Written by Armando Salguero at MiamiHerald.com
The Miami Dolphins braintrust headed for their cars and home at around 8 p.m. Thursday, after a 13-hour day they believed to be quite productive.
It was the second day of NFL free agency and, indeed, the first full day of the process. But rather than sweat the third tier of free agents, the Dolphins are definitely not doing that now. They’re doing methodical, and I’m told, “efficient,” work this free agency period.
Their big splash work — if you want to call it that — is done.
Cornerback Prince Amukamara is not quite the option that had been speculated. Defensive end Robert Ayers is not quite the option that had been speculated. The best guard is off the market. The most expensive guards are off the market. And so Jermon Bushrod becomes Miami’s guard option in free agency, with other options I reported on Thursday also figuring into the mix.
The team is kicking tires on Detroit defensive end Jason Jones and Minnesota cornerback Josh Robinson on Friday. Neither is going to break any bank if they sign. If the Dolphins are going to add major talent at defensive end and cornerback, my guess is it will be in the draft.
Barring totally unforeseen circumstances, the Dolphins expect to fill in around the edges with what they hope will be smart and team-friendly deals from here on out in free agency.
So having said that, having established that the big splashes are in the rear view … Let us consider what has happened and how the Dolphins see it.
The Dolphins recognize they lost home grown players during this free agency period. Olivier Vernon graduated. Lamar Miller graduated. Rishard Matthews graduated. Derrick Shelby graduated. All got good deals in free agency.
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