The Miami Dolphins may look at Michael Crabtree, Greg Jennings and Hakeem Nicks as potential free agent options this offseason after releasing Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson and the team also could look at DeVante Parker or Kevin White as draft targets to help replace Mike Wallace for quarterback Ryan Tannehill after the wide receiver was traded.
The Dolphins have pressure to make the playoffs after spending a ton of money on Ndamukong Suh this offseason and Tannehill will be expected to have another strong season. Tannehill had his best year as a pro in 2014 and the offense will have some new faces with Wallace, Hartline and Gibson gone. According to ESPN.com, reporter James Walker writes that the Dolphins likely will add another receiver this offseason after trading for Kenny Stills.
The team has Jarvis Landry returning after a strong rookie season and they also have Rishard Matthews and Stills, but Mike Tannenbaum likely wants more depth. Wallace was traded to the Minnesota Vikings and both Hartline and Gibson were released and that means Tannehill will need to get in step with his new weapons this summer. Crabtree came in for a free agent visit this offseason and Pro Football Talk reported that the Dolphins may "talk to" Jennings.
The NFL draft also could be a way for the team to add some talent on offense, as the wide receiver position is expected to be very deep. Amari Cooper likely will be a top five pick and other players like DeVante Parker, Kevin White and Jaelen Strong could be available in the first round when the Dolphins pick. Tannehill set career highs in 2014 in passing yards and touchdowns and the Dolphins are expecting him to continue developing in that direction.
Crabtree is one of the top options left on the market and the Sacramento Bee reports that the 49ers are still interested in re-signing him. Crabtree had 68 catches last season for 698 yards and four touchdowns while playing in all 16 games and that followed a season where he missed time while coming back from an ACL injury. Crabtree had his best season in 2012 when he had 85 catches for over 1100 yards and nine touchdowns and while he may not be at that production level anymore, he could be a consistent option for the Dolphins.
Jennings has also come up as a potential pickup for the Dolphins, but he has also had attention from the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars. Jennings was released by the Vikings after two seasons and he also could be a potential target to return to the Packers. The Dolphins also could look at Hakeem Nicks as a potential free agent pickup. Tannehill had a great season in 2014 and he will be looking to do that again this year.
Parker is expected to be available when the Dolphins pick in the first round and they have already brought him in for a pre-draft visit. Cooper likely will not be on the board for the Dolphins, as he is coming off of a monster season with 124 catches for 1727 yards and 16 touchdowns and is the best route runner in the draft. Cooper is considered the top receiver in the draft and he could go ahead of Kevin White, who also had a big year for West Virginia. White has blazing fast speed and put up 10 touchdowns with over 100 catches last season.