Time will tell. Perhaps Vernon, on the lighter side for a defensive end, was not perceived as a fit in Miami's defense run by new coordinator Vance Joseph even if Joseph is expected to keep a version of the 4-3 scheme that Vernon shined in over the past three years. Perhaps the Dolphins knew they would not be able to afford Vernon anyway once they saw the market developing around the defensive end. If it's the latter, it would be a shame to see a team lose quality young talent at the expense of balky free agent deals.