The Miami Dolphins season went from bad to worse after star edge rusher Jaelan Phillips suffered a season-ending knee injury, and they could look to free agent Rasheem Green to fill the void. Arguably the best pass rusher left on the open market, the USC product isn’t a 1:1 replacement for Phillips but could be an ideal fix for a defensive line that needs more playmakers. A third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Green primarily aligns at defensive tackle but has the versatility to line up on the edge when required.
Entering Week 5 with an underwhelming 1-3 record, there is a chance the Dolphins decide to roll with the players already on the roster. With the offense struggling to move the ball without Tua Tagovailoa, Miami could embrace the tank and try again in 2025. However, if they try to salvage this season, they might fight a few teams for Rasheem Green. Even though the USC product does not currently have a team, nobody should be surprised if the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens try to sign him before the Dolphins can.
Saints, Ravens Could Beat Dolphins To Rasheem Green Signing
The New Orleans Saints are probably the best 2-2 team in the NFL. After crushing the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys to start the season, the Saints dropped consecutive close losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, respectively. Even though they are not currently atop the NFC South, this team could easily be 4-0 and has every reason to believe they can compete for a title. The Saints have a strong defensive line, but Rasheem Green could improve the unit as New Orleans tries to make the playoffs for the first time in the post-Drew Brees Era.
2023 first-round pick Bryan Bresee is one of the most controversial players on the team, as opinions of him vary dramatically depending on who you ask. On the one hand, the Clemson product has three sacks through four games, which is obviously a good thing. On the other hand, his 36.7 PFF grade ranks 116th out of 124 eligible players, and he’s an active liability against the run. While Bresee can be an effective pass rusher, he probably shouldn’t be a three-down player at this stage in his career. Signing someone like Rasheem Green should improve the interior run defense while allowing Bresee to stay fresh and play a more natural role as a pass rusher.
More Interior Help For Baltimore
Speaking of talented 2-2 teams, the Baltimore Ravens erased all doubt about their 0-2 start with convincing victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills. This team remains one of the NFL’s elite rosters, but there is no such thing as a perfect team. The Ravens lost several key players in free agency, including star pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney. While edge defender Kyle Van Noy continues to defy Father Time, the Ravens could use another pass-rushing threat like Rasheem Green.
The Baltimore Ravens spent big to retain homegrown defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, and he’s rewarded that investment with 0.5 sacks through four games. Sacks aren’t the be-all, end-all for defensive tackles, but the Ravens thought they’d get more consistent production from the $98 million man. Rasheem Green cannot match Madubuike’s level of play, but he could form a more complete defensive tackle rotation to make everyone fresher and stronger when they are on the field.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
