Miami Dolphins rumors: Jay Ratliff on the radar

An unexpected name has popped up on the Miami Dolphins radar - Jay Ratliff. The Dolphins could be one of the teams that pursue the former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle as he attempts to come back from sports hernia surgery he had back in December, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.

It would be an interesting move for the Dolphins, given they currently have two Pro Bowl defensive tackles on the roster in Paul Soliai and Randy Starks, plus they have moved Jared Odrick inside this year, where he is rotating in as a starter. But, both Soliai and Starks are scheduled to be free agents after this year, with the Dolphins likely to only re-sign one of them. Adding a four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the roster could be insurance in case one or both of the current players leave next spring.

It could be a low risk, high reward move for the Dolphins. Ratliff, 32, is hoping to play this year, but even if he has to sit out the remainder of the season and return next year, Miami could stash him away, allowing him the rest of the year to heal before adding him to the defensive tackle rotation next year. According to Jackson, Ratliff has received the medical clearances needed for him to start getting back on the field.

Miami has the cap space, both this season and next year, to make an offer to Ratliff. It's a very intriguing idea, and one that general manager Jeff Ireland and head coach Joe Philbin have to consider. And, of course, there's the Cowboys tie back to Ireland, who worked in the Dallas front office when Ratliff

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