The Dolphins Have a Ton of Roster Holes to Fill. Their First Chance Comes Monday.
As the Miami Dolphins look ahead to the 2025 NFL season, one thing is clear: the team has several significant roster holes that need to be filled. While the Dolphins have the makings of a strong, playoff-contending team, there are a number of areas on both sides of the ball that need attention. From bolstering the defense to improving the offensive line, Miami’s front office has its work cut out. Fortunately, the first opportunity to address these needs comes on Monday, when the NFL’s free agency period officially begins.
This offseason is crucial for the Dolphins, who are looking to take the next step in their journey from a competitive team to a legitimate Super Bowl contender. While the foundation is solid, the roster still requires fine-tuning in order to keep up with the elite teams in the NFL. The addition of a few key players could make all the difference, and the team’s decision-makers must be strategic with their moves.
The Dolphins have a history of being active in free agency, and 2025 should be no different. The question now is: where should they focus their efforts? The team has several needs on defense, the offensive line, and even in key skill positions. As Miami prepares for a pivotal offseason, Monday’s start of free agency represents the first opportunity to make moves that will reshape the roster for the upcoming season.
Let’s dive into the primary roster holes the Dolphins need to fill, and the areas they should prioritize as the 2025 NFL offseason officially kicks off.
1. Cornerback: A Major Weak Spot
Perhaps the most obvious area of concern for the Dolphins is the cornerback position. While the team has Xavien Howard, one of the best cornerbacks in the league, they still haven’t been able to find a reliable partner for him. Over the past few years, Miami has cycled through several players, such as Noah Igbinoghene, Byron Jones, and Kader Kohou, but none of them have consistently proven to be a legitimate starting option. As a result, the Dolphins’ pass defense has been inconsistent, and this has led to lapses in coverage at inopportune times.
The team needs a true No. 2 cornerback who can provide stability opposite Howard. With the ever-present threat of high-powered passing offenses in the AFC East, this position is crucial for the Dolphins as they look to compete with teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. Adding a capable cornerback will not only bolster the secondary but also allow Howard to do what he does best: lock down the opposing team’s top receiver.
Cornerback Free Agent Targets:
As free agency begins on Monday, Miami should set its sights on some of the top cornerbacks available. Here are a few targets that could be game-changers for the Dolphins’ defense:
1. Jalen Ramsey (Los Angeles Rams)
Overview: Jalen Ramsey has been one of the league’s top cornerbacks for several years. His ability to cover elite wide receivers and play physical, aggressive football would make him an instant upgrade for the Dolphins. After being traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Los Angeles Rams, Ramsey has continued to prove himself as one of the best in the business.
Why He’s a Fit for Miami: The Dolphins need a reliable cornerback to pair with Xavien Howard, and Ramsey would be the perfect fit. His physicality and versatility in both man and zone coverage would allow Miami to match up better with high-powered offenses. His leadership and big-game experience would also add a wealth of knowledge to the Dolphins’ secondary, helping to elevate the entire defense.
2. James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles)
Overview: James Bradberry is another cornerback who could immediately upgrade Miami’s defense. After spending the last few seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Bradberry has continued to show that he is one of the top cornerbacks in the league. With his ability to lock down top receivers and make plays on the ball, Bradberry is a proven asset in both man and zone coverage.
Why He’s a Fit for Miami: Bradberry would give the Dolphins a reliable starting cornerback to pair with Howard, forming one of the league’s top cornerback duos. His ability to play at a high level in multiple coverage schemes would give defensive coordinator Vic Fangio the flexibility to run a variety of defensive packages. Bradberry’s physicality and ball skills would make Miami’s defense even more formidable.
3. Patrick Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)
Overview: Patrick Peterson has been a stalwart in the NFL for over a decade. Known for his physicality, leadership, and ability to cover top receivers, Peterson has continued to be effective despite his age. He played well for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and would bring an experienced, high-IQ cornerback to the Dolphins’ defense.
Why He’s a Fit for Miami: Peterson may not have the same explosiveness he once did, but his football IQ and ability to read offenses are second to none. As a veteran presence in the Dolphins’ locker room, Peterson could help guide younger players while also providing solid coverage. His leadership would be invaluable in key moments, particularly in late-game situations. Pairing Peterson with Howard would give Miami two experienced, high-level cornerbacks.
2. Offensive Line: Protecting Tua Tagovailoa
While the Dolphins have invested in their offensive line over the past few seasons, it remains an area that requires improvement. The offensive line has shown flashes of potential, but Tua Tagovailoa continues to take too many hits, and the team struggles at times to establish a consistent running game. With Tua’s injury history and the need for a more stable line in both the passing and running game, the Dolphins should make it a priority to upgrade their offensive line during free agency.
Improving the offensive line will not only help protect Tua but will also create more opportunities for Miami’s explosive offensive weapons, such as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, to operate freely.
Offensive Line Free Agent Targets:
Miami should focus on securing a top-tier guard or tackle to help improve the line. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Ben Powers (Baltimore Ravens)
Overview: Ben Powers is an experienced guard who played a major role in the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line in 2024. Known for his toughness and ability to both run block and pass protect, Powers would immediately shore up the Dolphins’ offensive line.
Why He’s a Fit for Miami: Powers would be an instant upgrade for the Dolphins’ interior offensive line, which has been inconsistent at times. His ability to create running lanes for Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane while also protecting Tua in the pocket would make him a valuable addition. Powers’ experience in a power-run scheme also makes him a good fit for Mike McDaniel’s system, which values strong, versatile linemen.
2. Mike McGlinchey (San Francisco 49ers)
Overview: Mike McGlinchey has been one of the top tackles in the league and is a key part of the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line. Known for his ability to both protect the quarterback and excel in run blocking, McGlinchey would be an ideal fit for the Dolphins if they’re looking to upgrade at tackle.
Why He’s a Fit for Miami: McGlinchey’s experience in a zone-blocking scheme makes him a perfect fit for Miami’s offense. His ability to protect Tua’s blind side and open up running lanes for the Dolphins’ dynamic running backs would immediately improve the overall offensive line. McGlinchey’s addition would solidify the tackle position and create more stability along the line.
3. Isaiah Wynn (New England Patriots)
Overview: Isaiah Wynn is a talented tackle who has had his fair share of injury issues, but when healthy, he has shown the ability to dominate in both the passing and running games. After a solid 2024 season with the New England Patriots, Wynn will be one of the more sought-after free agents on the market.
Why He’s a Fit for Miami: If the Dolphins are looking to upgrade at tackle, Wynn would be a strong option. He’s a proven player when healthy and has the versatility to play both left and right tackle. His addition would help provide more protection for Tua and enhance the Dolphins’ ability to establish the run game.
3. Defensive Line: Pass Rush and Run Defense
Miami’s defensive line has been solid, but like many teams, they could use more depth and impact players to take the pressure off their secondary. While players like Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are capable pass rushers, the Dolphins could benefit from adding another elite player to help generate more consistent pressure on the quarterback and defend the run better.
Defensive Line Free Agent Targets:
1. Jadeveon Clowney (Cleveland Browns)
Overview: Jadeveon Clowney has had a storied career and is known for his ability to disrupt offenses. While he’s never been able to live up to his full potential as a pass rusher, he still brings a lot to the table with his physicality and ability to create pressure.
Why He’s a Fit for Miami: Clowney would provide depth and flexibility to the Dolphins’ pass rush. Pairing him with Phillips and Chubb would create a formidable group capable of pressuring quarterbacks in both the AFC East and beyond. Clowney’s ability to stop the run would also help shore up Miami’s defensive line.
2. Frank Clark (Kansas City Chiefs)
Overview: Frank Clark has been a key contributor to the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense, particularly in the playoffs. Known for his ability to show up in big moments, Clark has been an effective pass rusher throughout his career.
Why He’s a Fit for Miami: If the Dolphins are looking for another experienced pass rusher, Clark would be an ideal target. His leadership and clutch performances in the postseason would add a lot of value to Miami’s defensive line, and he could help improve their ability to get after the quarterback.