The Miami Dolphins continue to add to their team while the New York Jets continue to subtract. The Dolphins have already agreed to big time receiver Mike Wallace and will now sign another receiving threat. Former New York Jets' tight end Dustin Keller officially becomes a Dolphin on Friday, agreeing to a contract with the team. This gives Miami one of the best offenses on paper, making it crucial that they perform to the high standards set.
Keller gives Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill a legitimate pass-catching target underneath. He will replace Anthony Fasano who departed for the Kansas City Chiefs. Kelly has played five seasons for the Jets. In his career as a tight end for the team, he has registered 2,876 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He was hampered with hamstring injuries last season, managing only 317 yards with two touchdowns. His contract with the Dolphins was pending on him passing a physical with the team, proving he is healthy to start the season. Kelly is an excellent yards-after-catch receiver and will add another layer of versatility to the Dolphins offense. The Dolphins likely signed him to a short-term contract to save themselves from any health issues that may arise.
The signings twists the knife into the Jets, the team's AFC division rivals. When healthy, he can be counted on playing all 16 games. He has gained a reputation as one of the most versatile tight ends in the game right now. He is also a skilled blocker. He would pair nicely with tackle Jake Long who is still mulling a return to the Dolphins. While taking visits to other teams, Long is rumored to still be interested in staying with the Dolphins. There is optimism he signs back on with the team.
Losing Keller is another big hit for the Jets who have lost multiple key players this offseason. While the cash-strapped team is set on dropping big contracts, they continue to drop big players. Most notably they have lost running back Shonn Greene. The Dolphins now have a deep threat receiver in Mike Wallace and a short-yardage guy with Keller. This should set up Tannehill to have a much more productive season than his rookie year.
