Purdue football’s Marcus Mbow on his NFL draft stock
Hear what the former Purdue offensive tackle said about his NFL future.
- The Miami Dolphins are looking for reasonably priced defensive tackles in free agency.
- The Dolphins are up against the salary cap and need to make prudent financial decisions.
- Miami Dolphins reporter Hal Habib provides insights into the team’s potential free agency moves.
The Miami Dolphins have one interior defensive lineman under contract whom they know they can bank on.
The good news is that’s Zach Sieler, their reigning MVP.
The other news is there’s every reason to think they’ll be shopping for dependable — but reasonably priced — defensive tackles in free agency next week.
Yes, Dallas Cowboys tackle Osa Odighizuwa might look great lined up next to Sieler. The $21 million per year he’s expected to land? That won’t look good on Miami’s salary scale at all. So stop dreaming.
We all know the Dolphins are up against the salary cap, so with that in mind, here are some realistic options they might consider:
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An intriguing possibility.
Ford is 29 and coming off a good season in L.A. In fact, Pro Football Focus rated him No. 5 among 118 defensive tackles. For perspective, Calais Campbell (who could re-sign with Miami) was No. 6 and Sieler No. 10.
He’s one of the more pricey options you’ll see on this list, projected to land $6.6 million annually by Spotrac.
One thing to keep in mind is that with the Chargers parting with edge rusher Joey Bosa, it might strengthen their resolve to retain Ford — not to mention their ability to do so financially.
Just a tad more expensive than Ford at a projected $7.4 million. The problem for Andy Reid is he needs cap relief, so Wharton might be a casualty.
Wharton had a career-high 6.5 sacks, 11 QB hits and seven tackles for loss last season.
And he’s only 26.
Teair Tart, Los Angeles Chargers
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he was in Dolphins camp last year before getting cut in August. Might he warrant a second look?
Tart, who attended Florida International, also had a good year with the Chargers, including five QB hits and five tackles for loss.
And he’s 28.
The Dolphins have had good luck importing Seahawks defenders, as witnessed by LB Jordyn Brooks and LB Tyrel Dodson.
Seattle GM John Schneider said he’s hoping to re-sign Reed, who likely can be found in the $6 million shopping bin.
Reed had 4.5 sacks in 2024 and was quite active with 45 tackles and 15 QB hits.
Reed began his career as Seattle’s second-round pick in 2016, spent five years with the Seahawks, then made stops in Kansas City and Green Bay before returning to Seattle in 2023.
He’s 32, so he’d likely be a two-year fix for Miami.
Onwuzurike’s role grew in 2024 as the Lions were hit with debilitating injuries on their defensive front, yet he answered the bell.
PFF graded him as the 29th-best interior defender last season (he also plays defensive end). He had 28 tackles and 13 QB hits.
He appears to have put a 2021 injury behind him. Onwuzurike injured his back and underwent spinal fusion surgery, forcing him to miss the 2022 season. There were concerns his career might be over. Whoever signs him must be mindful of that.
He’s 27.
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.
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