The Miami Dolphins made the biggest splash of the offseason by signing Ndamukong Suh and now the team could look at Michael Crabtree, Greg Jennings or Hakeem Nicks as options on the free agent market, while DeVante Parker and Garrett Grayson could be potential targets in the draft.
The Dolphins missed the playoffs last season and after extending Joe Philbin's contract this offseason, owner Stephen Ross is expecting progress. The team will pay Suh $114 million and $60 million guaranteed and the team also brought in Kenny Stills before trading away Mike Wallace to the Vikings. According to ESPN.com, the Dolphins hosted Crabtree for a free agent visit and they also plan to "talk to" Greg Jennings, who was released by the Vikings this offseason.
James Walker at ESPN.com writes that the Dolphins have a need at wide receiver after trading Wallace and releasing both Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson. The team already has Rishard Matthews and added Stills to join Jarvis Landry, but Walker writes that more depth is needed. Crabtree is coming off of a solid season with the 49ers, but the team was not expected to sign him back. Jennings was released by the Vikings to free up cap space after two mediocre years and he could be a low risk, high upside option as a free agent for teams. Hakeem Nicks is also available on the market after playing one season with the Colts.
Jennings is getting attention on the market from the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars and he could be a potential target for the Chicago Bears or Seattle Seahawks. Jennings met with the Panthers over the weekend and according to ESPN.com, the Jaguars have "interest" in signing Jennings. Jennings is 32-years-old and had 59 catches last season while appearing in 16 games. Over the last two seasons Jennings combined to score 10 touchdowns for the Vikings and that came after a productive run with the Green Bay Packers.
Crabtree had his first visit of the offseason with the Dolphins and he also has reportedly had interest from the San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins. Crabtree had 68 catches for 698 yards and four touchdowns last season and he played in all 16 games after missing most of 2013 while coming back from ACL surgery. Crabtree had his best season in 2012 when he had 85 catches for 1105 yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs.
According to ESPN.com, the Dolphins have hosted Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker for a draft visit and they also will meet with quarterback prospect Garrett Grayson from Colorado State. The Dolphins have the number 14 pick in the first round and could look at Parker as a potential target if he is available. Last season Ryan Tannehill had a career season with 4,045 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, but he will have major changeover at receiver with Wallace, Hartline and Gibson gone.
The Dolphins brought back LaMichael James to join Lamar Miller in the backfield and they also could look at Stevan Ridley, Knowshon Moreno or Steven Jackson as cheap options for depth. The draft also has a deep class of backs with Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon and Ameer Abdullah.