Looking Ahead to Free Agency

Looking Ahead to Free Agency

The Miami Dolphins have a lot of work to do. Step 1 is free agency. Will this new regime choose to keep veteran players that former coaches and front office members liked? This article will go deep into the Dolphins’ list of free agents and see which ones have a likely chance of sticking for another year (or longer). This does not include players Miami is expected to release from their current contracts.

Headlining the free agents is someone who is unlikely to return due to the limited opportunities he has received. Zach Wilson could’ve been a starter, a fresh start. Instead, McDaniel and co went for the younger Quinn Ewers. Wilson voiced his displeasure with the decision, pointing to the fact that he is ready to start again in the NFL. The quarterback will likely test the open market to find his best path forward. He can be a viable backup for most teams, but it looks like Quinn Ewers may have the upper hand.

Alexander Mattison is Miami’s only running back with an expiring contract. After a season-ending neck injury in the pre-season, it is unlikely he will re-sign with the team.

Cedrick Wilson and Dee Eskridge will be free agents in March. Though both were impactful in extremely limited roles, it is unlikely either will ever suit up for the Dolphins again. The receiver room already has a new addition in former LSU star Terrace Marshall.

Miami will be in a world of pain with this tight end room. Darren Waller, the former Raiders standout, is unlikely to resign with the team. Coach McDaniel and Frank Smith were the main reasons he came out of retirement to play for the team. Waller is likely to test the open market, with a career in rap as a backup option. Greg Dulcich hit his stride at the back end of the 2025 season. He recorded 335 receiving yards and caught 14 first downs in a less-than-ideal time frame. He should be a priority player for the new regime.

Tight end Julian Hill is a restricted free agent because he is on his undrafted rookie contract with the team. Hill is likely to return to the team in 2026.

The Dolphins have 8 pending free agents on the offensive line. Names you will recognize, like Liam Eichenberg and Kendall Lamm. The only ones who played a major role for the Dolphins in 2025 are Daniel Brunskill and Cole Strange. I could see Strange return, as he provides decent depth as a former 1st round pick. The 27-year-old has started 43 career games.

Matthew Butler and Benito Jones are up next as they are pending free agents. Both played minor roles for Miami in 2025, but Benito Jones is an experienced player who can provide solid depth as a nose guard. Butler showed some good pass-rush reps on film, but the Dolphins have young talent they must focus on in 2026.

5 of Miami’s linebackers are expected to hit free agency in March. Notably, Willie Gay and KJ Britt. Though fans expected big things from the former Chiefs standout, Gay was limited to a special teams role. Unless the new regime (specifically Hafley) decides he is worth the veteran minimum to stay, I don’t see him suiting up in the Aqua again.

That goes the same for all other pending linebackers, except for restricted free agent Cam Goode. He is an elite special teams player who has some upside as a blitzing strong-side backer.

We have reached the point where it is mostly the 2025 season starters who will be discussed. Studs like Ifeatu Melifonwu, Rasul Douglas, and Jack Jones were all on 1 year deals. Ashtyn Davis hit his stride late in the season as well, but will likely be targeted by other teams like the Jets and Cardinals. Rasul Douglas is an older player, but he arguably had his best season as a pro with Miami. Jack Jones started all 17 games for the Dolphins in 2025. He has 8 interceptions across 4 seasons in the NFL.

A valuable piece to the defense, it seems he may test the open market in March. Kader Kohou is also up for a new contract. Once a gem found by Chris Grier, his injury in training camp has put a halt to his playing days. He is set to return for the next training camp, but it isn’t likely that it will be with the Dolphins. Other notable free agents from the defensive back group include Elijah Campbell, AJ Green, Artie Burns, and Ethan Bonner.

Once a question mark, the Miami Dolphins found a steady and powerful special teams core in 2025. Punter Jake Bailey, long snapper Joe Cardona, and kicker Riley Patterson are all upcoming free agents. All 3 are worthy of resigning, as they were a consistent trio. The future of the Dolphins’ kicker, Jason Sanders, is in question, as a reported hip injury kept him away from the game in 2025. Patterson was a steady short-range kicker for the team, missing only 2 field goals and 1 extra point in all 17 games.

The Dolphins have a lot of free agents, but few were impactful. With -28 million in cap space at the moment, it is a good thing that only a handful of players were real contributors. I expect a small batch to be back, highlighted by cornerback Rasul Douglas and offensive lineman Cole Strange. It will be a revamped team in 2026. New faces of the franchise on both sides of the ball.

By Julian of @draftlives_here