Live blog: Miami Dolphins sign unrestricted free agents
The Dolphins began signing undrafted rookies after the draft, beginning with Mississippi defensive tackle Benito Jones, according to NFL Network.
▪ Last season, Jones garnered second-team All-SEC honors after leading the Rebels with 10 tackles for loss (including 5.5 sacks) among his 30 total tackles in 12 games (10 starts).
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said: “When the tape is on, it’s impossible not to notice Jones making things tough for SEC offensive linemen. He possesses average power at the point of attack but can really be disruptive when he’s actively attacking the gaps.
“He may have issues with contact balance and anchor against NFL double-teams, so scheme fit might matter. He’s an even-front shade nose who can step into an early rotational role, but has the potential to become a future starter with adequate rush potential to boot.”
▪ According to agent Brett Tessler, the Dolphins also signed South Carolina guard/center Donnell Stanley, a team captain who appeared in 50 games and made 38 starts, including 23 at center, 11 at left guard and four at right guard.
▪ Middle Tennessee State defensive end Tyshun Render agreed to terms with the Dolphins, per a source.
Last season, he had 49 tackles (10 for loss) and 3.5 sacks, along with an interception, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. The 6-4, 256-pound defensive end has 19.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in his career.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick skipped part of the NFL Combine to work out Render on his college campus on a rainy day seven weeks ago.
▪ Kansas State offensive lineman Nick Kaltmayer also agreed to a deal with the Dolphins, per a source. The 6-8, 311-pounder was a backup his first two seasons and then started all 13 games at right tackle and was named Honorable Mention All-Big 12 last season.
▪ Bryce Sterk, an All American defensive end at Montana State (FCS), is signing with the Dolphins as a tight end, per a source.
He hasn’t played tight end since high school in Washington state. The Dolphins decided the 6-5, 266 pounder is worth a look at tight end.
He began his career at Washington, then transferred after two years to Montana State. In 2018, Sterk led the Big Sky with 8.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss as a linebacker/defensive lineman hybrid.
He moved to defensive end as a senior, and his 15 sacks tied for the lead in the FCS.
▪ Per sources, the Dolphins agreed to terms with Iowa State 305-pound defensive lineman Ray Lima, who had 10.5 career tackles for loss. Last season, he had 28 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and the only half sack of his career.
▪ According to a source, the Dolphins agreed to terms with Arkansas State receiver Kirk Merritt, who had 70 catches for 806 yards and 12 TDs last season. He had offers from 14 teams.
The 6-0 Merritt began his career at Oregon in 2015, where he caught five passes for 61 yards. Then he transferred to Texas A&M, where he was dismissed after being charged with indecent exposure.
According to judicial records, Merritt exposed his genitals to two athletic department tutors on consecutive days in October 2016.
Merritt’s attorney cited a “bad case of jock itch” as Merritt’s defense, according to the Houston Chronicle. One of the accusers disputed that defense in an interview with the Dallas Morning News.
The court required that Merritt write apology letters to the victims, according to the judicial records. He received two years of community supervision, a $500 fine and 40 hours of community service, according to court documents from Brazos County (Texas) judicial records.
He then enrolled at East Mississippi Community College -- the subject of two seasons of the Netflix documentary series Last Chance U -- for the 2017 season.
Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson told local reporters at the time that he and university leadership were involved in the decision to accept Merritt into Arkansas State before the 2018 season, and that he was vetted “very thoroughly.”
He thrived at Arkansas State, where he caught 83 passes for 1005 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018 and then had another strong season last year.
He can play slot and boundary and return kicks. Merritt averaged 25.3 yards on 27 career kick returns (nearly all of those at Arkansas State) and had one TD on a return.
“The Dolphins just picked up an absolute monster,” Anderson tweeted Saturday night.
▪ Division II McKendree University announced Saturday night that the Dolphins have signed wide receiver Matt Cole, who had 43 catches for 939 yards and 12 TDs last season and excelled as a returner.
He averaged 35.4 yards on kick returns in 2018 and 27.2 on kick returns last season. He also averaged an incredible 26 yards on punt returns last season.
The 5-9, 197-pound Cole impressed as a guest participant at Northwestern’s pro day on March 10, running a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash and posting a 37.5-inch vertical jump. He wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine.
Athlon rated him the 47th best receiver prospect in this draft class and one of only two non-Division I players on their list of top 60 receivers. He began his career as a gymnast in Chicago.
With these eight players, the Dolphins own the rights to 91 players, with teams able to carry 90 signed players in the offseason. None of Miami’s 11 draft picks have signed.
Last year, the Dolphins found a few undrafted gems in free agency, led by receiver Preston Williams and cornerback Nik Needham.
Please check back for more signings.
Two quick post-draft UM signings: The Pittsburgh Steelers added cornerback Trajan Bandy, and the Los Angeles Chargers snagged striker Romeo Finley.
MALCOLM PERRY REACTION
The Navy quarterback/running back/receiver, selected by the Dolphins in the seventh round, projects as a multi-purpose threat if he makes the Dolphins.
It’s notable that Dolphins are listing him as a running back and not as a wide receiver or quarterback. We will see what coaches ultimately do with him once they get their hands on him.
As Simon Clancy noted, Perry had more 10-plus yard runs than anyone else in college football last season with 65.
Zierlien said he’s tough and smart but “undersized, moving to a new position [receiver] and lacks explosive twitch as a route-runner. With play-callers becoming more creative, Perry’s production in option packages could open a lane for him as offenses love to create additional game-planning duties for defensive coordinators.”
NFL Net’s Daniel Jeremiah said Navy “tried to move him around to different positions. Third down back will be his best opportunity. When you get the ball in his hands, good things are going to happen.”
Here’s feedback on Miami’s selection of Jason Strowbridge and Curtis Weaver.
Here’s my piece on the Dolphins’ trade for running back Matt Breida.
Here’s my piece on the Dolphins’ selection of Solomon Kindley.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on the Dolphins’ selection of Brandon Jones.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Raekwon Davis.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Robert Hunt.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Noah Igbinoghene.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Tua Tagovailoa.
Here’s my piece with league reaction on Miami’s selection of Austin Jackson.
This story was originally published April 25, 2020 at 7:10 PM.
