If the Miami Dolphins’ start to free agency in 2021 feels underwhelming and subdued, blame it on the team’s spending spree from last offseason.
The Dolphins spent $147.2 million in guaranteed money on free agents last March, setting the NFL record, while sparking the second season of the Brian Flores era in Miami.
It’s a mark that will be challenged by the New England Patriots, who have already spent $144.3 million in guaranteed money this past week to sign new players.
It also provides a lesson for other teams to consider in the future — the previous five teams who spent more than $100 million in free agency barely saw their spending translate into relative success.