Three Free Agents The Dolphins Should Consider Targeting

Clay Matthews, Outside Linebacker’

Clay Matthews was one of the best outside linebackers in the NFL when he was in his prime. Even though he is not in his prime anymore, he can still be a valuable outside linebacker for the Dolphins. Matthews signed with the Rams in 2019 hoping to win a Super Bowl, but the Rams were underwhelming and played terribly. Even though the Rams played terribly, Matthews still continued to rush well off the edge. In 2019 with the Rams, Matthews racked up eight sacks (most since 2015), 37 tackles, and 11 quarterback hits. 

The Dolphins outside linebacker core consists of Kyle Van Noy, Vince Biegel, Curtis Weaver, Andrew Van Ginkel, Trent Harris, James Crawford, and Samuel Eguavoen. Van Noy is automatically going to start at one of the outside linebacker positions this season, but the other outside linebacker position is still up for grabs. Currently, the other outside linebacker is Biegel, but at best Biegel is average. Matthews could add a good veteran presence to this young defense. He has six pro bowls and has been known to be an amazing leader. Overall, if the Dolphins added Matthews to the roster, then it would add a potential starter and some good veteran presence to the team. 

Darren Fells, Tight End

Darren Fells had one of the most underrated seasons for a tight end last year. Fells has been a back up tight end for most of his career, but last year he showed the potential of becoming a good receiving tight end. He began his career as a 28-year-old in the NFL but was never utilized by the Cardinals. Finally, after becoming a journeyman tight end Fells found a team that could utilize him correctly. Last season with the Texans Fells received seven touchdowns (career-high), 341 receiving yards (career-high), and 34 receptions (career-high). 

Currently, the Dolphins tight end core consists of Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe, Michael Roberts, and Chris Myarick. Gesicki is the clear starter heading into the 2020-21 season, but the backup position is still up for grabs. Smythe hasn’t shown any skill as a receiving tight end for the Dolphins, so adding Fells could add another receiver for Ryan Fitzpatrick or Tua Tagovailoa. With the Dolphins wide receivers being injury prone and the Dolphins adding two skilled running backs in Jordan Howard and Matt Breida, another receiving tight end would never hurt. Overall, if the Dolphins wanted to run a true double tight end offense, then Fells would be the perfect cheap, veteran option. 

Jarius Wright, Wide Receiver

Jarius Wright has been a consistent backup wide receiver for the Vikings and Panthers. Also, Wright has played 16 games every year since 2017. He has never been much of a starting wide receiver for any team but has been a good receiver who can come in when injuries occur. In the 2019 season with the Panthers, Wright received 28 receptions and 296 receiving yards. He is 30 years old, which would make him the oldest wide receiver on the Dolphins. 

The Dolphins receiving core consists of DeVante Parker, Allen Hurns, Albert Wilson, Preston Williams, Ricardo Louis, Isaiah Ford, Mack Hollins, Gary Jennings, Jakeem Grant, Matt Cole, and Kirk Merritt. Parker is the number one receiver for the Dolphins, but the rest of the starting receivers have dealt with injuries. Hurns, Wilson, and Williams have dealt with injuries in past years. Louis, Ford, Hollins, and Jennings are all good depth receivers for the team or they will be cut. Grant is the punt and a kick returner for the Dolphins, so he does not play a lot of wide receiver. Cole and Merritt are both undrafted free agents for the Dolphins. Wright would add a good veteran presence and be able to fill in for some of the injured receivers if they get hurt. Overall, Wright would be a good veteran presence for the young wide receivers and he could be a good depth receiver for the team. 

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