Defensive tackles Benito Jones, Da’Shawn Hand expected to sign with Dolphins
The Dolphins continue adding players to the defensive tackle unit after losing Christian Wilkins to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Miami Dolphins are fortifying the trenches with the additions of defensive tackles Benito Jones and De’Shawn Hand. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Thursday that both players are expected to sign with the Dolphins.
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General manager Chris Grier is tasked with filling the void left by Christian Wilkins’ departure and has now signed five defensive tackles this offseason. Former Dallas Cowboys tackle Neville Gallimore’s expected signing was announced Wednesday, both Daviyon Nixon and Isaiah Mack signed earlier this month.
Jones and Hand are both familiar faces. Jones, 26, began his career with Miami in 2020. He started 15 games for the Detroit Lions last season, closing the year with 26 total tackles and a sack. Hand, 28, was selected by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2018 draft. He had six tackles and a sack in 16 games last season for Miami.
It’ll take a village for Miami to replace Wilkins, but at just a portion of the cost considering the four-year $110 million deal he signed with the Raiders.
Dolphins Add Second Tight End in Free Agency
The Miami Dolphins are adding a three-time Super Bowl winner to the tight end room with the hopes he could become a red zone weapon.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jody Fortson, who made it to the NFL as an undrafted college receiver out of Valdosta State, will be signing with the Dolphins according to his South Florida based agent the Katz Brothers.
Fortson’s one-year contract will guarantee him $425,000 of his $1.2 million salary, which features $200,000 in per game roster bonuses. He was paid a $25,000 signing bonus.
Fortson, 28, was not tendered a contract offer from the Chiefs during the available window for restricted free agents. That promptly made the 6-foot-4, 230 pound athlete an unrestricted free agent able to sign with any NFL club once the new league year began, and Miami was his choice.
Fortson is second tight end added
Fortson, who has pulled in 14 receptions for 155 yards and scored four touchdowns in the 19 NFL games he’s played, becomes the second tight end Miami has added this offseason.
