The Miami Dolphins have addressed several needs this 2024 offseason. They added a few weapons for Tua Tagovailoa, signing tight end Jonnu Smith and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. They also traded up in the draft for running back Jaylen Wright. They gained some depth in the defensive end rotation, drafting Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara. They also have added linebacker Jordyn Brooks and corner Jordan Fuller to solidify their defense.
While these positions were needed for the Dolphins, their most glaring weakness is clearly in the trenches. They have two big holes to fill in the middle of their line as defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and guard Robert Hunt departed in free agency. Dolphins’ general manager Chris Grier didn’t draft at either position and opted to wait to sign a bargain-free agent.
This article will highlight the top three players still available that the Dolphins should target to address their remaining needs.
Free Agents the Miami Dolphins Need to Sign
3. DT Calaias Campbell
Campbell may be 37 years old and nearing the end of his NFL career but he would significantly impact this Dolphins team. He started all 17 games last season for the Atlanta Falcons and had seven sacks. He is an accomplished veteran with 105.5 career sacks and six Pro Bowl appearances.
He would become a leader in the middle of the Dolphin’s defensive line next to rising star Zach Sieler. Even if Campbell doesn’t start every game he would be a solid rotational piece. New Dolphin’s defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver also coached Campbell for two seasons as the Baltimore Raven’s defensive line coach in 2021 and 2022. Campbell should come at a reasonable price and on a one-year contract. This would be a low-risk high-reward deal for a veteran coming in to play for a contender.
2. C/OG Connor Williams
Miami Dolphins Center Connor Williams (Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Williams remains one of the better options for the Miami Dolphins. He is only months removed from a serious ACL injury and may not be ready for the beginning of the season. However, this is the only reason he remains unsigned.
Before his season-ending injury, Williams was playing at a Pro Bowl-caliber level. He knows the offense already and his ability to play center or guard is an asset for the Dolphins line that sustained so many injuries last year. The offensive line remains Miami’s biggest concern as it seems every offseason. Bringing back Williams will provide some needed insurance for Tagovailoa and McDaniel’s offense, even if it comes later in the season.
1. OG Dalton Risner
Risner is the best fit remaining on the market for the Dolphins. Last year, he remained unsigned until September when he reached a one-year deal with the Vikings. Risner didn’t allow a single sack last season and only committed three penalties. He is consistently healthy, only missing four games in his five-year career.
He would immediately be the favorite to start at either guard position. His presence would provide desperately needed pass-blocking for Tagovailoa and give the offensive line even more depth. Risner wouldn’t break the bank, he is simply asking for a starting guard contract. He would come much cheaper than the contract the Panthers just gave Robert Hunt and would likely have the same impact. He also has already played under Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry in Denver. If the Dolphins want to keep their franchise quarterback healthy and make a deep playoff run this year, Chris Grier needs to get this deal done as soon as possible.
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