The Miami Dolphins are struggling to a 1-3 start. They became the first NFL team to make a coaching change by firing Joe Philbin and promoting tight ends coach Dan Campbell to interim head coach.
Miami needs help in a lot of areas. Should the Dolphins consider a trade to help their roster?
With the NFL trade deadline coming on Oct. 20, here are several options for Miami:
No. 1: WR Rishard Matthews
2015 stats: 17 receptions, 278 yards, three touchdowns
Analysis: Matthews is one of the few feel-good stories for Miami this season. A former seventh-round draft pick, Matthews has been passed by and overlooked the past three seasons. Matthews was upset after the Dolphins acquired receivers Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings and first-round pick DeVante Parker in the offseason and wanted a trade or release. However, Miami held onto Matthews and he won the starting job in training camp and now he’s leading the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Matthews will be an unrestricted free agent in 2016 looking for a nice raise and that probably won’t happen in Miami. With Parker expected to get more reps, the Dolphins may be able to trade Matthews and get some help at other areas such as guard or linebacker.
No. 2: DE Olivier Vernon
2015 stats: Four tackles
Analysis: Vernon was expected to have a big season for the Dolphins. First, the addition of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh could take the pressure off Vernon and present more one-on-one matchups. Second, Vernon is entering a contract year and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2016. But Vernon is off to a slow start so far. He has just four tackles, zero sacks and isn’t winning a majority of his one-on-one matchups. Vernon is a solid player who may benefit from a change of scenery. The Dolphins also have plenty of backups in Terrence Fede and Derrick Shelby who are capable of starting if Vernon has quality trade value.
No. 3: DT Earl Mitchell
2015 stats: Nine tackles
Analysis: Similar to defensive end, the Dolphins have plenty of depth at defensive tackle. Mitchell is a starter entering the second year of a four-year, $16 million contract and teams may need help at his position, while Miami needs help in other areas. The Dolphins have both a veteran option in C.J. Mosley and a rookie option in second-round pick Jordan Phillips as potential replacements. However, Mitchell is dealing with a back injury and that could halt any interest.
