The Miami Dolphins made a big splash on the first day of free agency (I know, it's been a long day of checking my phone to make sure the Patriots still hadn't done anything).

The Dolphins immediately chewed into their $31 million of cap space by signing wide receiver Mike Wallace, as expected. Wallace's deal was reported as being a five-year, $65 million pact. Miami followed that up by swiping linebacker Dannell Ellerbe from the Ravens, signing the promising and versatile Ellerbe to reported five-year, $35 million deal.

The Dolphins are also said to be in the market for pass-catching tight end Jared Cook. Miami has released linebacker Karlos Dansby and is moving on from Reggie Bush who is attracting interest on the free agent market.

Miami finished 7-9 last season and played better as the season wore on and rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill progressed. The Dolphins are clearly the only one of the AFC East also-rans that appears to be headed in the right direction toward challenging the Patriots.