Mitchell
Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Randy Starks sat out Dolphins minicamp last year in protest of receiving the team’s 1-year $8.45 million franchise tag instead of getting a long term deal.
Starks had reason to be upset. On Wednesday, he unexpectedly re-signed with the Dolphins, but for two years and a total of $12 million. His guaranteed amount wasn’t immediately known, but if it’s anything like Miami’s offer that defensive tackle Paul Soliai turned down on Tuesday, Starks’ deal is only guaranteed for a season.
“It could be worse. I could be on the street,” Starks said. “But for the most part I’m glad to be back.”
Starks return solidifies Miami’s defensive line. While former Pro Bowl tackle Paul Soliai left the Dolphins for a $33 million ($14 million guaranteed) with Atlanta, Miami replaced him Earl Mitchell, a younger and relatively unknown defensive tackle from Houston.
Mitchell is expected to fill Soliai’s role and Odrick will most likely continue his role as a pass rusher off the bench who receives plenty of snaps.
Despite not being a starter for most of the 2013 season, Odrick averaged 54.6 snaps per game while Starks had 46.4 and Soliai — who battled an ankle injury — received 35.1 snaps per game.
Mitchell, 26, was Houston’s nose tackle but played in a 3-4 defense and received regular double teams. He averaged 34.6 snaps per game with the Texans last year.
Mitchell said he’s looking forward to playing in a 4-3 scheme where he will receive more single coverage and have more ability to pass rush.
“It’s definitely going to be nice,” Mitchell said. “Playing in a 3-4 you have a lot of ability to get double teamed more than you would in a 4-3.
“I imagine I’m going to be doing a lot of the things I did in Houston — just playing a lot of the shade. I’m sure we’ll work that out once training camp starts and once we get the rotation and learn the scheme.”
Mitchell said San Diego was the only other team he considered.
Hickey said that new offensive line coach John Benton, who had the same job in Houston, helped sell Mitchell to the Dolphins. Benton’s unit had to go up against Mitchell in practice and Hickey praised Mitchell’s passion and love for football.
While the Dolphins are set at defensive tackle, they still have plenty of holes to fill in free agency.
Left tackle Branden Albert was the team’s prized free agent acqusition, but Miami still needs a right tackle and two guards.
The Dolphins also need a starting cornerback although according to a source the team will likely give last year’s second-round pick Jamar Taylor a chance at the starting job. Taylor had injuries early in the season and appeared in just three games.
Miami would likely sign a veteran cornerback to compete with Taylor. Dimitri Patterson, who was waived by the Dolphins, could possibly come back at a reduced salary.
The Dolphins also might look to add depth at linebacker and upgrade at running back.
