The Facts: Free agency begins in just one month, but the Dolphins have yet to re-sign any of their dozen players whose contracts will soon expire. Don’t mistake quiet for inactivity. Behind the scenes, the front office has discretely targeted at least two starters -- Hartline and Chris Clemons -- they hope to lock into contract extensions before the NFL’s new year begins on March 12.
Diehards Line:According to Adam H. Beasley, the club has had extensive discussions with Hartline and Clemons about a return in 2013, according to a league source. Hartline set career highs in catches (74) and yards (1,083) last year, while Clemons started every game for the first time as a pro. However, many of their fellow free agents have yet to receive nearly that level of attention. That includes OT Jake Long, Reggie Bush, Randy Starks, Sean Smith and Matt Moore. Each has expressed interest in staying with the Dolphins, but since they are now so close to a potential windfall in free agency, there might be little incentive to agree to a deal before then. That could change. With more than $45 million in salary cap space, the Dolphins have the firepower to bring back whomever they desire. They could also make serious runs at the available crop of unrestricted free agents like Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings and Dwayne Bowe among others.