Dolphins Q&A: Where is Miami most likely to add veteran free agent before training camp?

Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Omar Kelly answer questions from readers.

Q: According to OverTheCap, the dolphins currently have about 20 million in cap space. Do you foresee them bringing in a few veterans before training camp? If so, what positions? — Kevin Moia on Twitter

A: Center still has to be the No. 1 position where the Dolphins could use a veteran upgrade or a boost in competition between now and training camp in late July.

And center is also a position where a top remaining free agent, J.C. Tretter, whom another reader asked about, is available.

Tretter is a fit in the zone-blocking scheme the Dolphins will be running under new coach Mike McDaniel, offensive coordinator Frank Smith and offensive line coach Matt Applebaum. At 31, he has been a reliable starter in the NFL the past five years with the Cleveland Browns, starting 16 games in each of those seasons.

The Dolphins return last year’s starter at center in Michael Deiter, but he also missed half the season with a foot injury and didn’t particularly impress when he was in there. A converted guard, the addition of another center could allow him to compete at both positions while being a viable reserve at either spot.

As Miami may look to mix and match offensive lines through the offseason and into training camp, the only other potential center option appears to be guard Connor Williams, who came over from the Cowboys in free agency. While only playing guard in the NFL — and mostly left guard, at that — he said he has previous snapping experience.

Aside from Williams, undrafted free agent signing Ty Clary out of Arkansas could play center, but he would appear to be a longshot solution. Robert Jones, who made last year’s active roster as an undrafted rookie, practices snapping on his own, according to a league source, but a move there doesn’t seem to be in the plans after a rookie season where he was a solid backup guard and started at right tackle in the finale.

The Dolphins could always add another pass rusher or edge defender. Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is still available after the 29-year-old saw a resurgence in 2021 with nine sacks for the Browns. Former Deerfield Beach High standout Jason Pierre-Paul, also a three-time Pro Bowl pick at 33, is out there as a free agent.

Another former Pro Bowler, Carlos Dunlap, has been in communication with the Dolphins, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has also linked defensive lineman Akiem Hicks to talks with the team.

Melvin Ingram has visited the Dolphins earlier this offseason, as has inside linebacker Reuben Foster, who hasn’t played since 2018.

While another linebacker could still be possible, it seems less likely now that the Dolphins used their top 2022 draft pick on Georgia’s Channing Tindall. Longtime New England Patriot Dont’a Hightower is available, should he pique the interest of defensive coordinator Josh Boyer.

Have a question?

Email David Furones, or tag @OmarKelly or @DavidFurones_ on Twitter.