Kelly: As Free Agency Draws Near, the Dolphins’ Position Needs Are Ranked

As the Miami Dolphins prepare for the 2025 NFL free agency period, the team finds itself in an interesting position. After an active 2024 season where they showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in the playoffs, the Dolphins will enter free agency looking to bolster their roster in key areas. General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel will have to navigate the tight salary cap constraints while aiming to fill the team’s most pressing needs.

The Dolphins have a talented roster, but they still have glaring weaknesses that could hinder their long-term success. From offensive line struggles to defensive depth, the Dolphins must be strategic in how they address these needs while maintaining their competitiveness for the upcoming season. The following breakdown provides a comprehensive look at the Dolphins’ most pressing position needs and potential solutions as free agency draws closer.

1. Offensive Line: A Critical Weakness

The Dolphins’ offensive line has been a source of frustration for years. Despite significant investments, the unit has not been able to protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa consistently, leading to injuries and a lack of offensive efficiency. In 2024, the line allowed 38 sacks, which ranked near the bottom of the league. While there were some improvements with the acquisition of left tackle Terron Armstead in 2022, injuries have derailed his impact, and the other positions on the line remain inconsistent.

The Dolphins need to prioritize upgrading the interior of the offensive line. Center Connor Williams had a solid season, but the team struggled with both the guard and right tackle spots. Austin Jackson, the former first-round pick, has shown flashes of potential but has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Meanwhile, Robert Hunt, the team’s starting right guard, has also shown promise, but overall, the Dolphins need more stability.

Free Agency Targets:

• Ben Powers (Guard, Denver Broncos): Powers is coming off a career season and would instantly upgrade the Dolphins’ interior line. He would bring much-needed stability to the guard position.
• Mike McGlinchey (Tackle, San Francisco 49ers): McGlinchey is a well-regarded right tackle who could bolster Miami’s offensive line, especially if the Dolphins want to make a move to upgrade Jackson’s position.
• Ethan Pocic (Center, Cleveland Browns): Pocic had a strong 2024 campaign and could provide stability at center if the Dolphins want to push Williams to a more natural guard position or add depth to the offensive line.

Addressing the offensive line in free agency is a top priority for Miami to protect Tagovailoa and help the offense operate more smoothly.

2. Running Back: The Need for a Workhorse

Although the Dolphins boast an explosive passing game, their running game has lacked consistency. While Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. have been effective at times, neither player is considered a true bell-cow back. The Dolphins have been leaning on the passing attack, but to truly make a leap toward contending for the AFC East title, they must be more balanced on offense. Miami needs a running back who can consistently gain yards between the tackles, chew up clock, and alleviate some of the pressure from Tagovailoa and the wide receiver corps.

The Dolphins could use a dynamic running back to complement the speed of Mostert and the power of Wilson. Adding a player who can serve as a true workhorse while contributing in the passing game could give the offense a much-needed boost.

Free Agency Targets:

• Miles Sanders (Running Back, Carolina Panthers): Sanders is an every-down back who could take over as the Dolphins’ primary ball carrier. His versatility as a rusher and pass catcher makes him an ideal fit for Miami’s offense.
• David Montgomery (Running Back, Detroit Lions): Montgomery is a tough, physical back who could bring the power and reliability that Miami’s running game has lacked. He could work in tandem with Mostert and Wilson to create a formidable trio in the backfield.
• Jamaal Williams (Running Back, New Orleans Saints): Williams is a physical, goal-line back who could excel in short-yardage situations. He would add a valuable element to Miami’s offense, especially in critical moments.

3. Cornerback: Replacing Byron Jones

The Dolphins’ secondary has been one of their stronger units in recent years, with Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard leading the way. However, the departure of Byron Jones, combined with the team’s struggle to find a reliable second corner, has left the unit vulnerable at times. With the increase in passing offenses around the league, the need for elite cornerback play has never been more pressing.

Although rookie cornerback Cam Smith showed promise in 2024, Miami needs more consistency on the other side of Howard. The Dolphins will likely look for a cornerback who can step in immediately and complement Howard, potentially giving the team one of the league’s top cornerback duos.

Free Agency Targets:

• Jamel Dean (Cornerback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Dean is a big, physical corner who would provide the Dolphins with an upgrade at the position. He has experience playing in a zone-heavy system, which could mesh well with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s schemes.
• James Bradberry (Cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles): Bradberry is a proven starter who would give Miami a reliable second corner to pair with Howard. His ability to shut down top receivers would be a game-changer for the Dolphins’ defense.
• Marcus Peters (Cornerback, Baltimore Ravens): Peters has the ability to make plays on the ball and is known for his ball skills. He would bring experience and a playmaking ability that Miami’s secondary could use.

If the Dolphins want to contend for a Super Bowl, they must secure a cornerback who can provide stability and lockdown opposing receivers.

4. Edge Rusher: Pressure is Key

While the Dolphins’ defense is strong in many areas, the edge rusher position remains a concern. Bradley Chubb, acquired via trade in 2022, has yet to live up to expectations as a game-changing pass rusher. Jaelan Phillips has been one of the more consistent performers on defense but could benefit from more help on the edge. The Dolphins need an elite pass rusher to complement Phillips and create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

In today’s NFL, where offenses are often built around the quarterback, it’s crucial for teams to generate pressure consistently. Miami’s defense has the talent, but without a true edge rusher who can consistently disrupt the quarterback, the Dolphins’ defense may struggle to close out games and take advantage of key situations.

Free Agency Targets:

• Yannick Ngakoue (Edge Rusher, Indianapolis Colts): Ngakoue is a proven pass rusher who can contribute immediately. His quickness and ability to pressure quarterbacks would be a huge boost to the Dolphins’ defense.
• Zach Allen (Edge Rusher, Arizona Cardinals): Allen is a versatile player who can line up both inside and outside. His ability to rush the passer and play the run makes him an ideal fit for Miami’s defense.
• Frank Clark (Edge Rusher, Kansas City Chiefs): Clark has a wealth of postseason experience and has been known to turn it up in big moments. He would add leadership and a proven ability to get to the quarterback, which Miami desperately needs.

Securing a top-tier edge rusher would provide the Dolphins with the pass rush necessary to elevate their defense to an elite level.

5. Tight End: A Safety Net for Tagovailoa

The tight end position has been relatively underwhelming for the Dolphins in recent years. While Mike Gesicki has been a reliable pass-catching target, he was inconsistent, and Miami’s offense didn’t utilize the tight end position to its full potential. In the modern NFL, having a tight end who can both block and catch passes is crucial for a balanced offense.

The Dolphins could use a player who can operate as a safety valve for Tagovailoa in the passing game. A tight end who can stretch the field vertically while also providing reliable blocking support in the running game would provide the Dolphins’ offense with an additional weapon.

Free Agency Targets:

• Dalton Schultz (Tight End, Dallas Cowboys): Schultz is an excellent route runner who can create mismatches with defenders. His ability to be both a safety valve and a downfield threat would be valuable to the Dolphins’ offense.
• Mike Gesicki (Tight End, New England Patriots): Gesicki could potentially return to Miami if the price is right. His familiarity with the system and ability to stretch the field could provide a nice boost to the Dolphins’ tight end room.
• Hayden Hurst (Tight End, Carolina Panthers): Hurst has been a consistent performer and is capable of