The Miami Dolphins had a promising 2024 season, showcasing a high-powered offense and a competitive defense, but they ultimately fell short of reaching their full potential. Heading into the 2025 offseason, the Dolphins have several key decisions to make in order to strengthen their roster and position themselves as serious contenders for the future. Here are the Miami Dolphins’ top offseason choices for 2025:
1. Extending Tyreek Hill’s Contract
Tyreek Hill has been a game-changer for the Dolphins since his arrival in 2022, providing a dynamic presence in their high-octane offense. While Hill’s 2025 season is not in immediate jeopardy, he’s coming off a stellar year and has been vocal about his commitment to Miami. With his contract expiring in 2027, the Dolphins might consider extending him sooner rather than later to ensure they don’t risk losing the star receiver to free agency.
Hill’s unique blend of speed, leadership, and playmaking ability makes him one of the top wide receivers in the league. An extension could help the Dolphins secure Hill for the long term and solidify their offensive core around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Keeping Hill in Miami would provide stability to the offense as the team continues to build around him and the young quarterback.
2. Addressing the Offensive Line
Despite a promising offense, the Dolphins’ offensive line still has several question marks. Protecting Tua Tagovailoa is paramount, especially given his injury history. Inconsistent play from the offensive line has hampered the Dolphins at times, especially in key moments during the 2024 season. The Dolphins will likely look to invest in bolstering their offensive line through the draft or free agency to ensure that Tagovailoa has the time and protection he needs to develop further.
Upgrading at offensive tackle, guard, or center could provide stability and improve the running game, which was hit-or-miss in 2024. The team needs to prioritize protecting their franchise quarterback and ensuring a stronger pocket to keep their offense humming.
3. Improving the Defensive Backfield
The Dolphins’ defense showed flashes of greatness in 2024, but the secondary was inconsistent. With cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphins have a solid duo, but Ramsey’s age and potential injury concerns make it a point of interest for the Dolphins to strengthen their defensive backfield depth.
Miami could target a cornerback in free agency or through the draft to pair alongside Howard and Ramsey. Adding depth at safety could also be an area of focus, as the Dolphins need a more reliable playmaker in the back end of their defense to better complement their pass rush and improve overall coverage. If the Dolphins can reinforce their secondary, they would have one of the most well-rounded defenses in the NFL.
4. Enhancing the Pass Rush
While the Dolphins’ defense was strong in 2024, their pass rush could use some improvement. While players like Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips showed promise, they need more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A lack of a dominant pass rush has sometimes put the defense in vulnerable situations, especially against high-powered offenses.
In the 2025 offseason, the Dolphins may look to bolster their defensive line or outside linebacker corps by signing a pass rusher in free agency or targeting one in the NFL draft. A more potent pass rush would not only help the Dolphins get after the quarterback more consistently but also reduce the time opposing quarterbacks have to expose any vulnerabilities in the secondary.
5. Adding Depth at Running Back
While Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. provided solid production in the backfield in 2024, the Dolphins could stand to improve their running game with more depth and explosiveness. Miami’s offense is highly reliant on the passing game, and while that is a strength, a more balanced attack could open up even more opportunities.
The Dolphins might look to add a versatile running back—perhaps someone who can catch passes out of the backfield and make plays in space. A rookie or a proven veteran could provide a dynamic complement to Mostert and Wilson and give the Dolphins offense more flexibility.
6. Long-Term Solutions at Linebacker
The linebacker position has been a bit of a question mark for Miami in recent years. While there are talented players in the group, such as Jerome Baker, the Dolphins could use more depth and a potential playmaker at linebacker. This would especially help shore up their run defense and provide more versatility in pass coverage against tight ends and running backs out of the backfield.
The Dolphins could look to add a linebacker in free agency or through the draft who could either start immediately or provide depth behind Baker and others. With a stronger linebacker corps, Miami’s defense could become more complete and aggressive.
7. Quarterback Depth Behind Tua Tagovailoa
The Dolphins’ decision to stick with Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback is clear, but the backup quarterback position could use some attention. With Tagovailoa’s injury history and the importance of having a solid backup, the Dolphins may want to secure a reliable second option for the 2025 season.
Bringing in a capable veteran backup or drafting a quarterback to groom for the future would give the team more security in case Tagovailoa faces another injury. Having a solid backup also provides competition in practice, pushing Tagovailoa to continue improving his game while ensuring that the team doesn’t experience a significant drop-off if Tagovailoa misses time.
8. Building Team Chemistry and Leadership
While the Dolphins have the pieces in place to be a playoff contender, they will need to ensure that they continue to build chemistry across the roster. Leadership, especially in the locker room, is key to sustaining success in the NFL. With a core group of players, including Hill and Tagovailoa, the Dolphins will want to foster a culture of winning and accountability.
Miami may focus on retaining veteran leaders and continuing to build a cohesive unit. Team chemistry can often be an underappreciated factor, but it can make the difference in close games, especially during the postseason.
9. Special Teams Upgrades
The special teams unit has occasionally been a weak spot for Miami. From kicking and punting accuracy to return game execution, the Dolphins could improve their special teams play to gain an edge over opponents. Miami might look to bring in a more consistent kicker or punter, as well as improve their return game to add another explosive dimension to their offense.
In an era where special teams can swing momentum, the Dolphins will need to ensure they don’t overlook this unit as they make adjustments for 2025.
10. Future Draft Considerations
Lastly, the Dolphins must look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft. The team will need to be strategic in selecting players who can make an immediate impact or add depth to key positions. While Miami may not have the highest draft pick, their scouting department will need to identify talent that can contribute to their playoff push.
Key positions like offensive line, linebacker, and defensive back are likely to be areas of focus for the Dolphins when they enter the draft, as they try to find players who can elevate the team’s overall performance.