The Miami Dolphins have been busy bees this offseason, reeling in a total of a dozen new free agents as of Friday morning, March 12. It’s like a shopping spree on a budget, but boy, they’ve managed to snag some potential gems without breaking the bank.
You see, the Dolphins stepped into free agency with a bit of a conundrum—a low roster count and tight cap space. That meant they had to be more strategic, scouting for value rather than splurging on the big-ticket items that their deep-pocketed peers like the Patriots and Bears could afford.
Their strategy? Bring in a crew of second-tier talents who might provide some serious bang for their buck.
So, let’s break down who made the list and what they could bring to the table:
- WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: This guy was a no-brainer pick for the top spot.
With his impressive stature and ability to produce nine touchdowns in 2024, he’s exactly what the Dolphins need. Plus, his blocking skills?
Spot-on. To nab him at a cap number of just $1.6 million for 2025 is practically highway robbery.
- S Ifeatu Melifonwu: Talk about a great gamble.
Melifonwu showcased some serious skills in the back half of 2023. For a modest cap hit of $2.6 million, the Dolphins can bask in the glory if this low-risk, high-reward signing pays off.
- G James Daniels: Daniels hosts the heftiest contract of the bunch.
If he can mirror his Steelers’ form before that Achilles hiccup, expect him to bolster the guard position. If not, well, the Dolphins have a sneaky little exit strategy for next offseason.
- RB Alexander Mattison: Here’s a savvy move.
They’re hoping Mattison becomes their go-to guy for short-yardage situations, securing him at the veteran minimum. Even if he cranks out just 150 yards over the season, this could still be a sweet deal if he performs in the clutch.
- S Ashtyn Davis: Though mainly a special teams ace with the Jets, Davis oozes potential. At the very least, he should stir things up in the kicking game.
- TE Pharaoh Brown: With concerns about the blocking game from last season, Brown was brought in to shore things up. A smart, under-the-radar acquisition.
- LB Willie Gay Jr.: This one’s a bit of a rollercoaster.
If they get the peak Willie Gay, he’ll be a force. But his inconsistency and not-so-great PFF ranking last season mean that this one’s a wait-and-see situation.
- QB Zach Wilson: Another bold swing for the fences. The Dolphins are banking on unlocking Wilson’s potential, but considering the risk at QB, some may have preferred a safer bet.
- LB K.J. Britt: Britt didn’t have the most stellar 2024 season according to PFF, but he offers a younger alternative to Anthony Walker Jr. and possibly a future investment.
- OL Larry Borom: Adding Borom increases depth on the O-line, serving up versatility—a win for the Dolphins.
- P Ryan Stonehouse: Stonehouse might be known for his record-setting punts, but the Dolphins are looking at the whole package. It’s a wonder the Titans let him go without much resistance.
- CB Artie Burns: This low-risk, potential-reward move banks on potential for a former first-rounder. Whether Burns will stick around for the long haul is still up in the air.
The Dolphins also re-signed eight, including DT Matt Dickerson and S Elijah Campbell. Yet, not all news is rosy, as they bid farewell to seven players like WR Braxton Berrios and LB Anthony Walker Jr.
Meanwhile, 14 unrestricted free agents, including QB Tyler Huntley and EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah, still have their future hanging in the balance. As the Dolphins gear up for the season, these new signings could just be the edge they need to make waves in 2025.
