Decision time begins next week for the Miami Dolphins when it comes to re-signing their own free agents.
It won’t be easy.
From my perspective, this Dolphins locker room was among the most entertaining and media-friendly groups I’ve covered in more than 20 years of pro sports. They were absolutely great. So from a personal working standpoint, I’d be happy to see almost all of them return.
But obviously you can’t expect significant improvement when you return a ton of players from a crew that went 9-8.
Tough choices must be made, but here are my top choices of free agents that should be brought back.
I’d like to see quarterback Teddy Bridgewater return to the Dolphins.
I’d also like to see linebacker Elandon Roberts back as well as offensive tackle Brandon Shell and cornerback Nik Needham.
That foursome of Bridgewater, Roberts, Shell and Needham are the top four free agents that I think the Dolphins should re-sign.
After that there’s running back Jeff Wilson Jr., punter Thomas Morstead, linebacker Melvin Ingram and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
Then, I would solidify special teams with players such as safeties Eric Rowe and Clayton Fejedelem and cornerback Justin Bethel.
Yes, I know Bridgewater, the hometown kid who attended Miami Northwestern High, is probably the biggest surprise. I’d bring him back for a number of reasons, primary among those is that he’s a quality backup to starter Tua Tagovailoa. Bridgewater, 30, had injury issues last season between his knee and finger, but they weren’t chronic injuries that are likely to recur this season. Beyond that he’s a known quantity, well-liked, and wants to be here.
Bridgewater’s stat line wasn’t impressive last season — 49 of 79 for 683 yards, four touchdowns, four interceptions and an 85.6 passer rating.
However, I still maintain Bridgewater gives the Dolphins one of the best backup quarterback situations in the NFL, something that’s necessary considering Tagovailoa’s concussion concerns.
Other available backup quarterbacks such as Carolina’s Baker Mayfield, Dallas’ Cooper Rush, Atlanta’s Marcus Mariota, or the New York Jets’ Mike White, the hometown kid who attended University School, aren’t clear upgrades over Bridgewater.
Roberts, 28, who had a team-best 107 tackles last season as well as 4.5 sacks, which was third on the team, was a team captain and respected leader. His intensity and aggression help set the defensive tone.
The concern is the Dolphins need to improve covering tight ends and running backs from the linebacker position. But perhaps Vic Fangio, the newly-hired defensive coordinator, can scheme up something.
The caveat is the Dolphins might have an interest in 32-year-old linebacker Bobby Wagner, the future Hall of Famer from the Los Angeles Rams who has been an All Pro the past three seasons. That would supersede Roberts’ return.
Shell, a seven-year veteran, was a solid backup last season, primarily at right tackle, where he could perhaps compete with incumbent Austin Jackson. Shell, 31, even played left tackle for the first time in his career, so in a pinch he could serve as a swing tackle.
Needham, 26, missed most of last season after sustaining an Achilles injury. But he’s young, athletic and has position versatility between boundary and slot. He’s a plug-and-play starter.
That rounds out my top re-signing priorities.
Morstead and Wilson would be the next two priorities, followed by the linebacker duo of Ingram and Van Ginkel. Morstead had a solid season as a punter and should be brought back. Wilson, acquired at midseason, is a physical runner who brings an aggressive presence to the offense. Ideally, he’s the No. 2 after the Dolphins acquire a No. 1 running back in free agency or perhaps trade for Tennessee’s Derrick Henry (that’s my preference).
Ingram combined with fellow edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips to provide a strong pass rush last season, while Van Ginkel has potential as a playmaker.
The final group — Rowe, Fejedelem and Bethel — are all special teams aces who are capable of playing from scrimmage, Rowe more than Fejedelem and Bethel.
Getting these free-agent decisions correct is critical toward improving on a season that ended with a wild-card round playoff loss.
