The Miami Dolphins could be following up one splashy offseason with another star-studded dive into free agency.
Already linked to left tackle Branden Albert, the Dolphins are expressing "real interest" in free-agent safety Jairus Byrd, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday, per a source informed of the team's plans.
Byrd is Around The League's No. 1 remaining free agent in our top 101 list. Stalwarts with his playmaking ability rarely hit the open market, and the 27-year-old is poised to make top dollar when free agency opens Tuesday.
The Dolphins seem to be looking to move on from free-agent safety Chris Clemons. The team hosted Louis Delmas earlier this offseason. Byrd would be a major upgrade over either player and would complete a solid defensive unit.
One big question will be the amount of dollars Miami can commit to Byrd, who turned down an offer from the Buffalo Bills that would have made him the highest-paid safety for part of the contract, according to Rapoport.
The Dolphins' new brass already has paid corner Brent Grimes and appears to be closing in on Albert. Adding Byrd's name to the list would be another high-priced, flashy move -- similar to how the old regime ended.
Rapoport added that the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Brownshave interest in signing Byrd, and that the St. Louis Rams contacted Byrd's agent earlier this weekend.Â
The latest "Around The League Podcast" picks the biggest free agent bargains and plays the revolutionary game: "Get my lunch."
