The Miami Dolphins have had a busy start to NFL free agency.
After losing key players like Christian Wilkins, Jerome Baker, Xavien Howard, and Robert Hunt, the Dolphins pivoted nicely, signing other free agents to cheaper contracts in those positions of need.
While the Dolphins have to be conservative with their spending because of Tyreek Hill’s pricey contract and the ongoing effort to extend quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a franchise deal, there are still options for Miami to address some remaining positions of need.
Dolphins Free Agency Fits: Players Still Available at Positions of Need
Replacing Wilkins, Howard, Baker, and Hunt was never going to be easy, but general manager Chris Grier stayed busy, plugging those holes in almost every spot.
The Dolphins added proven linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker to replace Baker and Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency. They also added cornerback Kendall Fuller and defensive tackles Jonathan Harris and Neville Gallimore. Offensively, they replaced Hunt’s interior protection with new center Aaron Brewer.
Despite pivoting nicely, there are still positions of need that Miami needs to address. Let’s take a dive into how they can fill those holes.
Chase Young Can Beef Up Defensive Line
While Wilkins stole all the headlines after a career year, the Dolphins also released defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. In Ogbah’s four years in Miami, he played several positions along the defensive line, accruing over 25 sacks in 57 games.
The Dolphins remain thin on the defensive line, with newcomer Harris and Zach Sieler projected to start. Miami needs to get through Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson in the AFC playoffs, and that sort of pressure likely won’t cut it.
Insert Chase Young, who somewhat underperformed on his rookie contract with the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers. The 2020 No. 2 overall pick has 16.5 career sacks in 43 games.
Perhaps a change of scenery is needed. Spotrac gave Young a market value of a one-year, $13 million deal.
Cody Whitehair Can Protect Tua Tagovailoa
After spending eight years with the Chicago Bears, 31-year-old offensive guard Cody Whitehair is still available.
After losing Hunt to a big payday with the Carolina Panthers, the Dolphins elected to pay Brewer, the former Tennessee Titans center. Miami’s depth chart currently has Robert Jones as the projected starter at left guard and right guard. Unless they clone him, that’s impossible.
Whitehair was a dependable option for many years in Chicago, and he’d be a budget-friendly option in Miami.
Adoree’ Jackson Can Provide Secondary Help
Adding Fuller from the Denver Broncos was a nice move for the Dolphins, but Adoree’ Jackson could also fill a need.
Miami has focused on building its secondary around Jalen Ramsey, but after releasing Howard, they don’t have many other options besides Fuller. Jackson has a calculated market value of a one-year, $11.3 million contract and could be a viable, quality depth piece.
Now 28, Jackson was a first-round pick in 2017, but injuries and inconsistencies have prevented him from being a long-term starter.
KEEP READING: Miami Dolphins Most-Drafted Players — Troy Fautanu, Amarius Mims Among Most Popular Selections
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