Off-Season Primer: Miami Dolphins

2023 Record- (11-6)

In 2023, the Miami Dolphins started 9-3 and had the AFC East title within their grasp only to see Buffalo catch fire late in the year and beat Miami in week 18 to win the division. Miami devastated Denver in week 3, 70-20 to become the first team to score 70 points in a game since 1966. 

The Dolphins traveled to Kansas City for their wild card matchup. It was one of the coldest games in NFL history. They was outplayed by the Chiefs from the opening kickoff and lost 26-7.

The Dolphins had an explosive and high scoring offense all season long. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill proved once again he is a handful to cover, catching 119 passes for 1,799 and 13 touchdowns. The Dolphins also got strong performances from both of their running backs in 2023. Raheem Mostert ran for over 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 4.8 a carry. Rookie 3rd round pick De’Von Achane was a game changer all season long for Miami. He ran for 800 yards and averaged an eye popping 7.8 yards per carry. He also caught 27 passes and totaled 11 touchdowns on the season.

Draft Picks

• Round 1 - (21)
• Round 2- (55)
• Round 5- (157)
• Round 6- (186)
• Round 6- (200)
• Round 7- (239)

Free Agents

Projected Cap Space - Approximately negative $24MM

• DT-Christian Wilkins
• G-Robert Hunt
• C-Connor Williams
• LB-Andrew Van Ginkel
• S-DeShon Elliott
• T-Kendall Lamm
• DT-Raekwon Davis
• CB-Eli Apple
• G-Isaiah Wynn
• WR-Braxton Berrios
• S-Brandon Jones
• OLB-Melvin Ingram
• DT-Da’Shawn Hand
• WR-Cedrick Wilson, Jr.
• CB-Justin Bethel
• OLB-Justin Houston
• OLB-Bruce Irvin
• WR-River Cracraft
• RB-Salvon Ahmed
• CB-Nik Needham
• C-Jonotthan Harrison
• LB-Calvin Munson
• P-Jake Bailey
• WR-Robbie Chosen
• WR-Chase Claypool
• G-Robert Jones
• DB-Elijah Campbell

Miami is around $24MM dollars over the salary cap and will need to restructure some of the higher end players like Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb and Jalen Ramsey to free up room under the league limit. 

Defensive end Christian Wilkins is a player that needs to be retained and Miami may designate him with a franchise tag if needed. Last season he set a career high in sacks with 9 and was a dominant force all season long. The team lacks the depth on the line to let him walk away. 

Both starting guards, Robert Hunt and Isaiah Wynn are scheduled to enter the open market. The Dolphins will need to try and retain at least one of the two. Robert Hunt, more than likely, will be Miami’s first choice. 

If losing both starting guards isn’t bad enough, starting center Connor Williams is also set to hit free agency. With Miami trying to balance the salary cap, they are in danger of losing Williams as they cannot afford to get into any bidding wars with teams in better cap positions. 

With no draft picks in the 3rd or 4th rounds, Miami is going to need the free agency market to fill some troublesome holes.

Biggest Needs 

• G
• C
• DT
• CB
• WR

The Dolphins have a first round pick for the first time in 3 seasons, but after their 2nd round pick at #55 they don’t pick again until 157. Depending on what happens to their own free agents, the Dolphins may be without 60% of their starting offensive line. Both starting guards and their center may walk. Look for Miami to use pick #21 on a guard who has the potential to step right in. 

On the defensive side of the ball, Raekwon Davis is a free agent and after him, there isn't much depth along the defensive line left on the roster. The Dolphins need to pay attention here, especially if Davis and Wilkins leave. 

The Dolphins may lose #3 receiver Cedrick Wilson, Jr. and could use one of their late picks on a wide receiver. With such a deep class of wideouts, they may be able to replace Wilson in the draft in day three. They could also look to improve themselves at the tight end position.