Three Dolphins roster holes that also want fixing after the primary week of free company

The Miami Dolphins have signed over 12 gamers in free company however nonetheless rank within the backside third of the NFL with solely 63 gamers underneath contract one week into the brand new league 12 months. The entrance workplace added a starting-caliber guard in James Daniels, a backup quarterback in former first-round decide Zach Wilson, and a pair of safeties with beginning expertise in Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu.

In line with OTC, the Dolphins have $15 million in cap house. Nonetheless, that doesn’t think about current contracts, together with Davis, linebacker Tyrel Dodson, and extensive receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Miami should create extra house to signal its rookie class and fill these remaining gaps on the roster:

Guard

Signing Daniels away from the Pittsburgh Steelers was considered one of Miami’s first offseason strikes, however one other starter is required to solidify the unit — and a few depth in all probability wouldn’t harm. The Dolphins additionally re-signed Liam Eichenberg and added former Chicago Bears lineman Larry Borom, who had some potential as a guard or swing sort out.

Each Borom and Eichenberg are choices at left guard however aren’t essentially the opening-day choices you’re in search of within the trenches. Teron Armstead’s return might provide worthwhile depth on the road, and guard is an choice earlier within the draft, however work must be achieved earlier than the unit is secure.

Defensive Sort out

Picture by Nick Cammett/Diamond Photographs by way of Getty Photographs

The Dolphins acquired contributions from Zach Sieler, Calais Campbell, Benito Jones, and Da’Shawn Hand at defensive sort out final season. One month from the 2025 NFL Draft, solely Sieler and Neil Farrell are underneath contract.

After Christian Wilkins’ departure to the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami signed a number of low-risk contracts. Nonetheless, Campbell was a distinction maker, recording 5 sacks, 5 go breakups, and a compelled fumble at 38 years previous. Whereas Campbell might return for one more season, the Dolphins want extra solutions within the trenches.

Cornerback

Kader Kohou is again in Miami, and Storm Duck began three video games as a rookie, however extra is required after releasing Kendall Fuller earlier than free company started. Duck, former second-round decide Cam Smith, and 2023 undrafted free agent Ethan Bonner are all potential contributors, however none have beginning expertise at one of many NFL’s most demanding positions.

Duck, Smith, or Bonner might take a leap and earn bigger roles subsequent season, however Miami lacks a clear-cut Day 1 starter. Solidifying the cornerback spot throughout from Jalen Ramsey solely helps stabilize a secondary that can function two new safeties in 2025.