After One Year, Dolphins 2024 Free Agent Departure Cut

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After One Year, Dolphins 2024 Free Agent Departure Cut

After One Year: Dolphins 2024 Free Agent Departure Cut

The 2024 NFL season has brought with it an abundance of changes, from roster moves to organizational reshuffling. For the Miami Dolphins, a team that has consistently looked to make strides toward playoff contention, one of the biggest focal points after the season is how their roster has evolved, especially with regard to free agents they acquired in 2023. In this article, we’ll delve into the players the Dolphins brought in during the 2023 free agency period, their performance during the season, and the rationale behind the club’s decision to cut or let go of those individuals in 2024.

This deep dive will analyze the strategic decisions behind the cuts, the performance of each player, and the potential impact of these moves on the Dolphins as they attempt to solidify their roster moving forward.

The Free Agency Strategy: Dolphins’ 2023 Acquisitions

Before discussing the departures, it’s essential to briefly review the Miami Dolphins’ 2023 free agency strategy. Under the leadership of general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins aimed to make impactful signings that would elevate their chances of competing in the highly competitive AFC East. Miami made several moves to reinforce both sides of the ball, targeting positions that needed depth or improvement.

Some key signings included:

  • Jalen Ramsey (Cornerback) – Acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, Ramsey was expected to become a cornerstone of the secondary.
  • David Long Jr. (Linebacker) – A dynamic linebacker signed from the Tennessee Titans, Long was brought in to improve the Dolphins’ defense, especially in coverage.
  • Mike White (Quarterback) – The backup quarterback position was reinforced with White, expected to provide stability behind Tua Tagovailoa.
  • Raheem Mostert & Jeff Wilson Jr. (Running Backs) – Both were signed to solidify the backfield, adding experience and explosiveness to the running game.
  • Tyler Kroft (Tight End) – Kroft provided depth at tight end and was expected to contribute both as a blocker and in the passing game.

While some of these signings proved to be highly successful, others didn’t meet expectations, leading the Dolphins to part ways with several of these players after just one season.

Player Departures: The Cuts

  1. David Long Jr. (Linebacker)
    • Acquired: 2023, from Tennessee Titans
    • Departure: Cut, 2024
    • Reason for Cut: David Long Jr. was one of the more intriguing signings in 2023, with Miami looking for an upgrade at linebacker to help their defense. However, Long struggled to make a consistent impact, with injuries and missed tackles being a consistent problem. His inability to stay on the field and contribute at a high level was a significant factor in the decision to move on from him. Despite flashes of talent, the Dolphins opted to go in a different direction, either looking for a more reliable option or planning to address the position in the draft.

    Impact of Departure: Long’s departure leaves a hole in the Dolphins’ linebacker corps, but they could address the need through the draft or possibly sign a more consistent veteran to fill his shoes. His cutting also signals a shift in how the Dolphins are structuring their defense under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

  2. Mike White (Quarterback)
    • Acquired: 2023, from New York Jets
    • Departure: Cut, 2024
    • Reason for Cut: White was signed as a backup to Tua Tagovailoa, with the expectation that he would provide a reliable option should Tua’s injury history flare up. Unfortunately, White’s play in the limited action he saw during the 2023 season was underwhelming. His performance didn’t inspire much confidence, and the Dolphins ultimately decided to move on from him in favor of bringing in a more experienced backup or drafting a young quarterback to be the future.

    Impact of Departure: White’s departure leaves Miami with an opportunity to reevaluate the backup quarterback position. A more capable and potentially younger signal-caller could be brought in to learn behind Tua or challenge for the backup role. Miami might explore a veteran presence or even a promising rookie to back up their franchise QB.

  3. Raheem Mostert (Running Back)
    • Acquired: 2023, from San Francisco 49ers
    • Departure: Cut, 2024
    • Reason for Cut: Mostert was a significant part of the Dolphins’ backfield in 2023, providing explosive plays and adding depth to the running game. However, the decision to part ways with Mostert in 2024 came down to a combination of age and durability. While he was productive when healthy, his injury history and the rise of other options in Miami’s backfield made him expendable. Additionally, the Dolphins’ front office likely saw an opportunity to get younger and invest in running backs with higher upside and less injury risk.

    Impact of Departure: While Mostert’s speed and big-play ability will be missed, the Dolphins have several younger running backs capable of stepping into larger roles, including Jeff Wilson Jr. and potentially new additions through the draft. The running back position is one that is notoriously hard to project long-term, and Miami will likely continue to cycle through backs as they look for the right combination.

  4. Tyler Kroft (Tight End)
    • Acquired: 2023, from San Francisco 49ers
    • Departure: Cut, 2024
    • Reason for Cut: Kroft was brought in as a depth piece behind Mike Gesicki at tight end, but his lack of production in 2023 left him on the outside looking in. The Dolphins struggled to get consistent contributions from their tight end group, and Kroft’s blocking and receiving abilities didn’t quite meet expectations. Miami’s decision to cut him signals that they are seeking more dynamic playmakers at the position, possibly eyeing the 2024 draft or a free agent to fill the void.

    Impact of Departure: The Dolphins’ tight end room could undergo significant changes, with the team possibly looking to add a more productive player who can contribute in both the passing game and as a blocker. This departure also underscores Miami’s intent to evolve their offensive philosophy, potentially shifting toward more dynamic and versatile skill sets.

  5. Xavien Howard (Cornerback)
    • Acquired: Drafted 2016, but technically a “free-agent departure” due to contractual changes
    • Departure: Released, 2024
    • Reason for Cut: Xavien Howard, one of the top cornerbacks in the league, had a fluctuating 2023 season. While he still provided shutdown coverage at times, his struggles with consistency and the need to free up cap space for the future led to the Dolphins making the difficult decision to part ways. The Dolphins had hoped Howard would age gracefully into a veteran presence, but they ultimately moved on due to concerns over his fit in the team’s future plans and salary cap flexibility.

    Impact of Departure: The loss of Howard’s elite cornerback play is significant, but it opens the door for younger talents like Jalen Ramsey and other emerging players to take on larger roles in the secondary. The Dolphins will likely have to replace his leadership and talent in the defensive backfield, either through the draft or free agency.

The Dolphins’ Future: Assessing the 2024 Moves

Miami’s decision to move on from several key free agents after just one season is not without its risks. While these moves clear roster spots and cap space, they also create potential voids that will need to be addressed. Here are some of the critical implications of these departures:

  • Cap Space Flexibility: By cutting several veterans, the Dolphins are likely clearing space for other free-agent signings or potential contract extensions for emerging stars. These moves could allow Miami to be aggressive in free agency and re-sign key players who have outperformed expectations.
  • Focus on Youth: The decision to part with older veterans like Mostert, Kroft, and Long suggests a trend toward prioritizing youth and future potential over aging assets. Miami may look to invest in younger, cheaper players who can contribute for years to come, especially with a focus on the draft and the potential for player development.
  • Strengthening the Secondary: With the departure of Howard, there is an opening for younger cornerbacks to step up, and Ramsey will likely take on an even bigger leadership role in the secondary. Expect the Dolphins to add depth in the defensive backfield, whether through free agency or the draft, to keep up with the high-powered offenses in the AFC.

The 2024 cuts made by the Miami Dolphins after one year are indicative of their commitment to building a balanced and competitive roster moving forward. While some of the free-agent signings of 2023 didn’t pan out as expected, the Dolphins have the opportunity to rebound by making strategic moves in both free agency and the draft.

In the NFL, roster turnover is inevitable, and these decisions, while difficult, reflect the Dolphins’ long-term vision of creating a sustainable contender. The next steps will be critical in ensuring that these departures don’t leave unfillable gaps and that the team continues its upward trajectory in one of the toughest divisions in the league.

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