Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Dolphins still very much in market for veteran tackle

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Miami Dolphins didn't address offensive tackle in their free agency splurge and opted to veer from the position in the first couple rounds of the draft despite the significant void left by Jake Long's departure. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

Their search, however, hasn't ended.

According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Dolphins are hosting former Atlanta Falcons tackle Tyson Clabo Tuesday, a day after courting ex-Baltimore Raven Bryant McKinnie.

Clabo is widely considered the best available free agent right tackle.

Miami lost Long, a former All-Pro left tackle, to free agency, and it has yet to solidify his replacement. As of now, its best option is second-year tackle Jonathan Martin, who started last season on the right side but slid all the way left when Long went down to injury.

The Dolphins would prefer Martin at right tackle, as they've tinkered with the idea of acquiring free agent Eric Winston and Kansas City Chiefs' Branden Albert. Miami also drafted Tennessee tackle Dallas Thomas in the third round.

Clabo has 90 starts in six seasons with the Falcons and was ProFootballFocus's 14-rated tackle last year.

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