The Miami Dolphins could be making some major changes this offseason, as Mike Tannenbaum was brought in to run football operations and that could lead to a trade with Mike Wallace or Dion Jordan after the way wide receiver Jarvis Landry broke out as a rookie and it could put pressure on Joe Philbin, as the Fins missed the playoffs again in 2014.
The Dolphins have been a disappointment over the past couple years despite spending big in free agency and that could lead to changes with Tannenbaum. According to ESPN.com, the former Jets executive will take over in February and he will be head of football operations, with general manager Dennis Hickey reporting directly to Tannenbaum. James Walker at ESPN.com writes that Hickey will report to Tannenbaum and not the coaching staff, which is something that could bring up issues later down the line.
Tannenbaum is considered to be good with personnel and salary cap issues and that is one area the Fins need help. The team has a number of players with high cap numbers, including Mike Wallace and that could lead to a trade with the wide receiver. Wallace was the team leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns, but his numbers overall are below what he did when he was in Pittsburgh. Wallace was signed to a five year deal worth $60 million and he has a salary of nearly $10 million in 2015.
Wallace had 67 catches for 862 yards this season, decreasing his numbers from 2013 and now he has not been over 1000 yards in either of his two seasons with the Dolphins. Wallace did that twice with the Steelers and Tannenbaum may look at moving him this offseason to help clear cap space. Jordan could also be an option to get moved, as he has had some off the field issues over the past couple years. Jordan has plenty of potential, but the team may give up and if they do, the Eagles could be an option, as Chip Kelly coached Jordan to the best season of his career while at Oregon.
The Dolphins were a break even team this season, going 8-8 overall, 3-3 in the AFC East and 6-6 against the conference this year. Many thought that owner Stephen Ross would go after Jim Harbaugh and fire Joe Philbin, but he opted to bring Philbin back another season, but he could be on the chopping block if the Dolphins don't improve this year. The team ranked 17th in passing yards per game and while Ryan Tannehill had a strong season, the team needs to get more consistent on offense.
Tannehill passed for over 4000 yards and had 27 touchdowns, but after the issues with Mike Wallace there is a chance that the WR could be gone. Jarvis Landry had a strong season as a rookie and the team loves Brian Hartline, which could leave Wallace as the odd man out. Wallace has had issues in the past with the Dolphins offense and moving forward he could be casualty of Tannenbaum taking over. Wallace is one of a number of players with high salary cap hits and moves could be made with him, Brent Grimes or Dannell Ellerbe.