The Miami Dolphins are still trying to re-tool their offense in order to help quarterback Ryan Tannehill succeed in 2014. Most of the quarterbacks in Tannehill's draft class have brought their teams to the postseason, leaving him the odd man out who has yet to take the leap to the next level. A strong array of offensive weapons will certainly help the effort. With OTAs starting, could the Dolphins be preparing to trade a few players before signing someone else?
Mike Wallace remains on the roster despite trade rumors circulating around him. Baring any surprising move, Wallace will stay with the Dolphins for at least another season as coaches hope he can form better chemistry with Tannehill and start producing the results they thought they were getting last season. The Dolphins also drafted former LSU receiver Jarvis Landry with the 63rd overall pick to also help provide the quarterback with some deep threats. Outside of those two, there are some lingering question marks.
Both Brandon Gibson and Brian Hartline put together better overall seasons than Wallace, yet both players are entering OTAs with injuries. Gibson is currently healing from a torn patellar tendon and while he expects to be healthy by the regular season, there is no guarantee. He was reportedly on the field for the first day of organized team activities, but very limited.
Hartline is also injured, recovering from a torn PCL. He was also on the field for OTAs, but limited. Hartline's return is critical for the Dolphins not only for Tannehill, but for his career. According to Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post, if Hartline can get healthy, his chances of getting released or traded are pretty great. Right now, releasing the receiver would save the Dolphins $4 million. Yes, he is consistent with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, but if Landry begins to develop quickly, Hartline could get bumped. Of course that plan changes if a trade for Wallace comes out of left field.
If either Hartline, Gibson or even Wallace are gone, could the Dolphins be targeting Jermichael Finley or Dustin Keller in free agency? The team has already sniffed around at both options considering they are both coming off of season-ending injuries and the Miami Herald believes a signing could happen before training camp, salary cap space willing.
Keller is the healthier of the two tight ends and has already taken a visit to the Patriots. Finley's medical clearance has not changed. He still has not been cleared by doctors. If the Dolphins feel like their receiving corps is still not up to par with what the coaching staff wants, expect possibly Keller to re-sign quickly.
