Five Miami Dolphins Players Who Might Be Starting Their Final Season
The NFL is a game of constant change, with players coming and going each season. For some, the 2025 campaign could be their swan song in the league. The Miami Dolphins, like any other team, will see some familiar faces potentially hang up their cleats as they enter what could be the final year of their careers. For fans, it’s always a bittersweet reality to face the possibility of saying goodbye to some of their favorite players. This article looks at five Miami Dolphins players who might be starting their final season in the NFL, whether due to age, performance, or the team’s overall direction.
1. Teddy Bridgewater (Quarterback)
Teddy Bridgewater’s journey through the NFL has been nothing short of remarkable. Drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Bridgewater’s career seemed poised for greatness. However, a devastating knee injury in 2016 forced him to miss an entire season and almost derailed his career. Despite the setbacks, Bridgewater has remained a valuable commodity in the NFL, serving as a reliable backup quarterback for several teams, including the Dolphins.
Now 32 years old, Bridgewater’s role with the Dolphins in 2025 is likely to be as a veteran mentor or backup. With Tua Tagovailoa firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, Bridgewater’s future with the team could hinge on how much the Dolphins value his presence as a seasoned backup. Quarterbacks typically age gracefully if they stay healthy, but Bridgewater is nearing the end of his career, and it’s unclear whether he will want to continue playing after this season or step away from the game.
Bridgewater’s experience is invaluable, especially considering how often quarterbacks in the NFL are forced to miss time due to injury. His ability to step in when needed and guide the offense with poise and leadership has made him a respected figure in the locker room. However, the clock is ticking, and Bridgewater’s days as an active player are numbered.
Why 2025 Could Be His Last Season:
- Bridgewater has been a reliable backup, but his age and lack of starting opportunities may signal that retirement is on the horizon.
- His role as a mentor to younger quarterbacks might take precedence over continuing to play, especially with Tua Tagovailoa’s growth.
- Bridgewater’s contract and potential cap implications could influence the Dolphins’ decision to move on from him in 2026.
2. Raekwon Davis (Defensive Tackle)
Raekwon Davis has been a key player on the Miami Dolphins’ defensive line since being drafted in 2020. A hulking defensive tackle, Davis has earned praise for his strength and ability to disrupt the opposing offensive line. His presence in the middle of the defense is crucial for Miami’s run defense, as he occupies blockers and frees up linebackers to make plays.
Despite his strengths, Davis’s career could be at a crossroads as he enters his fifth NFL season in 2025. Defensive tackles tend to have shorter careers, particularly those who play in the trenches and take on heavy physical tolls. Davis will be 27 years old by the time the season begins, which is typically when players at his position begin to either hit their peak or start their decline.
What might work against Davis is the Dolphins’ current defensive strategy. Miami has been evolving its defense over the past few seasons, and there may be a shift towards a faster, more mobile front seven. Davis, while valuable in his current role, may not fit the mold for the next phase of Miami’s defensive evolution. The Dolphins could opt to part ways with him and bring in younger talent or sign a more versatile player to complement their defensive scheme.
Why 2025 Could Be His Last Season:
- As a player in the trenches, Davis may start feeling the wear and tear of his position more as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
- Miami’s evolving defensive scheme could lead to a change in personnel, potentially moving on from Davis in favor of younger, more versatile players.
- Davis’s contract could be a factor, with the Dolphins possibly looking to reallocate funds elsewhere.
3. Tyreek Hill (Wide Receiver)
Tyreek Hill, one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the NFL, has been a game-changer for the Miami Dolphins since his arrival in 2022. Known for his blazing speed, Hill has been a constant threat in the passing game, pushing defenses to the brink with his ability to stretch the field. He has been instrumental in elevating Miami’s offense to new heights, and his chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is undeniable.
However, Hill’s age and his injury history could make 2025 his final season in the NFL. At 31 years old, Hill is already on the older side for a wide receiver, especially one with a style that relies heavily on speed and explosiveness. Hill has managed to stay relatively healthy throughout his career, but wide receivers at his age often face a decline in their physical abilities, even if they still possess great hands and route-running skills.
Hill has also made it clear in interviews that he’s looking to retire early and pursue other ventures, including music and business. While he has not given a definitive timeline for his retirement, it’s reasonable to think that he may be nearing the end of his career. If Hill feels his body is no longer up to the task or if he finds fulfillment in other pursuits, he may decide to hang it up sooner rather than later.
Why 2025 Could Be His Last Season:
- Hill’s age and style of play could lead to a decline in production, especially if he starts facing more injuries.
- His personal goals, including his desire to retire early, might influence his decision to step away from the game.
- With the Dolphins having other talented receivers on the roster, Hill may decide that now is the time to retire while still on top.
4. Xavien Howard (Cornerback)
Xavien Howard has been a staple in the Miami Dolphins’ secondary since he was drafted in 2016. One of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, Howard has made multiple Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors for his exceptional ability to shut down top receivers. He has consistently been a playmaker for Miami, leading the team in interceptions multiple times and solidifying himself as one of the best in the league.
Despite his success, Howard’s age and contract situation could signal the end of his career in Miami. At 31 years old, Howard is entering the twilight of his career, and cornerbacks tend to decline faster than players at other positions due to the demands of covering fast and skilled wide receivers. Howard has also dealt with injuries throughout his career, which could become a concern as he ages.
Furthermore, the Dolphins may not be willing to commit a significant portion of their salary cap to Howard in the future. Miami has other talented cornerbacks on the roster, and the front office may choose to invest in youth and future potential rather than paying top dollar to a player who could be entering the final stretch of his career.
Why 2025 Could Be His Last Season:
- Howard’s age and injury history could lead to a decline in performance, especially with the physical demands of the cornerback position.
- The Dolphins may look to get younger at the cornerback position and move on from Howard to save cap space.
- Howard may decide to retire if his body is no longer able to perform at the high level he is accustomed to.
5. Bradley Chubb (Edge Rusher)
Bradley Chubb’s tenure with the Miami Dolphins has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Acquired in a trade with the Denver Broncos in 2022, Chubb was expected to provide a major boost to the Dolphins’ pass rush. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he has also dealt with injuries that have kept him from reaching his full potential in Miami.
At 27 years old, Chubb is still relatively young, but his injury history could force him into making a tough decision sooner rather than later. Edge rushers often have short careers due to the brutal nature of their position, and Chubb’s previous knee and ankle injuries may take a toll on his long-term health. The Dolphins may choose to move on from him if they feel his injuries are hindering his ability to contribute consistently.
Additionally, Chubb’s contract and the emergence of other pass-rushing options could make him expendable. The Dolphins may opt to allocate their resources elsewhere if they feel that Chubb is not living up to his potential, especially given the investments they’ve made in other players on the defensive side of the ball.
Why 2025 Could Be His Last Season:
- Chubb’s injury history and the wear and tear of his position could shorten his career.
- The Dolphins may choose to move on from him if he doesn’t consistently produce or if his injuries limit his impact.
- Chubb’s contract situation could make it easier for the Dolphins to part ways with him in favor of younger or healthier players.