The Miami Dolphins’ week of free agency was a tale of two parts. The first saw free agents leaving en masse, with Christian Wilkins, Brandon Jones, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Robert Hunt all finding new deals on the first day of legal negotiations.
However, Miami thereafter made some creative moves to improve the roster. At 65 total players, they still have 25 spaces available to reach the 90-man limit they’re allowed in the offseason.
Here’s how things stand at each positional group with the first week of free agency behind us.
Note: Asterisks (*) represent a 2024 free agent addition and does not include a re-signed player.
Quarterback (3)
Presumed starter(s): Tua Tagovailoa
Backup(s): Mike White, Skylar Thompson
How we got here: There certainly won’t be any competition for the top spot, as Tagovailoa should hammer out a contract extension with the team this offseason that will lock him in over the next half decade or so. White should hold onto his job as primary backup, with Thompson remaining the third/emergency QB. Unless, of course, Miami grabs someone else this offseason they like better. Neither White nor Thompson looked capable in limited action last preseason.
Running backs (6)
Presumed starter(s): Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane; Alec Ingold (fullback)
Backup(s): Jeff Wilson, Jr., Salvon Ahmed, Chris Brooks
How we got here: I’m going ahead and lumping starting fullback Alec Ingold in here. Mostert is likely the first one on the field, but Achane had such an electric rookie season that he could end up overtaking Mostert at some point next year. They really are 1A and 1B in my mind. Brooks has the most utility as the team’s short yardage back.
Wide receiver (7)
Presumed starter(s): Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle
Backup(s): Braxton Berrios, Erik Ezukanma, Braylon Sanders, Anthony Schwartz, Matthew Sexton
How we got here: Miami continues to have one of the top WR duos in the league and managed to reportedly re-sign Berrios over the weekend. However, this group still desperately needs a bigger, more physical player. We’ll see if that comes later in the offseason.
Tight end (5)
Presumed starter(s): Jonnu Smith*
Backup(s): Durham Smythe, Julian Hill, Jody Fortson, Tanner Conner
How we got here: The signing of Smith should pay dividends for an offense that got almost nothing out of the tight end position last year. The team still could be in play to acquire another one in the upcoming draft, as the quality of depth behind him is significantly lacking.
Offensive line (11)
Presumed starter(s): Austin Jackson (RT), Robert Jones (RG), Aaron Brewer* (C), Isaiah Wynn (LG), Terron Armstead (LT)
Backup(s): Liam Eichenberg, Lester Cotton, Kion Smith, Ryan Hayes, Chasen Hines, Jack Driscoll
How we got here: Consider this list of starters a major work in progress and completely subject to change. In fact, I’d wager at least one starter (possibly two) isn’t even on the roster at this point. Jones and Cotton will likely make the final roster as experienced backups, and Brewer could end up starting at guard or center depending on what Miami does in the draft. A positional group that could look very different by the time the preseason concludes at the end of August.
Defensive line (7)
Presumed starter(s): Zach Sieler, Jonathan Harris*
Backup(s): Daviyon Nix*, Brandon Pili, Benito Jones, Isaiah Mack*, Neville Gallimore*
How we got here: This is a hard position to figure out because the Dolphins basically have made a number of depth signings without much impact starter upside. This is an area they should address early in the draft or keep an eye out for any releases the rest of the offseason. (I’m including Daviyon Nix and Isaiah Mack as new free agent signees even though they were signed in March before free agency began.)
Linebacker (11)
Presumed starter(s): Shaquil Barrett* (OLB), Jordyn Brooks* (LB), David Long, Jr. (LB), Cameron Goode (OLB)
Backup(s): Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Anthony Walker, Jr.*, Duke Riley, Channing Tindall, Quinton Bell, Zeke Vandenburgh
How we got here: This is another unit that’s hard to fully gauge because it’s unknown when Phillips (achilles) and Chubb (knee) will be ready to go from the injuries that ended their 2023 seasons. When they’re ready, they’re back in the starting lineup. For now, Barrett and Goode get the nod off the edge, although another edge rusher in the draft or as a free agent pickup is still in play.
Cornerback (7)
Presumed starter(s): Kendall Fuller*, Jalen Ramsey, Kader Kohou
Backup(s): Cam Smith, Nick Needham, Siran Neal, Ethan Bonner
How we got here: With the signing of Fuller, the Dolphins’ starting cornerbacks appear to be set for 2024. It wouldn’t hurt them to ensure quality depth, as the loss of Ramsey and Xavien Howard last year proved problematic.
Safety (3)
Presumed starter(s): Jordan Poyer*, Jevon Holland
Backup(s): Elijah Campbell
How we got here: The starters are good, but depth is desperately needed after Brandon Jones and DeShon Elliott signed elsewhere. Needham could end up playing safety if needed.
Specialist (5)
Presumed starter(s): Jason Sanders (K), Jake Bailey, (P), Blake Ferguson (LS)
Returners: Braxton Berrios (PR), De’Von Achane (KR)
How we got here: This group is about as settled as it gets, with Bailey re-signing with the Dolphins in early March. Don’t see much competition for these spots.