As the Miami Dolphins’ General Manager Chris Grier gears up for what promises to be a hectic period ahead of training camp, the team’s financial flexibility has fans and analysts alike buzzing with anticipation. With a significant amount of cap space now available, thanks to the official release of Xavien Howard which freed more than $18 million, the Dolphins find themselves in an enviable position to bolster their squad with key additions.
Grier, with his eyes set on enhancing the Dolphins’ lineup and adding seasoned depth for the forthcoming season, could potentially zero in on a list of impactful players. Among those speculated, four standouts are considered prime candidates for Miami to pursue.
Topping the list of must-have additions is safety Justin Simmons. The Dolphins might very well explore the idea of offering Simmons a two-year contract.
Such a strategic move would serve as a safeguard, especially with Jevon Holland approaching the final year of his contract. The potential departure of Holland post-season could leave a significant void, and the Dolphins are keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s dilemma where they found themselves exposed due to numerous injuries among their defensive backs.
Simmons emerges as an essential target for Miami’s aspirations to conquer the AFC and make a deep playoff run. The safety positions are notably thin following the departure of DeShon Elliot in free agency, despite Elliot’s commendable performance last season. Although Jordan Poyer has been acquired from Buffalo, questions linger over his longevity and the amount of quality play he has left, given the Bills’ decision to let him go and the Dolphins’ subsequent one-year contract gamble.
Securing Simmons could dramatically transform the Dolphins’ defensive strategy. A second-team All Pro last season with the Denver Broncos, Simmons is now an unrestricted free agent after being released for cap reasons. His integration into Miami’s lineup, alongside Holland and Poyer and complementing cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller, could create an imposing no-fly zone for opponents.
Furthermore, signing Simmons presents a unique opportunity for the Dolphins as it wouldn’t cost them a compensatory pick. The peculiar timing of his release by the Broncos and his status as a released player rather than a regular unrestricted free agent makes him an even more attractive prospect for Miami.