Miami Dolphins continue their Bon Jovi-themed offseason with latest splashy move

"Woah, we're halfway there! Woah, living on a prayer!"

Those legendary lyrics from Jon Bon Jovi have been blaring through speakers and entertaining music fans for decades.  And they might just perfectly encapsulate the way that the Miami Dolphins have approached the 2025 season throughout the offseason. 

They had among the smallest cap space in the league entering 2025 free agency thanks in large part to some mega-extensions they gave to in-house talent, with raises for Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey coming before last season. Those bills have come due, and it meant the Dolphins have had to get creative and look for upside on a budget. 

The result was signing players like IOL James Daniels and S Ifeatu Melifonwu - two players with a somewhat proven track record but with some significant injury question marks. Ashtyn Davis has been around the block and can generate takeaways but has never established himself as a consistent starter. 

The Dolphins are also going to be relying a lot on rookies and/or inexperienced players at crucial positions on the offensive line.  Patrick Paul - who was very inconsistent in 2024 - is set to spell Terron Armstead as the team's new starting left tackle. Next to him will be either Daniels or rookie Jonah Savaiinaea.  On the defensive line, Kenneth Grant will start next to Zach Sieler, and it's looking a lot like fellow rookies Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers could be depth options. 

Now, in the wake of the mega-trade with the Steelers on Monday that sent Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh for a reunion with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami has made another move, pulling Darren Waller out of retirement and securing his rights from the Giants.