The NFL offseason is progressing swiftly, and for the Miami Dolphins, there’s a lot on the horizon to anticipate. A critical headline for the team, and its fans, involves the unveiling of the 2024 regular season schedule.
Speculation suggests it could arrive as soon as next week, adhering to a pattern observed in recent years. Although the exact date remains under wraps, historical trends pinpoint the second Thursday of May as a potential reveal date, marking a slight deviation from the May 11 (Wednesday) release in 2021.
Every team in the league, including the Dolphins, is already aware of their opponents and the location of their matchups. However, the sequence and timing of these games remain the pieces of the puzzle eagerly awaited.
The announcement of the schedule triggers an exhaustive analysis, particularly for Miami, where climatic conditions play a strategic role. The scheduling could amplify the Dolphins’ home-field advantage in September’s heat or affect the team’s performance in late-season games in the colder climates of the Northeast against divisional adversaries Buffalo, the Jets, and New England.
The Dolphins are also slated for potentially challenging games in Green Bay and Cleveland, where late-season weather could be a decisive factor. An especially noteworthy game will feature Tua Tagovailoa and Jordan Love, two standout quarterbacks from the 2020 draft class, clashing at Lambeau Field – with the hope from Miami’s perspective that it’s more field than frozen tundra.
Beyond the scheduling announcements, the Dolphins are set to reveal their 2024 undrafted free agent class. Having already reportedly signed 11 UDFAs, these new additions will have their chance to shine during the rookie minicamp scheduled for May 10-11.
With the offseason entering its second phase, allowing for individual or group instruction without full offensive versus defensive drills, anticipation builds toward the third phase commencing on May 20. This segment introduces more team-oriented activities and will culminate with a mandatory three-day minicamp from June 4-6.
Rookie jersey numbers and any veteran number swaps are also generating buzz within the team’s fan community. Notably, long snapper Blake Ferguson is handing over his jersey number 44 to the team’s first-round pick, choosing instead to don his collegiate 48 from his championship days at LSU.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins are preparing for a significant boost in their pursuit of bolstering the squad. Come June 2, they will enjoy an additional $18.5 million in cap space, thanks to the post-June 1 designation of cornerback Xavien Howard’s release. With rumors of interest in several free-agent veterans, this financial leeway could prove pivotal in the Dolphins’ strategic offseason enhancements.