Cornerback or Tight End? Which Position should the Dolphins Address?

Cornerback or Tight End? Which Position should the Dolphins Address?

Heading into the 2025 season, the Miami Dolphins still have two large holes on their roster. The positions of concern are at cornerback and tight end. Ironically, they were okay at both just a few weeks ago, but then they traded All-Pro Jalen Ramsey as well as Pro Bowler and franchise record breaker Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in return for Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

The trade was logical on the one hand. Ramsey’s relationship with the team had fractured, and they announced they would be attempting to part ways before the NFL draft back in April. Smith was eager for a new contract after his stellar 2024 season, while the Dolphins were hesitant to give him one. On the other hand, both players served as important pieces, veterans who still had plenty left in the tank and whose absence now puts the Dolphins in a precarious position this close to training camp. 

This past weekend, the Dolphins finally signed their second-round pick, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, to a fully guaranteed 4-year $11.3 million deal. That was a much-needed addition as the offensive line is a weakness for the team; however, the Dolphins now find themselves with only $1.9 million remaining in cap space. Such a small amount leaves little wiggle room even with the cheeky accounting NFL teams are able to pull off. So in all likelihood, they will have to choose between cornerback and tight end. Leaving the other to be filled by players who would most likely be backups elsewhere. 

It appears the Dolphins have narrowed down their replacement cornerback search to former Buffalo Bill Rasul Douglas, according to Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson. Douglas is entering his 9th NFL season and will turn 31 at the end of August. Not an ideal signing, but when you are waiting until July to address a position of need, you’re not going to have the luxury of being picky.

Alternatively, there have been recent rumors that Asante Samuel Jr. remains a possibility. Of the two, it would be my preference that they take a shot on Samuel Jr. However, given the circumstances, Douglas is a solid number 2. 

As for the available options at tight end, the pickings are similarly thin. There just isn’t anyone who is going to be able to replace what Smith was able to provide last season. The name that has been thrown around is Noah Fant, who was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks.