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Dolphins get 'B' grade in free agency

ESPN Insider has an interesting piece grading every NFL team’s moves during free agency.

Obviously, the Miami Dolphins have been one of the most active teams this offseason. New vice president Mike Tannenbaum has come in and made a significant splash in signing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a $114-million contract. It was the biggest contract in NFL history given to a defensive player.

Here are the list of key additions and subtractions that earned a “B” grade:

Key re-signings/additions: TE Jordan Cameron, TE Ryan Taylor, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Brice McCain, WR Kenny Stills, C J.D. Walton

Key subtractions: WR Brandon Gibson, WR Brian Hartline, TE Charles Clay, CB Cortland Finnegan, RB Daniel Thomas, G Daryn Colledge, DE Derrick Shelby, DT Jared Odrick, OT Jason Fox, OLB Jason Trusnik, SS Jimmy Wilson, OLB Jonathan Freeny, RB Knowshon Moreno, G Nate Garner, LB Philip Wheeler, CB R.J. Stanford, DT Randy Starks, C Samson Satele, G Shelley Smith, WR Mike Wallace, LB Dannell Ellerbe

As you can see, there are significantly more subtractions than additions at this point. The Dolphins, after going 8-8 the past two seasons, felt changes needed to be made with personnel in order to get over the hump and end the team’s six-year playoff drought.

The Suh signing alone makes this class impactful. Suh is a game-changer who will provide toughness and an identity to Miami’s defense. Secondary acquisitions such as Stills and Cameron, if healthy, also should be significant contributors this season.

But Miami’s work isn’t done. The team still has holes at guard, wide receiver and linebacker. The Dolphins have six selections in next month’s NFL draft and will look to improve those weaknesses.