![Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92)] and cornerback Nik Needham (40) celebrate after a Kansas City Chiefs fumble in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park.](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/09210142/Free-Agency-Update-Miami-Dolphins-Keep-1-Home-Re-Sign-Nik-Needham-1920x1280.jpg "Free Agency Update: Miami Dolphins Keep 1 Home, Re-Sign Nik Needham")
With free agency just days away, teams are in a rush to re-sign their impending free agents before they hit the open market. For the Miami Dolphins, despite losing a lot of defensive talent recently, they’ve thrown their hat in the ring and re-signed Nik Needham.
Dolphins Bring Back Nik Needham
Coming into the offseason, the Dolphins had a lot of work to do, coming in nearly $40 million over the NFL’s $255.4 million cap space limit. Now, as of March 9, the Dolphins are $23 million over the cap, according to Over the Cap.
To get to where they are now, the Dolphins have cut longtime starting cornerback Xavien Howard and decided not to franchise tag defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Releasing Howard saved $23 million, while not tagging Wilkins saved what would have been $22 million guaranteed.
Additionally, the Dolphins cut LB Jerome Baker, DB Keion Crossen, and DE Emmanuel Ogbah. Baker was the team’s starting linebacker when healthy, and his release saved Miami $9.8 million. Crossen and Ogbah saved $3 million and $13.7 million, respectively.
Needham and the Dolphins officially came to terms on a deal Saturday afternoon, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The specifics of the deal have yet to be announced.
Needham signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Since then, he’s played both cornerback and safety. In his career, he has 199 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, 25 pass deflections, six interceptions, and one touchdown.
On top of bringing back Needham, the Dolphins have re-signed defensive back Elijah Campbell and signed tight end Jonnu Smith. Campbell is on a one-year deal, and Smith is on a two-year $10 million contract.
On top of all the cuts and re-signings, the Dolphins still need to get under the cap. Considering their cap situation, it’s unlikely they will be able to re-sign starters Robert Hunt and Connor Williams, as well as key contributors Cedrick Wilson, Andrew Van Ginkel, Braxton Berrios, and more.
KEEP READING: Dolphins Stick With Continuity Plan on Special Teams
On top of all the lost players, the Dolphins’ defense is expected to look different in 2024 because of coaching, too. The team parted ways with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio after the season and hired Anthony Weaver from the Baltimore Ravens to fill the spot.
While there has been and will continue to be more turnover for the Dolphins this offseason, they will still have free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft to fortify the team going forward.
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