James Walker, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Kiko Alonso, Jelani Jenkins among key Dolphins entering contract year

The Miami Dolphins are coming off a disappointing 6-10 season. New coach Adam Gase changed the roster this offseason and inherited some of last year's players.

With that said, here is a look at four key Dolphins entering their contract year:

No. 1: MLB Kiko Alonso

2016 salary: $991,418

Analysis: Few expected Alonso to be in this position following his rookie season. He appeared to be a star in the making, with a stellar 2013 season that included 159 tackles and four interceptions for the Buffalo Bills. Since then, Alonso's had multiple knee injuries and hasn't been able to duplicate his prior success. Now Alonso is on his third team in four years and entering the final year of his rookie contract. He is taking on a big role as Miami's starting middle linebacker and will be motivated to play well before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

No. 2: OLB Jelani Jenkins

2016 salary: $1.696 million

Analysis: It's been an up-and-down career for Jenkins in Miami. The former fourth-round pick began as a special-teamer waiting his turn, and then got his shot in 2014 on defense and led the team with 110 tackles. Last season he struggled with injuries and inconsistency. That leads Jenkins into the final season under contract with the Dolphins. Is he part of the team's long-term plan? Will this be his final season in Miami? This will be determined by Jenkins' play.

No. 3: TE Jordan Cameron

2016 salary: $6 million

Analysis: Cameron took a $1.5 million pay cut to stay in Miami. The tight end was the first to admit this offseason that he didn't do enough to keep the higher salary. Still, the $6 million Cameron is making this season is significant. The Dolphins believe the former Pro Bowler has the athleticism and potential to be a threat in Gase's new offense. Gase's system uses the tight-end position well. If Cameron has a good year, another payday could be ahead.

No. 4: WR Kenny Stills

2016 salary: $1.696 million

Analysis: Stills recorded a career-low 27 receptions for 440 yards last season. He never became fully comfortable during his first year in Miami. Stills says he has a chip on his shoulder and has been one of the steadiest players this offseason. He's currently Miami's third wideout, behind Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker. But, as former Dolphin Rishard Matthews proved last year, a solid season at receiver could give Stills momentum to cash in when he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2017.

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