Analyzing the Dolphins’ departures, additions in first wave of NFL free agency

The opening hours of NFL free agency on Monday began ominously for the Dolphins.

Miami, with limited cap flexibility and about two dozen free agents, watched as several of its key contributors agreed to sign deals with other teams.

However, the Dolphins’ front office, led by general manager Chris Grier, didn’t remain idle. Miami cleared close to $30 million with salary conversions to become cap compliant before the start of the new league year on Wednesday. And the Dolphins moved quickly to add several veteran free agents, retooling their roster after the mass exodus.

Miami also made a series of shrewd moves to maximize the number of compensatory picks the team will receive in 2025 for the loss of key free agents.

The first wave of free agency is just one of many checkpoints in the roster-building process this offseason. April’s draft will give the Dolphins an influx of young talent on rookie deals the team hopes can contribute quickly. On May 2, free agent signings no longer count toward the compensatory pick formula, sparking another wave of signings. And in June, Miami will receive $18.5 million in cap space for the release of cornerback Xavien Howard, which could be used for more additions before training camp or extensions with some of its young core reaching the end of their rookie deals.

Here’s a breakdown of the Dolphins’ departures and additions in the first wave of free agency, with an analysis for each.

Departures

▪ Defensive lineman Christian Wilkins

▪ Defensive lineman Raekwon Davis

▪ Right guard Robert Hunt

▪ Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel

▪ Wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr.

▪ Safety Brandon Jones

▪ Safety DeShon Elliott

Analysis: Many of these losses were expected, especially the departure of Wilkins and Hunt, who signed deals that make them among the highest-paid players at their positions. The defections aren’t any less jarring, though. The Dolphins’ defense was hit the worst with five players from that side of the ball signing with other teams. When you add in the release of cornerback Xavien Howard, inside linebacker Jerome Baker and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, that is eight contributors on defense who will not be returning in 2024.

On offense, there hasn’t been nearly as much attrition but the loss of Hunt is a big one for a franchise that has struggled to draft and develop offensive linemen. Wilson contributed sparingly in his two seasons in Miami but his signing with the New Orleans Saints is a reminder that the Dolphins need to add more wide receiver depth behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Additions

▪ Tight end Jonnu Smith

▪ Outside linebacker Shaq Barrett

▪ Center Aaron Brewer

▪ Inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks

▪ Inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr.

▪ Safety Jordan Poyer

▪ Cornerback/special teams ace Siran Neal

▪ Tight end Jody Fortson

▪ Defensive lineman Neville Gallimore

▪ Defensive lineman Jonathan Harris

▪ Defensive lineman Benito Jones

▪ Defensive lineman Isaiah Mack

▪ Defensive lineman Daviyon Nixon

Analysis: The Dolphins have needed to replenish a defense that was raided in the first wave of free agency, so the majority of their additions have been on that side of the ball. The unit will be led by new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Miami navigated the market well to find personnel that fit the scheme Weaver will run.

Brooks, an uber-athletic off-ball linebacker who has coverage skills and is only 26, projects as the replacement for Baker. Poyer, a long-time rival of the Dolphins, figures to slot next to Jevon Holland as an interchangeable player in the secondary. Barrett is a proven pas rusher who could fill in as a starter early while Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips rehab their leg injuries and then provide depth once they return. Miami didn’t add a bonafide starter to replace Wilkins, who rarely left the field during his five years with the Dolphins. But the team looks like it will fill the void with a committee approach, and there will be loads of competition in training camp with fice defensive linemen added since the season ended.

Fuller, though, could be the best of the bunch in terms of impact and value. Miami is signing the eight-year veteran to a two-year deal worth $16.5 million. Though his coverage stats from this past season (career-worst nine touchdowns allowed) aren’t great, he played on a Commanders defense that struggled to defend the pass as a whole. Fuller on his own has been one of the better man-to-man corners in recent years and has the positional versatility to play outside or in the slot, giving Weaver plenty of options in the secondary.

On offense, the Dolphins found a likely new starting center in Brewer, who has just one full year of experience at the position but upside and a perfect scheme fit with his athleticism. In Smith, the Dolphins could finally unlock a dimension of their offense that has been lacking and diversify some of their packages.

Re-signings

▪ Defensive back Elijah Campbell

▪ Punter Jake Bailey

▪ Cornerback Nik Needham

▪ Offensive lineman Rob Jones

▪ Defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand

▪ Running back Salvon Ahmed

▪ Wide receiver Braxton Berrios

Analysis: The Dolphins’ re-signings haven’t been glamorous but they brought back many players who could compete for snaps and provide quality depth. In Berrios, who on Saturday agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, the Dolphins have started to restock their wide receiver depth and get their top return specialist back.

Going forward, center Connor Williams and left guard Isaiah Wynn remain the top Dolphins’ agents to watch. The team is giving Williams time to rehab his ACL tear and even though Miami added Brewer, he and Williams can play guard so a return can’t be discounted. Wynn was a solid starter until sustaining a season-ending quad injury in October. The interior of the offensive line remains the most glaring hole for Miami after a week of free agency but the addition of either or both would put the Dolphins in a good spot entering the draft.

Miami Herald sportswriter Barry Jackson contributed to this report.