NFL free agency rumors 2014: Dolphins 'very much like' Eugene Monroe

We've reached one of the best - and most frustrating - times of the year. The free agency rumor period. After the NFL Combine is over there's nothing on the NFL Calendar (save for the closing of the franchise tag period on Monday) until the start of free agency next month. Which means, we have reached the rumor mill part of the year.

Those rumors, when it comes to the Miami Dolphins, are currently focused on the offensive tackle position. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the Dolphins would make Kansas City Chiefs tackle Branden Albert a "high priority." Miami is expected to compete against the Arizona Cardinals, and potentially the Chiefs, for Albert.

Today, The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson has added to the list. Baltimore Ravens tackle Eugene Monroe, who was traded mid-season from the Jacksonville Jaguars, could become a free agent this year, if he does not re-sign with Baltimore. According to Jackson, "The Dolphins also very much like Eugene Monroe and plan to pursue both Monroe (if he gets to free agency) and Albert, with the hope of landing one of them, according to sources briefed on the team’s thinking. The Dolphins like both, and would be happy to land either."

The Dolphins were in play last year to try to land Albert in a draft day trade, but then General Manager Jeff Ireland did not want to spend the draft picks. "'The thinking at the time,' a Dolphins source told Jackson, 'was you are going to be trading a sizable pick for a guy who would be an unrestricted free agent in a year. You could get him [without trade compensation] if you wait. He had durability and medical issues' that concerned Ireland."

If Miami is to land either Monroe or Albert in this year's free agency period, it may prove to be expensive. The team, however, should be just shy of $40 million to spend this year, meaning they have the cap space to bring in an established left tackle, while using the draft to address the right tackle position. The club will also be looking to fill both guard positions.