With the offseason free agency period approaching, it is only a matter of time before offseason free agent rumors arrive in full force. Having one of the biggest salary cap spaces of any team this offseason, the Miami Dolphins will have plenty of money to spend this offseason.

With some deadweight cuts this offseason likely on the way, the Miami Dolphins will have plenty of cash to spend following the re-signing period. Likely having around $30-35 million to spend in free agency, the Dolphins could pursue a big name or two.

Looking at three players in this list, here are some options that the Miami Dolphins should consider when they enter free agency this spring.

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Wallace Gilberry — Defensive End

A veteran defensive end from the Cincinnati Bengals, Wallace Gilberry is a player that Miami could convince to join their roster this offseason. With Mario Williams on the cutting block already and Jason Jones also gone, Miami will need someone capable of relieving Cameron Wake and Andre Branch on select plays.

While the two are becoming an extremely tough tandem — with Wake likely nearing the end of his career — Gilberry would present a solid backup plan on the cheap. While not a long term backup for Wake and Branch, his signing would give the team time to evaluate their options.

Never having been a real starter, Gilberry should relish in the chance to join Miami and play with a team that should make the playoffs next season.

Jake Long — Offensive Tackle

The former number one overall pick of the Miami Dolphins, a reunion of sorts could be on the way for both sides. Given Long’s injury history and his issues actually getting on the field, Long could be a perfect choice for a backup tackle in Miami.

Should the team part ways with Branden Albert this offseason and move Laremy Tunsil to left tackle — something I think the team should do — then Long would be a good choice to add for depth. Capable of playing the left tackle position, Long could replace either Tunsil or James when one goes down and play at a pretty solid level.

With offensive line depth being on of the Miami Dolphins biggest deficiencies this past season, the team will need to find some capable offensive line players this offseason. Leading that list should be former Dolphin Jake Long.

Melvin Ingram — Outside Linebacker

One of the weakest areas of the Miami Dolphins roster this past season, the linebacker corps needs some serious upgrading this offseason. With Kiko Alonso potentially moving to one of the outside linebacker spots and a middle linebacker being lined up for the first round of the draft, signing Melvin Ingram would solidify a talented group.

Recording 18.5 sacks over the last two season with the Chargers, Ingram could be hitting the free agent market this offseason. If he does, look for him to be one of the league’s most pursued players.

With the Miami Dolphins already possessing a young and talented roster, Ingram could be convinced to join a playoff ready Miami Dolphins team. With Ingram in the linebacking corps and some other additions, the Miami Dolphins could even be ready to give the Patriots a run for their money in the AFC East.

READ MORE: Miami needs to target offensive line depth during free agency

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