The future of the Miami Dolphins' defensive tackle tandem of Randy Starks and Paul Soliai is up in the air with both players set to hit the free-agent market in 2014.
The Dolphins are expected to choose between the two for a long-term contract. Soliai's agent, David Canter, told The Palm Beach Post on Tuesday that he expects the Dolphins to approach his client with a new offer during training camp next month.
"I'm optimistic the team will come to us with a fair market deal to try to get it done," Canter said. "If not, we'll play it out."
Canter also is "very optimistic" about Soliai's chances of remaining with the Dolphins "for a long time."
Between Canter's comments and a report that Starks has rejected an offer that wasn't "remotely close" to his asking price, it seems the run-stuffing Soliai is higher on the Dolphins' priority list.
If Starks tests the market next offseason, the Dolphins then might move Jared Odrick inside while playing Olivier Vernon and No. 3 overall pick Dion Jordan at defensive end opposite Cameron Wake.
UPDATE: Those close to the situation told The Miami Herald on Wednesday that a long-term contract for Soliai is not expected to happen soon. Per The Herald, Soliai has no plans to hold out of training camp.
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