South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
After earlier spending spree, this offseason much quieter
If the Miami Dolphins’ start to free agency in 2021 feels underwhelming and subdued, blame it on their spending spree from last offseason.
The Dolphins spent $147.2 million in guaranteed money on free agents last March, setting an NFL record, while sparking the second season of the Brian Flores era in Miami.
It’s a mark that will be challenged by the New England Patriots, who have already spent $144.3 million in guaranteed money this past week to sign new players.
It also provides a lesson for other teams to consider in the future — the previous five teams who spent more than $100 million in free agency barely saw their spending translate into any real success.
The Dolphins added cornerback Byron Jones, defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, offensive tackle Ereck Flowers, safety Clayton Fejedelem, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, defensive tackle Shaq Lawson, center Ted Karras, running back Jordan Howard, linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill and Elandon Roberts and safety Kavon Frazier in 2020.
Sure, the additions helped the Dolphins go from 5-11 in Flores’ first season in 2019 to 10-6 last season. But the team fell one victory short of reaching the postseason.
Of the 11 players listed above that Miami signed, seven of them are no longer with the team after just one season.
And another interesting note — teams that saw an improvement after their offseason spending saw a decline in their win totals the following season.
The New York Jets, who spent
$100.5 million in 2018 and $131.4 million in 2019, missed the playoffs after both offseasons of spending.
The Jets went from 4-12 in
2018 to 7-9 in 2019 but fell to 2-14 last season.
The New York Giants spent $107 million in 2016 and the Chicago Bears spent $102 million in 2018. While both teams made the playoffs, they suffered early exits with losses in the wild-card round.
The Giants also went from 11-5 to 3-13 the following season, while the Bears dipped from 12 wins to 8-8.
So what does it all mean? It comes down to more than just committing large sums of money to turn an NFL team into a viable winner.
And even if teams do spend, the success can be short-lived.
Bill Belichick and the Patriots could either adhere to or break that mold this year. The Dolphins hope to avoid the effects seen by other teams in the second season following a big spending spree.
New England agreed to deals this past week with tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, edge rusher Matt Judon, receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne and cornerback Jalen Mills and re-signed center David Andrews.
The Patriots also signed former Dolphins defensive tackle Davon Godchaux while reuniting with Van Noy and Karras after one season apart.
The Dolphins, on the other hand, have taken a valued and considered approach in free agency during the
2021 offseason — spending $25.7 million in guaranteed money, according to Spotrac.com.
Miami’s splash signing has been receiver Will Fuller, who agreed to a one-year deal with $10 million guaranteed and can stretch the field for Dolphins’ starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins signed new backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, starting center Matt Skura, running back Malcolm Brown, defensive tackle Adam Butler, linebackers Brennan Scarlett and Duke Riley, slot cornerback Justin Coleman, core special teamer Cethan Carter and punter Matt Palardy.
The Dolphins also re-signed outside linebacker Vince Biegel and acquired inside linebacker Benadrick McKinney in a trade with the Houston Texans for Lawson.
The Dolphins also tried to make a value deal, acquiring former first-round offensive tackle Isaiah Wilson from the Tennessee Titans on March 8. But that move was short-lived as he was waived Saturday.
Still, Miami could use a veteran and relatively cheap outside linebacker or defensive end to bolster the defense this offseason.
And expect the Dolphins to further address their needs for a standout wide receiver, running back and defensive end among other positions in the 2021 NFL draft next month.
The Dolphins own four picks inside the top 50, including the No. 3 and No. 18 picks in the first round.
The Dolphins could also be open for business with their No. 3 pick, which could potentially turn into more draft capital to help Miami in its continued franchise overhaul.