Written by Chad Hahn
The Miami Dolphins have acquired cornerback Aqib Talib and a 5th round draft pick in 2020 from the Los Angeles Rams for a 2022 7th round draft pick.
The Rams put Talib on IR earlier this month, citing a rib injury suffered in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. Talib could return by Week 15, although it remains uncertain whether he will play again this season.
By trading Talib, the Rams clear up salary-cap space to possibly sign newly acquired star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to a long-term contract extension.
For the Dolphins, this move was essential to buy a draft pick, as Talib is currently on injured reserve. The Rams were looking to dump Talib's salary; there is approximately $4.2 million left on his deal. Talib will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier alluded on Sunday to a willingness to make this sort of move. One of the biggest priorities of the Dolphins' rebuild is collecting draft picks to add talent in the 2020 and 2021 drafts.
The main priority here for Miami is the draft pick. The Dolphins made a similar move over the summer, trading quarterback Ryan Tannehill and a sixth-round pick to Tennessee for a fourth-round pick while paying a portion of Tannehill's contract -- essentially buying a pick.
If Talib does end up playing for Miami in Week 15 or later, it will be a good opportunity for coach Brian Flores to see whether the veteran cornerback would be worth re-signing after the season. The Dolphins play a heavy man-to-man scheme, which is Talib's biggest strength, and he could be an asset for star cornerback Xavien Howard, who has a similar style.
Flores has familiarity with Talib from when both were with the Patriots. Flores commented on Tuesday the following:
"I have some history with Aqib. I think he's a really good player," Flores said Tuesday. "We had an opportunity to acquire him and some draft capital, so we felt like that was the best move for us."
The Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier is continuing his pursuit of draft picks to build the foundation of this franchise and is trying to build a dynasty not just a contender on a semi basis. The way he is doing it is definitely outside the box and is a very innovative way of building a franchise. It is dependent on hitting on those draft picks. We will see. Getting there is half the battle.