Miami Dolphins News: John Abraham, Zach Ertz

The Miami Dolphins seem to be interested in adding another defensive end into the rotation, and John Abraham would be a solid addition to this Dolphins defense. Abraham has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the NFL, and his age shouldn’t scare any potential suitors away. What is scaring some teams is his price tag, and it sounds like that was the reason for the New England Patriots not taking Abraham off the board sooner in free agency. There was plenty of mutual interest there, but many believe that Abraham’s price tag is too high. That price tag is due to come down now that Abraham hasn’t been receiving as much interest on the free agent market, and it sounds like the Dolphins are just waiting for this to happen.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins are still interested in snagging a defensive end in free agency, and John Abraham has not been ruled out as an option there. However, they “have not pursued him recently after initial conversations.” I expect interest from the Dolphins to increase when Abraham lowers his asking price, and I think that’s going to happen sooner rather than later.

Although the Miami Dolphins signed Dustin Keller this offseason, the ‘Fins could be looking for a long-term solution at tight end in the form of a rookie in this year’s crop of TEs. The duo of Tyler Eifert and Zach Ertz is an exceptional one, with Eifert being the top TE in the class and Ertz a more than respectable second.

The Herald also reports (same link above) that the Dolphins “really like” Ertz and “appreciate” Eifert. Ertz isn’t much of a blocker and isn’t strong enough to make an impact as a run blocker, but the Dolphins likely want a great pure pass-catching tight end. Keller is a solid pass-catching TE, but his deal in Miami only lasts one year. The ‘Fins would prefer to have a long-term solution to that issue. Although Eifert and Ertz are both big reaches in the first round, Ertz could still be available in the second round for the Dolphins. If he is, then I could see them snapping up Ertz and getting a solid return out of it in the long run.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.