Reshad Jones is just two years removed from an extension he signed with Miami back in 2014. That hasn’t stopped him, however, from requesting a new contract and he’s apparently willing to sit out Miami’s mandatory minicamp to get one. With still two years left on the deal and Jones due $7.2 million this season and $7.1 million in the next, the Dolphins are not yet ready to pay Jones the extra money that he wants. He’s already one of the highest paid safeties and the highest paid strong safety in the NFL. He should go prove it on the field to earn that raise he wants. I’m assuming he feels like he should be paid more.
The Dolphins would like nothing more than for Jones to return to the team and participate in minicamp but Jones has hinted he’s willing to sit out the season to get what he wants. Not willing to budge from their current situation, the Dolphins are looking at two free agents to potentially replace Jones in 2016. Those free agents are Antrel Rolle and Louis Delmas, two players very familiar with playing in South Florida.
Rolle is a three-time Pro Bowler but at the age of 33 is coming towards the end of his career. In his seven games as a Bear, he recorded 35 tackles, no interceptions, and a pass deflection. PFF ranked him 39th out of 89 qualifying players in 2015. Rolle has been linked to the Dolphins in the past during free agency and, of course, Miami would have preferred Rolle while in his younger days but he could still help out in the Dolphins young secondary.
Louis Delmas have played for the Dolphins for the last 3 seasons but injuries have cost him dearly. He do spend time with the Dolphins even tho he is on the sidelines every play. He was willing to teach the young secondary what to do while he was hurt. The Dolphins shouldn’t consider Delmas as an option because of those injuries. I prefer Rolle over Delmas.
Jones may be was looking at the Harrison Smith deal he got. However, Jones would be wise to be more patient. Smith will not be the highest paid safety for long and Jones has the opportunity to add another Pro Bowl appearance to his resume in 2016 that would only increase his value and his raise.
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