The Miami Dolphins have long been known for their high-powered offense, but in recent years, the team has made a concerted effort to solidify its defense and round out its roster in order to become a true contender in the AFC. While the Dolphins have made notable strides, including securing key pieces on both sides of the ball, the departure of Zach Campbell, one of their notable free agents, has left a gap that will need to be filled. Campbell, who played a vital role on the defensive line, was one of the many free agents on the Dolphins’ radar heading into the 2025 season.
But with Campbell now officially gone, the Dolphins must turn their attention to the remaining free agents still on the roster. Some of these players are integral parts of the team, while others represent depth options or future contributors who could make a significant impact in the upcoming season. As the Dolphins continue to navigate the offseason, it’s important to understand how these remaining free agents rank in terms of importance, potential impact, and the team’s ability to retain them.
Let’s break down the Dolphins’ remaining free agents, ranking them based on their projected value to the team, potential fits for the upcoming season, and how they might contribute to the Dolphins’ overall success moving forward.
1. Mike Gesicki – Tight End
One of the biggest remaining free agents on the Dolphins’ roster is Mike Gesicki, the 6’6″ tight end who has been a central figure in Miami’s offensive game plan since he was drafted in 2018. Gesicki is a versatile weapon who has excelled in the passing game, creating mismatches against smaller defensive backs and slower linebackers. His ability to make tough catches over the middle of the field, combined with his size and athleticism, has made him one of the most reliable targets for the Dolphins, especially in the red zone.
Why He’s Important: Gesicki is one of the premier receiving tight ends in the league, and his ability to stretch the field while also being a reliable short-to-intermediate option gives Miami a true weapon at the position. With the Dolphins’ offense designed to leverage quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s quick release and passing accuracy, retaining Gesicki is key. His presence in the middle of the field complements the speed of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, allowing for a well-balanced passing attack that can attack every level of the defense.
Potential Impact: Miami’s offense would significantly suffer if they lost Gesicki, as he provides a level of big-play potential and red-zone threat that is hard to replace. With the Dolphins’ explosive offense aiming to take the next step, keeping Gesicki in the fold is critical for maintaining their offensive potency.
Likelihood of Retaining: The Dolphins will likely prioritize retaining Gesicki, especially considering his fit within the offense. His skill set complements the current offensive scheme, and the team would have to explore how to replace him if they let him go.
2. Emmanuel Ogbah – Defensive End
After the departure of Zach Campbell, the importance of Emmanuel Ogbah on the Dolphins’ defensive line cannot be overstated. Ogbah, a 6’4″ edge rusher, has been a reliable presence for Miami, consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks and setting the edge against the run. He’s an experienced veteran who has delivered solid production since joining the Dolphins in 2020, making his presence felt on both passing downs and run defense.
Why He’s Important: Ogbah provides critical depth and versatility to the Dolphins’ defensive line. His ability to rush the passer and disrupt plays in the backfield makes him an essential piece of Miami’s defense. With the Dolphins’ defensive scheme leaning heavily on Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense, Ogbah’s ability to line up as both an outside linebacker and defensive end gives Miami flexibility in how they deploy their pass-rush units.
Potential Impact: Given the Dolphins’ defensive struggles at times last season, retaining a player like Ogbah becomes crucial. Losing him would not only hurt the pass rush but also diminish the defensive line’s ability to generate pressure without needing to blitz. Ogbah has proven that he can be a consistent contributor, and losing that reliability could hurt Miami’s overall defensive performance.
Likelihood of Retaining: Ogbah has been a solid contributor for the Dolphins, and it’s likely that the team will prioritize his return. Miami’s defense would be significantly less potent without him, so they will likely try to find a way to bring him back on a deal that makes sense for both sides.
3. Raekwon Davis – Defensive Tackle
Another key defensive player who is set to become a free agent is Raekwon Davis, a defensive tackle known for his ability to clog up running lanes and provide stability in the middle of the Dolphins’ defensive front. Davis may not have the flashiest stats, but his importance in the trenches is undeniable. He plays a significant role in Miami’s run defense and helps free up the edge rushers to focus on getting to the quarterback.
Why He’s Important: Davis is the kind of player who doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet but is indispensable to the overall functioning of the defense. His presence in the middle of the defensive line is crucial for the Dolphins’ ability to stop the run and maintain control of the line of scrimmage. In a league where running games are becoming more and more important, Davis provides Miami with the kind of interior presence needed to keep the defense from being overrun by opposing ground attacks.
Potential Impact: The Dolphins’ defense could suffer if Davis departs, especially against run-heavy teams. His ability to plug gaps and occupy blockers provides a level of stability that the defense needs to function efficiently. Miami will need to consider whether to invest in him long-term or look for a younger, cheaper alternative.
Likelihood of Retaining: Davis is a valuable part of the defensive line, and his skill set is not easy to replace. While he may not be as flashy as other players on the roster, Miami’s defense would certainly feel the loss of his presence. As such, there is a strong likelihood that the Dolphins will look to re-sign him and keep their defensive front strong.
4. Teddy Bridgewater – Quarterback
As a backup quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater has been a solid, veteran presence for the Dolphins, stepping in for Tua Tagovailoa during moments of need. While he hasn’t been asked to start on a consistent basis, Bridgewater has proven that he can come in and manage the game when needed, making him an important option for Miami as they look to strengthen their quarterback depth.
Why He’s Important: Bridgewater is a steady and reliable backup, which is invaluable in a league where starting quarterbacks are often sidelined due to injury. He brings an element of stability to the quarterback room and could step in as a competent starter if Tua were to miss time. Having a player with Bridgewater’s experience ensures that Miami is prepared for worst-case scenarios, allowing the team to stay competitive even if injuries arise.
Potential Impact: Losing Bridgewater could leave Miami vulnerable if Tua suffers an injury, especially given the lack of experience behind him on the roster. While Bridgewater may not be the most exciting option, his role as a game manager and experienced leader in the quarterback room remains valuable.
Likelihood of Retaining: Bridgewater’s return seems likely given the team’s desire for a reliable backup behind Tua. He has proven to be a quality insurance policy, and the Dolphins will likely want to maintain that level of stability behind their starter.
5. Duke Riley – Linebacker
Dolphins linebacker Duke Riley has been a solid contributor on defense and special teams since joining the team. While he may not be a household name, Riley’s ability to fill in at linebacker and his reliability on special teams make him an important depth piece for the Dolphins.
Why He’s Important: Riley brings a level of experience and versatility to the linebacker corps. He can step in and play when needed, and his special teams contributions have helped Miami maintain a strong, well-rounded roster. While Riley isn’t the starter, his depth and leadership make him valuable to the team.
Potential Impact: While Riley is not a key starter on defense, his ability to fill in and contribute in multiple areas makes him a solid asset. Losing him would impact the team’s depth at linebacker and special teams, so retaining him for continuity’s sake would be smart for the Dolphins.
Likelihood of Retaining: Given Riley’s value on special teams and his depth role, it’s likely that the Dolphins will try to bring him back. His contributions may not always be in the spotlight, but they’re integral to the team’s overall success.