Although we are still a week away from the Super Bowl, 30 other teams are in offseason mode. They’re doing homework on the upcoming free agent and draft classes and trying to retain their players of value.
The Miami Dolphins are no exception and have more work to do than other teams. As they stand, they’re almost $12 million over the cap per OTC and are feeling the effects of “kicking the can down the road.”
In year four of the Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa era, it looks like they’ll take one more big swing and kick the can down the road even further because that’s what all-in teams do. If we see another injury-plagued year for Tagovailoa or another failed season, 2026 could be the time to blow it all up, but we’re not there just yet.
As for now, the Dolphins have holes that need filling and a culture that needs to be changed, both on the field and off.
Hitting the Nail On the Head
Pro Football Focus is the darling of the NFL, and you’ll see their rankings every game during player introductions. I try not to care as much about them because grading is subjective and can be easily swayed by agendas, good or bad.
Though the Dolphins’ needs in 2025 aren’t rocket science, they absolutely nailed it in this article. They touch on every team and can be found here.
The article also gives a player the Dolphins could draft, and I’m in agreement. Jevon Holland is out the door, and Jordan Poyer is most likely not being brought back. There could be two new safeties on the Dolphins, and at least one needs to be a dynamic playmaker.
“Watts had the best season of his college career in 2024 and could find himself in the late first-round conversation by the time the draft comes around. Should he be available in the second round though, the Dolphins would be wise to add him, coming off a season where he earned an 88.9 PFF coverage grade.”
Looking at the problems the Dolphins had this year, it all starts in the trenches, both sides. If Calais Campbell comes back, I’d hold off on drafting an interior defensive lineman outside of depth later, but the edges could use another young guy if they drop to the Dolphins.
Miami can’t bet on Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb’s health, and I don’t see Chubb making the 2025 roster. If anything, that’s something the Dolphins can address with a cheap veteran to back up Chop Robinson and Phillips.
The offensive line is another story. As they stand now, I see three starters. Austin Jackson, Aaron Brewer, and Patrick Paul if Terron Armstead retires. The Dolphins need to focus on guard and get at least one high-quality one, whether it’s in free agency or the draft.
Beating a pocket quarterback like Tagovailoa starts with pressure, and interior pressure is the most effective. The Dolphins have had problems with interior pressure for years, and it’s time to invest heavily in stopping it. They need reinforcements in starters and depth. No more having to throw the ball within 2.5 seconds to offset a bad pass-blocking unit.
Re-Tool Commence
We don’t know who will be cut or brought back to save money, so we can only speculate. A lot of work will need to be done between roster cuts, resigning players, free agency, and the draft, but the consensus amongst fans and media is that however it needs to be done, the Dolphins have to go all in on the offensive line.
It’s part of every playoff team’s blueprint, and it’s time for Chris Grier to throw everything but the kitchen sink at it.
