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2014 NFL Free Agency Rumors: Dolphins turning attention to Jairus Byrd

Last night, reports indicated the Miami Dolphins and tackle Branden Albert had reached an unofficial agreement that will become an official agreement when free agency opens on Tuesday. Now, it appears the team is turning their attention toward safety Jairus Byrd.

By Kevin Nogle
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It's beginning to look like the Miami Dolphins may not have the relatively quiet free agency period this year, as compared to last year's spending spree. Now, it looks like that notion may already be thrown out the window, and we are only just entering the third day of the "legal tampering" period that now precedes free agency on the NFL calendar.

Yesterday, a report from Pro Football Talk indicated the Dolphins and Branden Albert, currently of the Kansas City Chiefs but set to be a free agent on Tuesday, had reached the point in unofficial negotiations where they feel a deal will be able to be signed shortly after the 4pm start to free agency on Tuesday. The PFT report was soon confirmed by several other media outlets, which also suggested that the Dolphins were comfortable enough with where those talks stand that they are ready to move on to other free agent targets.

Then NFL.com's Ian Rapoport added this tweet to the situation:

Miami needs to address the safety position this offseason, with current starter Chris Clemons set to hit free agency again this offseason after returning to the Dolphins last year on a one-year contract. Miami, who should have around $35 million in salary cap space to spend, being in the Byrd market should not be a surprise, but it does confirm the Dolphins are not sitting back after last year's aggressive free agency period, including the signing of wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson, tight end Dustin Keller, linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler, and cornerback Brent Grimes.

On Saturday, the Miami Herald's Adam Beasley reported the Dolphins were also "very interested" in safety Louis Delmas and were working on a deal, though nothing was imminent. Delmas met with the Dolphins in February.

It's starting to shape up like another crazy free agency period in South Florida. Just one more day until it all officially starts.

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