Five Cornerback Free Agent Targets for the Miami Dolphins: Aiming for Depth and Elite Playmaking
As the Miami Dolphins continue to build towards a championship-contending roster, their secondary has become an area of focus. With the rise of the pass-heavy offenses in the NFL, having a strong, deep cornerback group is essential for any team looking to make a deep playoff run. While the Dolphins already boast elite talent in Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard, the need for more depth and high-level playmaking at the cornerback position remains. After a 2024 season where the team made considerable strides on both sides of the ball, adding talent to the cornerback group would be a move toward solidifying one of the most important areas of defense.
With that in mind, the Dolphins will likely look to the free-agent market for cornerback talent in 2025. Whether to bolster depth behind their star players or to bring in a potential starter who could push for a key role, the Dolphins have a few strategic options in free agency. Let’s take a closer look at five cornerbacks who could help the Dolphins improve their secondary, providing the necessary depth and playmaking ability to compete with the best teams in the AFC.
1. James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles)
Background: James Bradberry has been one of the most consistent cornerbacks in the NFL over the last few years, especially during his tenure with the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his size (6’1”, 212 pounds) and ability to lock down receivers in both man and zone coverage, Bradberry has made a name for himself as a physical, ball-hawking cornerback. After a standout 2022 season with the Eagles, Bradberry helped guide the team to the Super Bowl, playing a critical role in their top-ranked defense.
In 2024, Bradberry’s production remained high, as he recorded several interceptions and pass deflections. His ability to play both outside cornerback and in the slot gives him versatility, making him a valuable asset in any secondary. Given the Dolphins’ need for additional cornerback depth, particularly as they continue to build their defense around Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard, Bradberry would provide immediate stability.
Why the Dolphins Should Pursue Him: Bradberry has a proven track record as an elite cornerback in the NFL, and his skills would complement the Dolphins’ defense perfectly. While Howard and Ramsey are the clear starters, adding Bradberry would give Miami an additional veteran presence and more flexibility in their defensive schemes. If the Dolphins want to improve their ability to handle elite wide receivers in the AFC, Bradberry would be a great addition to an already talented secondary.
Potential Fit: Bradberry is likely to be looking for a multi-year deal that offers him both financial security and a competitive opportunity. Miami, with its budding Super Bowl aspirations and the chance to play alongside two elite cornerbacks, could be an attractive landing spot. Furthermore, his ability to take on multiple roles in the secondary would give the Dolphins added flexibility when facing diverse offensive threats.
2. Byron Murphy Jr. (Minnesota Vikings)
Background: Byron Murphy Jr. has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league since being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. Known for his quickness, agility, and playmaking ability, Murphy has the tools to cover a wide range of receivers. In 2024, Murphy was a force for the Minnesota Vikings, recording multiple interceptions and pass breakups, while also providing strong coverage in both man and zone schemes. Despite facing injuries early in his career, Murphy has become a reliable starter and one of the most coveted cornerbacks on the market.
What sets Murphy apart is his ability to make plays on the ball. His instincts, combined with his quickness, allow him to read quarterbacks and jump routes with ease. He’s also a physical player who’s not afraid to get involved in the run game, providing value in multiple facets of defense.
Why the Dolphins Should Pursue Him: Miami’s secondary could use an upgrade in terms of youth and speed, and Murphy would fit the bill perfectly. He could be a future starter alongside Howard and Ramsey, potentially allowing the Dolphins to rotate in different combinations to keep receivers guessing. Murphy’s versatility would allow the Dolphins to play multiple defensive schemes while still maintaining a high level of performance.
Additionally, Murphy could serve as a solid backup or rotation player, ready to step into a larger role if either Howard or Ramsey were injured. His playmaking ability and ability to handle top-tier wideouts in the AFC East would make him a valuable asset for Miami.
Potential Fit: Murphy is likely to command a high salary as one of the top cornerbacks available, but he could be a great investment for a team like the Dolphins, who have Super Bowl aspirations and need a cornerback capable of shutting down top-flight receivers. Miami would need to clear some cap space to make a deal work, but with the right structure, Murphy could easily slot into the team’s defensive backfield.
3. Patrick Peterson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Background: At 33 years old, Patrick Peterson may be nearing the end of his illustrious career, but the veteran cornerback is still performing at a high level. In 2024, Peterson’s performance for the Pittsburgh Steelers showed that he has the ability to play at a high level despite his age. Although he may not have the same explosive athleticism as in his prime, Peterson’s experience, leadership, and football IQ make him a valuable asset to any secondary. Peterson remains a top-tier technician with a knack for getting his hands on the football, recording multiple interceptions in each of the last few seasons.
While he may no longer be the shutdown cornerback he once was with the Arizona Cardinals, Peterson still provides steady play and the ability to lock down receivers with his length and savvy. His leadership and mentorship skills would be valuable to the Dolphins, especially for younger cornerbacks looking to improve their craft.
Why the Dolphins Should Pursue Him: While Peterson may not be a long-term solution, he offers incredible leadership and depth to the Dolphins’ secondary. Miami has a young core of cornerbacks who could benefit from Peterson’s experience and ability to teach them about reading offenses, positioning, and coverage techniques. With Ramsey and Howard already occupying starting roles, Peterson could come in as a rotational player, bringing value on and off the field.
Peterson could help cover for any injuries that might arise during the season and step into a starting role if needed. His ability to anticipate routes and his ball skills would make him an asset in the Dolphins’ defensive scheme, especially against elite quarterbacks in the AFC.
Potential Fit: Given his age, Peterson may be looking for a one- or two-year deal with a contender to add another potential playoff run to his resume. Miami, with its playoff aspirations, would be an excellent fit for Peterson, providing him the opportunity to contribute while also offering the chance to mentor younger players.
4. Shaquill Griffin (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Background: Shaquill Griffin has been a consistent cornerback since entering the NFL in 2017 with the Seattle Seahawks. After spending several years as a starter for Seattle, Griffin moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he continued to showcase his ability as a solid cover cornerback. Griffin’s physicality, length (6’0”), and ability to play in both man and zone coverage make him a versatile player in the secondary. In 2024, he displayed impressive playmaking ability and proved that he could still be a top-tier cornerback in the NFL.
While not always the flashiest player, Griffin’s consistency and reliable coverage make him a solid option for any team looking to improve their cornerback group. His experience and ability to match up against tall, physical wide receivers could be particularly useful for the Dolphins, who face a variety of skilled pass-catchers in the AFC East.
Why the Dolphins Should Pursue Him: Griffin would provide excellent depth and versatility for the Dolphins. While he may not be an immediate starter over Ramsey or Howard, he could step into a significant role in certain packages, especially when the Dolphins face taller or more physical wide receivers. His ability to cover multiple types of receivers and his strong tackler would give Miami flexibility in how they approach matchups.
Additionally, Griffin is still young enough (he will be 28 during the 2025 season) to offer potential long-term value if he continues to improve. He could be a piece that Miami uses in a rotation or as an eventual successor to one of their older cornerbacks.
Potential Fit: Griffin is likely to receive offers from several teams looking to add a solid starting cornerback. However, if the Dolphins can offer him the right combination of money and playing time, he could be an excellent fit. With his ability to play in both man and zone coverage, he would fit well within Miami’s defensive system.
5. Darius Slay (Philadelphia Eagles)
Background: Darius Slay is one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, known for his elite coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, and strong leadership. He has been a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors over the years. Slay has shown no signs of slowing down, continuing to produce at a high level in 2024. His ability to cover top-tier receivers in both man and zone schemes makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to shore up its cornerback position.
What sets Slay apart from many cornerbacks is his ability to take away the best receivers in the league, often shadowing them from sideline to sideline. He’s also a turnover machine, making him a constant threat for opposing offenses.
Why the Dolphins Should Pursue Him: Adding Slay to the Dolphins’ already talented secondary would elevate Miami’s defense to another level. The pairing of Slay, Ramsey, and Howard would give the Dolphins one of the most formidable cornerback trios in the league. If Slay is looking for a change of scenery after his time with the Eagles, Miami could offer him a fresh opportunity to win a Super Bowl with a team on the rise.
Slay would likely be a starter over other cornerbacks, and his ability to lock down the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver would allow the Dolphins to use their resources to bolster other areas of the defense.
Potential Fit: Slay may be looking for a competitive opportunity to add another championship to his resume, and the Dolphins, with their strong defensive core, would provide that. Miami’s salary cap situation would need to be worked out, but with the right deal, Slay could be the missing piece that helps Miami reach the next level.