This is Part V of an ongoing look at Miami's options in free agency. For the previous installments, see:
Part I: Quarterbacks
Part II: Running backs
Part III: Wide Receivers
Part IV: Tight Ends
The Current Situation
Miami's offensive line started off the 2007 season surprisingly strong, but it faded a bit down the stretch, ultimately ending the campaign as just an average unit.
That has as much to do with the revolving door going on at the quarterback and running back positions late in the year as it does with the actual play of the line, but there still remains ample room for improvement.
There are really only two players currently on the team guaranteed to start next season— T Vernon Carey and C Samson Satele. Everyone else is a question mark. That means the Dolphins are going to look long and hard at their options along the line in free agency and see if they can't bring in a new starter or two.
Free Agents
1. G Rex Hadnot
Why Miami hasn't made any efforts to resign this guy is beyond me.
Hadnot has started all 32 games over the past two seasons in Miami, and has proven to be the team's best pulling guard. His versatility to play both center and guard is an added bonus. He is still very young (25) and seems to have the size that Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland covet.
I think it's of the utmost importance for teams to retain the top talent that has been cultivated in their system, and it will be disappointing to see Hadnot simply leave without even making an attempt to hold on to him.
2. G Alan Faneca
Faneca is an interesting option for Miami. He's probably going to get the biggest contract of any offensive lineman in this free agent class, and it scares me a bit to hand out a massive contract to a 31-year-old.
I didn't want Miami to bring in any free agent over 30 years old, but I think Faneca could be an exception. I could see him still being able to contribute at a high level three years from now. I'm not completely sold that he will remain a top-tier player for that long, but it's possible.
Also, while Faneca is as durable as they come, having missed only one game over the past eight seasons, there are some red flags in the amount of sacks he gives up. He allowed more than six sacks last season, and that number has been steadily increasing since 2005.
This is a tough call for Miami to make, as he is one of the best linemen in the NFL. Ultimately, I'm just too leery about handing out such a large contract to an older player with a penchant for giving up sacks.
3. G Jake Scott
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