The Dolphins on Monday signed free agent cornerback Zack Bowman of Anchorage, a valuable role player for the Giants and Bears who might get a chance to start in Miami.
Bowman, a former Bartlett Golden Bear, visited with the team Monday and passed his physical. Terms of his deal were not immediately known.
Bowman, 30, has started just 16 games total the last five season, but has been effective when on the field.
Last year, he led the league in completion percentage against, allowing a catch just once every 18.6 snaps in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. By way of comparison, Brent Grimes surrendered a catch every 10.2. Bowman did have a tendency of getting beat deep, however. He allowed 19.3 yards per reception.
Bowman would presumably compete with Jamar Taylor to become the other boundary corner opposite Grimes. Brice McCain, who signed with the team early in free agency, would likely be the nickel in this scenario.
The Dolphins have made clear they want to add depth in their secondary; they have set up pre-draft meetings with top corner prospects Trae Waynes, Jalen Collins and Kevin Johnson. But by signing Bowman, it could free them up to target a receiver in the first round, filling perhaps the team's other top need.
Bowman, who played collegiately at Nebraska, was a fifth-round pick in 2008. He started a career-high 12 games in 2009.