The Miami Dolphins have made several moves in the first few days of the 2025 NFL free agency, but none seem to have significantly improved their playoff chances next season. By the end of Day 3, Miami’s notable signings included Zach Wilson, James Daniels, and Ashtyn Davis — yet they haven’t fully addressed the team’s biggest issues.
Dolphins’ Free Agency Receives Low Grade
- Notable signings: QB Zach Wilson, G James Daniels, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, S Ashtyn Davis, LB Tyrel Dodson (re-signed)
- Notable departures: S Jevon Holland, WR Braxton Berrios, CB Kendall Fuller, RB Raheem Mostert
Miami signed Zach Wilson as a backup for Tua Tagovailoa, but the former No. 2 overall pick has struggled since being drafted in 2021. The Dolphins went 2-4 without Tua last season, and if he gets injured again, Miami could be at risk of missing another postseason, given that Wilson has yet to prove himself as a reliable starter.
Signing James Daniels makes sense for the Dolphins’ offensive line with Liam Eichenberg and Robert Jones hitting free agency, but he comes with injury concerns.
Miami also added depth with Larry Borom, but with Terron Armstead mulling retirement, the move doesn’t fully solve their OL problems. The Dolphins have frequently needed backup tackles to play significant snaps, and Borom’s average blocking may not be enough to push them into the playoffs.
Adding Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to the receiver corps is a more promising move. The former Tennessee Titans wideout has experience playing in a struggling passing offense and brings a physical element Miami otherwise lacks at receiver.
The re-signing of linebacker Tyrell Dodson was another bright spot in Miami’s free agency. His return adds stability to the defense after the Dolphins lost several starters to free agency this offseason.
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In the end, PFSN’s Stats and Insights team gave Miami’s free agency a D grade, stating, “There is not much to talk about in terms of the Miami Dolphins in free agency so far. With a difficult cap situation ($4 million over the salary cap), the Dolphins do not have a lot of wiggle room.
“They have multiple starters entertaining other teams, with Jevon Holland leaving for the Giants on the second day of the legal negotiating period. Miami already cut RB Raheem Mostert and CB Kendall Fuller, so there are holes to fill that have not been acted on just yet. On the bright side, they signed Tua Tagovailoa’s new backup, restructured LB Bradley Chubb’s contract, and added WR depth with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.”
As PFSN’s team noted, the Dolphins still have several needs to address in free agency, with defense being the biggest priority. However, with Miami $4 million over the salary cap, it remains to be seen if they can improve their grade.