INDIANAPOLIS - What happens with Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon over the next two weeks could greatly affect the Giants and a handful of other teams desperately trying to land a free-agent pass rusher. Teams are watching closely.



Vernon, 25, is set to become a free agent next month, but there have been talks of the Dolphins designating him their franchise player. Miami is now indicating at the NFL Scouting Combine that they may franchise, then trade, the young pass rusher, multiple league sources with knowledge of the situation told NJ Advance Media.

The Dolphins said publicly this week they were "trying to get something done" with Vernon, who had 7.5 sacks in 2015. With fellow defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake already on the books, it may be difficult.



Trying to trade a franchised player would also not be easy. it would put an extra wrinkle in the equation. The franchise number for a defensive end is expected to be north of $15 million this year.



Vernon's availability will have a trick-down effect either way, with direct relation to the Giants. Jason Pierre-Paul and Robert Ayers are two of the other top pass rushers set to hit the free-agent market. The Giants are interested in re-signing both ... at the right price.



The markets for Ayers and Pierre-Paul are expected to be strong. Teams need pass rushers, and Ayers' 9.5 sacks last year will likely be the most of any player to hit the market.



Pierre-Paul, despite the limitations from a Fourth of July weekend fireworks accident in South Florida that cost him his right index finger, still managed to produce 41 pressures over the final nine weeks of the season, according to Pro Football Focus. That was fifth-most of all players.



The top free-agent pass rushers (Denver's Von Miller and the Jets' Muhammad Wilkerson) are not expected to reach the free-agent market this offseason. They'll either agree to a long-term deal or be franchised by their respective teams.



Some of the top free-agent pass rushers expected to hit the market include Ayers, Pierre-Paul, Chris Long, Tamba Hali, Williams Hayes, Derrick Shelby and Greg Hardy. Mario Williams is also expected to be released by the Bills.

Vernon could be the wild card, whether he's available via trade or as a free agent. Or not at all.



The rest of the NFL is watching the Dolphins closely.



Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.