canter, were reportedly hoping to get a long-term extension in place at some point last year.
Soliai, 30, also put together a strong season in the middle of the Dolphins defense and it’s not as though there are a number of players with similar ability available on the open market.
Soliai rates as the No. 20 defensive tackle, according to Pro Football Focus. We have him listed as the No. 31 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
Brent Grimes
Signing CB Brett Grimes to a very reasonable one-year, $5 million contract this offseason was without a doubt of the best moves former GM Jeff Ireland made during his tenure.
Grimes, 30, put together a great season that earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl. He tallied 60 tackles, four interceptions including one for a touchdown, and 16 pass defenses.
Salguero writes that the Dolphins best move in regards to retaining Grimes could be use their franchise tag on him. However, that would likely cost them $10.6 million for the 2014 season, so this is by no means a easy move to make.
Locking him up long-term also comes with some risk as well given his age and the fact that he’s dealt with some serious injuries in the past.
Grimes should be one of the more interesting free agents to watch this offseason as he’s clearly a very talented player, but teams could approach him with caution.
We have him listed as the No. 14 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
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