The Miami Dolphins' offense appears to be in a slight state of flux as the team attempts to figure out which offensive performers are staying and which are going. After putting together a disappointing display in 2013, the team is working to get the right pieces around quarterback Ryan Tannehill in hopes of improving quickly. After signing Knowshon Moreno to stabilize the run game, the wide receiving group now comes into focus.
After dangling Mike Wallace in trade situations, it appears the wide receiver is staying put for now. Just one year off of signing a big free agent deal with the Dolphins, Wallace under performed in 2013 and failed to meet expectations. Given the amount of money he is earning, Miami expected the wide receiver to at least sit in first in the receiving stats for the team, but instead Brian Hartline was the more consistent threat. Many believed Wallace was poised to be dealt in the offseason, but no one is interested in taking on his contract and the Dolphins will not release him.
So with Hartline and Wallace headlining the receiver corps, who joins? According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are having talks with free agent tight end, Jermichael Finley. The former Green Bay Packers star has had hot and cold interest at best. His future mainly stems from upcoming medical reports on his surgically repaired neck. Finley suffered a career threatening injury and underwent fusion surgery. He has failed at least one physical so far in free agency, turning away some of the interest around him.
The Dolphins need Finley. The team lost Dustin Keller to a knee injury and relied on Charles Clay, Dion Sims and Michael Egnew to pick up the slack. That effort went nowhere. Finley would be a big upgrade and a reliable target for Tannehill, but only if he is healthy. Finley has also visited with the Seahawks, but most teams are waiting to see how he medically progresses before making a move.
The Dolphins are also looking at wide receivers to draft early. According to ESPN.com, the team is looking at both Marqise Lee and Odell Beckham Jr. as options. Lee has already had a pre-draft visit with the team. The Dolphins draft at No. 19, putting them out of the running for elite players like Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans. Getting either Lee or Beckham would certainly create a strong trio and a better Dolphins offense.
