The Miami Dolphins are on the verge of making a massive push at the end of the season to finish as high as possible in the AFC. With three games against bad teams and three games against good teams, there are plenty of opportunities to gain some ground and momentum.

One thing that pulled away from that momentum was the loss of starting pass rusher Jaelan Phillips. Phillips was playing at the highest level of his career and was helping make Miami's defense one of the scariest in the league, but he is now out for the rest of the season.

While already having a decent backup to step into that role, the Dolphins decided to go out and sign future Hall of Famer Jason Pierre-Paul to keep the defense at the highest-possible level. Here is what Miami can expect with the Super Bowl champion in their rotation.

When it is all said and done, JPP likely has one of the strongest cases for an underrated Hall of Fame career amongst active players.

JPP is eighth in career sacks amongst active players, has won two Super Bowls, was an All-Pro in 2011, and was selected for three Pro Bowls. A few more individual accolades would probably help, but the overall framework is there for Pierre-Paul to make a very compelling case for the most exclusive club in the sport.

So, what player are the Dolphins actually getting out of this deal?

JPP may not still be at his physical peak, but its not like this is just an obscure depth signing to merely serve as a locker room presence. The veteran pass rusher has generally been healthy and productive at every stop in his career. That shouldn't change with the Dolphins.

Pierre-Paul likely won't come in and start, and you should probably count on needing some time for his snaps to ramp up, but he will be able to start making an impact in the first few games.

This impact will go beyond simple sacks and other stats. In truth, JPP is going to show up the most by helping to tire out opposing offensive linemen and bringing some versatility to the defensive front. JPP has taken reps at end, outside linebacker, and on the interior of the defensive line all within the past two years. He will get the chance to do that again with the Dolphins, and that versatility is going to open up a lot of options and new looks on defense.

The days of getting seven or eight sacks in a depth role are probably gone, but JPP should be more than up to the task of being an excellent third guy for Miami with fringe #2 upside.

What a great signing for the Dolphins.

Dolphins have new important claim heading into Week 12

Can you really dispute it?