:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46013810/usa-today-8046789.0.jpg)
The NFL is in the middle of their free agency period, with teams signing available veteran players. At the same time, NCAA basketball is in the middle of their tournament, with March Madness narrowing down to the Final Four this weekend. Combine the two ideas, and we come up with today's bracket for the Miami Dolphins' all-time best free agent signings:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3551436/Free_Agent_Bracket_1.0.png)
Over the next few days, we will work out way through the bracket, with the results based on your vote.
Our final match-up of the opening round involves two relative newcomers to the team, both of whom landed on injured reserve last year: offensive tackle Branden Albert and safety Louis Delmas.
Albert joined the Dolphins in the 2014 offseason, signing a five-year, $47 million contract. Coming off his first career Pro Bowl appearance, Albert immediately established himself as the lockdown left tackle Miami needed. He upgraded the offensive line, a line that was completely rebuilt during that offseason, and he was able to protect Ryan Tannehill's blindside. Everything the Dolphins wanted out of Albert, he provided until a Week 9 ACL and MCL tear ended his season and forced the Dolphins into reshuffle mode as they looked to replace him. Albert is hoping to be ready for the 2015 season opener, which will be around 11 months since his injury.
Delmas joined the Dolphins in the 2014 offseason, signing a one-year, $2.25 million contract. After five seasons with the Detroit Lions, Delmas' move to the Dolphins proved to be exactly what the South Florida franchise needed. Delmas was able to step immediately into the starting role and solidify the back end of the Miami defense despite the team losing Reshad Jones to a suspension at the start of the year. Once Jones returned, the pairing of Delmas and Jones proved to be a perfect complimentary set at safety for the Dolphins. Unfortunately, just like Albert, Delmas landed on injured reserve with a knee injury, in this case a torn ACL. In 13 games last year, Delmas recorded one interception (returning it 81 yards for a touchdown), two fumble recoveries, a sack, and 60 tackles.
Which of the two will be moving on to the second round of our bracket?