The Miami Dolphins finished in last place in the AFC East with a 6-10 record this past season, and have overhauled their front office and their coaching staff in hopes of turning their franchise around. There is no question that the Dolphins have one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFL, and their front office is doing whatever they can to keep that group together in 2016.
The Dolphins are in talks with defensive end Cameron Wake to extend his contract prior to the league year, which could bring the franchise tag in play for defensive end Olivier Vernon, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport. Wake ended the 2015 regular season on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles tendon at the end of October, and only has one year remaining on his contract.
The 34-year-old pass rusher has been a force for the Dolphins in past seasons, and still managed seven sacks and four forced fumbles in just seven games played this year. While the Dolphins are looking to extend Wake, their front office is reportedly trying to figure out a way in which they won't lose their 25 year old defensive end, Vernon.
Vernon is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, but Miami's front office is trying to rework their salary cap in order to place the tag on him. Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum has already said that the Dolphins are looking to restructure defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh's contract, and many believe that is how the Dolphins will be able to retain all three of their stars on the defensive line.
The Dolphins front office has some major decisions to make this offseason as to who they can afford to keep and who they will let walk, but as of now it looks as though they are trying to find a way to keep Suh, Wake, and Vernon together in 2016.
