After selecting who they hope to be their franchise quarterback last offseason in Ryan Tannehill, the Miami Dolphins' primary goal this offseason is to build a team around him that will set them up for long-term success.Fortunately, the Dolphins are in an ideal position to revamp their roster and do just that. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)
Miami will have an estimated $45-$50 million in cap space to sign new players and re-sign it's own free agents and holds nine draft picks, which includes five in the top 84 overall selections.
"We're in a very good position to utilize some of our cap space to bring in some veteran players on our football team," Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said this week during a rare session with the media, according to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post. "And we're in a very good position to bring in young players from a draft standpoint."
While Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin and owner Stephen Ross have stated in the past that their intent is to build primarily through the draft, the quickest way to put an improved product on the field is to infuse some more experienced talent.
"This is the year that you've got to do something," he said. "We're looking for playmakers on offense. They've got to be available to you in free agency and trade situations, and certainly the draft."
The Dolphins' embattled GM, whose team has finished below .500 in four consecutive seasons, may be feeling more pressure to field a playoff contender this season. His job, and reputation as an NFL executive, may not survive if the Dolphins regress in 2013.
At least with the large number of quality draft picks and favorable cap situation that the Dolphins have, he has given himself every chance to succeed.
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