The Miami Dolphins are coming off of a solid 7-9 season and the team has a number of personnel questions to figure out as they head into the offseason, but they took one off their list on Monday, as they placed their franchise tag on defensive tackle Randy Starks.
According to ESPN.com, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the team is planning to use the tag on Starks, meaning that both left tackle Jake Long and receiver Brian Hartline are now set to become unrestricted free agents. NFL teams must use the tag by 4 p.m. on Monday.
The Dolphins made the move in hopes of being able to make deals with Long and Hartline before the March 12 free agent deadline, as the team is allowed to negotiate with the players until then. The 29-year-old Starks has been a solid player for the Dolphins and he made the Pro Bowl last season as an alternate after making 4.5 sacks and an interception.
Starks has helped the Dolphins to build one of the best run defenses in the league and he has 32.5 sacks and four interceptions in 140 career games. The move with Starks means there is a chance the Dolphins will lose Long, who was their number one overall pick in 2008 out of Michigan.
The offensive lineman has dealt with injuries in recent years and he spent time on injured reserve last season after suffering a left triceps injury. Long had been durable for his first five season, missing just two games and he has made three Pro Bowls in his career. The Dolphins have a big decision to make, as Long will likely command a decent salary for next season despite battling back and shoulder injuries.
Hartline has proven to be a valuable receiver to the team, but his departure might be the reason why the Dolphins of after one of the free agent wideouts in Wes Welker or Mike Wallace. Hartline developed a nice rapport with rookie Ryan Tannehill, but there is a good chance the Dolphins will let him walk.
Hartline has made 183 receptions, 2,753 yards and six touchdown catches in 60 career games and he has a similar style to Wes Welker, who was formerly with the Dolphins before being traded to the Patriots years ago. Welker has been one of the most productive wideouts in the NFL over the past few years and he would bring leadership to the Dolphins.
Last season he made 118 receptions for 1,354 yards and six touchdowns while working with Tom Brady and he could add a new dynamic to the Dolphins offense in 2013. Wallace is also an intriguing option, as he likely will leave the Steelers for a large contract.
The Dolphins have some money to work with and could figure out a way to bring in Wallace as a new number one receiver after trading Brandon Marshall last year. The Dolphins have been without a main threat like Wallace for some time and could benefit from his speed and quick hands.
