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In recent offseasons with former general manager Jeff Ireland, the Miami Dolphins drew an aggressive approach in free agency, which allowed free agents to basically steal money at an overpaid price tag. Now, newly hired general manager Dennis Hickey seems to be making sensible, yet valued acquisitions at the right price.
Before free agency began on Tuesday, the Dolphins made two direct moves as building blocks for their secondary by re-signing Brent Grimes and making a move for safety Louis Delmas. Grimes, a 2013 Pro Bowler, recorded four interceptions and 60 combined in the 2013 season. Delmas, a Fort Pierce, Florida native, had three interceptions, two sacks and 64 combined tackles this past season.
Grimes signed a four-year deal, $32 million and Delmas' contract is a one-year pact worth $3.5 million.
The Dolphins led the NFL in allowed sacks with 58 in 2013. And with the Jonathan Martin-Richie Incognito saga, assessing the offensive trenches was a must.
Prior to the official 4 p.m. start, Miami reached out to many offensive line. But one in particular, former Chiefs left tackle Branden Albert, made it easy for the Dolphins to make a quick, decisive transaction. In 2013, Alex Smith was sacked 39 times, which was 11th most of NFL quarterbacks.
Albert agreed to a five-year contract for $47 million. But what they got most out of this signing is a leader of a young locker room and a great piece alongside center Mike Pouncey.
Miami continued to make noise agreeing on terms with defensive tackle Earl Mitchell. The former Houston Texan will visit on Tuesday to make deal official.
Hickey and company did lose out on retaining defensive tackle Paul Soliai, and seem to moving on from cornerback Nolan Carroll, but they have made the correct directions to pass after substantial offers.
As a GM. your job is to assess needs and Hickey is currently doing that. Stay with us to see what else he has in stored.