The Miami Dolphins continue to make their way through every wide receiver free agent on the market as they decide how best to replace Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Mike Wallace and Charles Clay. The franchise lost a lot of offensive power in a season they need Ryan Tannehill to excel in. The Dolphins plans on getting some back in free agency and some back in the NFL Draft as players continue to come in for visits.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Wes Welker is making his first visit of free agency, heading down to the South Beach to talk to the Miami Dolphins. Welker has barely been heard from since the Denver Broncos made it clear he would not be back with the team. After denying that he is retiring after a slew of concussions, the Dolphins are bringing in the slot receiver for a glance.
Miami could be the perfect fit for Welker considering he began his career with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. Welker spent three years with the team, putting up 687 yards and one touchdown in his third year with the team before the New England Patriots picked him up in a trade. It was in New England he developed the reputation as one of the best slot players in the league, something that was lost in Denver.
The interest in Welker comes after visits from both Michael Crabtree and Greg Jennings. Crabtree was actually offered a contract worth around $3 million, but the wide receiver is currently holding out for a deal that is around $4 million. Jennings also left without a contract, but could eventually come back if teams like the Carolina Panthers or 49ers do not make a better offer.
One reason the Dolphins are limiting their spending at this point after the monster deal to Ndamukong Suh is because either this year or next Tannehill will get inked to a long-term deal. The Dolphins do plan on picking up his fifth-year option according to the Miami Herald with a long-term contract the eventual goal.
The Dolphins will also eye receiving and running back options in the draft. According to NFL.com, DeVante Parker is gaining a lot of interest from the team as well as Jaelen Strong and Phillip Dorsett. All of this could also come with the return of Knowshon Moreno or a contract to Stevan Ridley to back up Lamar Miller.
