The Miami Dolphins are reportedly taking a close look at some prominent wide receivers who will be available next week when NFL free agency gets underway.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald indicated that the Dolphins are being careful when it comes to gauging whether or not to pursue their potential targets due to potential charges of tampering.
“We’ve been told the Dolphins have been doing due diligence on several of the top wide receivers in this class, trying to get a read on their backgrounds and gain intel on their futures within NFL rules,” Jackson wrote. “(Two agents said the Dolphins are good about following rules, better than most.)
“They’ve done work on both Detroit receivers (Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones), among others. Those two — along with Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster, Will Fuller, Corey Davis, John Brown, Nelson Agholor and Curtis Samuel — are all in play.”
Of course, the Dolphins have to take into consideration the potential contracts of any of these receivers, given the constraints of the NFL’s salary cap.
Smith-Schuster is among the youngest players of the above group and also had one of the most productive 2020 campaigns, catching 97 passes and scoring nine touchdowns. However, he averaged only 8.6 yards per catch, so it’s debatable how much of a deep threat he could be for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins are also on the lookout for wide receivers during the 2021 NFL Draft, which could mean that if they can sign a free agent, they may wait to select a wideout during next month’s selection process.
With the third overall pick in the draft, the Dolphins are currently in prime position to choose either of the top two receivers in the University of Alabama’s DeVonta Smith or LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase.
Free agency in the NFL officially kicks off next Wednesday, March 17, at 4 p.m. EST.
