It’s a good thing the NFL draft is deep in defensive ends and edge rushers, because the list of appealing free agents keeps shrinking for the Dolphins and other teams who are looking to upgrade their front seven.
The Giants’ Jason Pierre Paul, San Diego’s Melvin Ingram and Arizona’s Chandler Jones are off the market after being given franchise tags this week. And Carolina gave a three-year, $22.5 million contract to defensive end Mario Addison, who had 9.5 sacks last season.
The upshot is that Andre Branch is poised to cash in after collecting 49 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and injecting energy in a Dolphins defense after becoming a full-time starter in Game 6.