Dolphins projected to lead NFL in 2022 cap space. Here are 20 possible targets

The Dolphins are projected to have $75 million in cap space entering the 2022 season, according to Spotrac.

No NFL team is project to have more. No team.

It is likely the Dolphins will explore signing edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah and tight end Mike Gesicki to new deals. Or, they could franchise or transition tag one of them.

Ogbah is projected at 3 years, $35 million by Spotrac, a very reasonable suggestion.

Gesicki is projected at 4 years, $44 million, which is also a reasonable suggestion.

But each of those players may very well command more on an open market. And a franchise tag seems like an attractive club alternative, especially for Gesicki.

The Dolphins spent frugally in 2021 free agency, landing solid value deals with players such as Adam Butler, Jacoby Brissett, Justin Coleman, Mack Hollins and Duke Riley.

The one player Miami splurged on, wide receiver Will Fuller, has been a major disappointment. Fuller was signed for 1-year, $10.6 million. But he's played only two games, due to suspension, personal reasons and injury.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier would almost always rather add two or three good players in free agency as opposed to one perceived star player with a contract well outside the bounds of their targeted value.

If the Dolphins were to trade for an established veteran quarterback in the offseason, they could obviously have far less to spend.

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In 2020, Miami had money to spend and it regretted in buyers' remorse.

Signing Ogbah to a 2-year, $15 million deal was genius. The rest? Eh.

Cornerback Byron Jones' 5-year, $82.5 million contract is debatable. Jones is a good to very good player. But was $16.5 million a season out of bounds?

Jones' contract also contributed some angst to Xavien Howards' situation, as he demanded and was granted, some tweaking to his long-term deal.

That said, Jones is a quality player.

After only one season, Miami shedded linebacker Kyle Van Noy, defensive end Shaq Lawson, guard Ereck Flowers and running back Jordan Howard.

Miami felt it had paid those players too much. Because Van Noy and Flowers have played fairly well in New England and Washington, respectively, it can be debated if they should have been let go.

Anyhow, the lesson here is that Miami will likely try to spread its spending around. But, and this is a big but — the Dolphins may have no choice but to address glaring needs on the offensive line, and perhaps at wide receiver, running back or middle linebacker.

And, they could always sign an elite cornerback and trade Howard, who not long ago did request a trade.

With all that in mind, here are 20 pending free agents who should pique some interest for Miami this offseason. Free agency begins March 16:

1. LT Terron Armstead, NO — Stabile, veteran OT.

2. WR Chris Godwin, TB — Elite target.

3. LT/RT Orlando Brown, KC — Young, reliable OT.

4. RT Trent Brown, NE — At his best, power, nastiness.

5. RB James Connor, ARI — Young, powerful runner.

6. RT Morgan Moses, NYJ — Solid. Dependable.

7. WR Mike Williams, LAC — Could free up DeVante Parker deal.

8. RB Leonard Fournette, TB — Power back.

9. CB Stephon Gilmore, CAR — If X is traded.

10. CB J.C. Jackson, NE — See previous note.

11. WR DJ Chark, JAX — Speed and size.

12. Edge Jadeveon Clowney, CLE — Once met with Dolphins leadership.

13. TE David Njoku, CLE — If Gesicki moves on; former 'Cane.

14. LT Cam Robinson, JAX — Inconsistent but athletic, improving.

15. LT Charles Leno WAS — Capable, solid veteran. (UPDATE: Signed with WAS)

16. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT — Shifty, complementary WR.

17. Edge Derek Barnett, PHI — Solid against run, or perhaps Titans' Harold Landry.

18. LB Dont'a Hightower NE — Veteran add, or perhaps Jets' LB Jarrad Davis.

19. WR Christian Kirk, ARI — Speed, versatility.

20. TE O.J. Howard, TB — Former Tide standout needs fresh start.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins 2022 free agency targets with $75 million in cap space