As the pivotal year approaches for Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins continue to capitalize on free agency by acquiring players who have concluded their contracts with the Tennessee Titans before the 2025 NFL season. On Sunday, Justin Melo, a Titans insider from The Draft Network, announced that punter Ryan Stonehouse is set to join the Dolphins.
This addition could significantly enhance McDaniel’s special teams. Stonehouse, now 25, impressed during his initial season with the Titans after going undrafted in 2022. That year, he topped the NFL in punting yards and secured spots on the second-team All-Pro and the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
The Colorado State alum maintained a 53.1-yard punting average from 2022 into 2023, though an injury to his non-kicking leg sidelined him for part of his sophomore NFL season. Stonehouse’s performance dipped slightly in 2024, averaging 50.6 yards per punt. In a challenging year for the Titans, he experienced two blocked punts for the first time in his career. Perhaps a change in scenery to Miami is just what he needs to regain form.
Stonehouse isn’t the only player transitioning from Tennessee to Miami this offseason. Earlier in the week, the Dolphins secured another ex-Titan by signing wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to a two-year, $6.5 million contract, with $3.2 million guaranteed. Initially undrafted in 2020, the Indiana graduate enjoyed a breakout season last year, achieving a personal best of nine receiving touchdowns. Undoubtedly, he could be a captivating addition for McDaniel and Tagovailoa.
With Stonehouse heading to Miami, the Dolphins are likely to release Jake Bailey. According to Mike Oliva from dolphinstalkcom, letting go of the punter could free up $1.975 million in cap space for Miami, while incurring $550,000 in dead money. Unlike Stonehouse, Bailey has never averaged 50 yards per punt in an NFL season.
This transition can also be attributed to Stonehouse’s rapport with the Dolphins’ new special teams coordinator. Craig Aukerman, who will join McDaniel’s staff for 2025, previously served as the Titans’ special teams coordinator from 2018 to 2023. He will now reunite with a familiar colleague to strive for excellence in his role.
