INDIANAPOLIS — Coach Tony Sparano says the Miami Dolphins won't use the franchise tag on a player, which will mean one more hole to fill when free agency begins next week.

Set to become unrestricted free agents Feb. 27 are tackle Vernon Carey, linebacker Channing Crowder, cornerback Andre Goodman and safeties Yeremiah Bell and Renaldo Hill. It's possible not all will depart — the Dolphins are negotiating with several, including Carey.

Sparano met with reporters for 20 minutes today at the NFL Scouting Combine and said the Dolphins won't use the franchise tag.

"No. Nothing to talk about," he said.

In his first year as coach, Sparano led the Dolphins to an 11-5 regular-season record and the AFC East title one year after they went 1-15. He said he hopes the turnaround will help when Miami begins courting free agents.

"I hope that's a little bit easier, but everybody has something great to offer out there," Sparano said. "The players have options and we have options and all of those good things.

"I would think when you're coming off a 1-15 and now you're 11-5, when you start to turn the corner — and we're not there yet — and change the culture, that that's attractive to free agents. I think the players on our team right now probably have a pretty good message for potential free agents that might be out there."

Sparano said the Dolphins' plan under Bill Parcells is to build through the draft with an occasional dip into the free-agent market.

"It starts with the free agents, of course," Sparano said. "That's the phase we're in right now, or we're closest to. We're not going to be able to address all of our needs from a free-agent standpoint. That really isn't our philosophy. It never has been. Our philosophy is plain and simple. We want to build it through the draft."

That's where the NFL Combine comes in, with potential draftees on display for a week.

"You try to build it through the draft with as many pieces as you can," Sparano said. "We need a lot of players."

The Parcells regime brought in 29 new players in 2008. The turnover likely won't be as dramatic this offseason, but there will be no standing pat.

The offensive line is a work in progress. The defensive line and pass rush also need an upgrade. The thinnest area is receiver, with Miami's wideouts totaling only five touchdowns last year.

Sparano said the Dolphins were watching with interest the progress of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, the 2007 NFL most valuable player. He missed the final 15 games last season with a knee injury.

"We pay attention to it," Sparano said. "To get to where you want to be, it starts in your division. You better know everything about your division."