Free agency is next week, and it’s entirely possible — and probably likely — that the Miami Dolphins will be a less talented team next Friday than they were the previous Monday.
That’s just the reality with the Dolphins an estimated $28 million over the salary cap and with five of PFN’s Top 100 free agents set to hit the market.
So what’s Chris Grier going to do? We consult the crystal ball with our 2024 Miami Dolphins free agency predictions.
Miami Dolphins Free Agency Predictions
Christian Wilkins Bears Down on Free Agency
No team needs to improve more this offseason than the Chicago Bears. And with a rookie quarterback playing under a rookie contract likely under center this fall, Bears general manager Ryan Poles has all the incentive to spend big this spring.
That’s a good thing because Christian Wilkins won’t come cheap. With the Dolphins reportedly unlikely to use the franchise tag on their excellent homegrown defensive tackle, Wilkins is expected to not just hit free agency, but be one of the most coveted players on the open market.
The Bears got just 14 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hits, and five sacks out of their defensive tackles in 2023. Wilkins alone produced 10, 23, and nine, respectively, for the Dolphins last year.
If Wilkins’ No. 1 priority is maximizing his earnings this cycle — which seems to be the case, after he turned down a solid offer from the Dolphins last summer — then Chicago makes the most sense.
Robert Hunt Flies to Philly
With Monday’s news that Jason Kelce is retiring after 13 seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles have big-time concerns on their interior offensive line.
Expect Cam Jurgens to slide over to center, which will create a need at right guard.
Enter Robert Hunt, who seems likely gone after four very productive years in Miami.
With an estimated market value of $11.8 million annually, per Spotrac, Hunt is a luxury the cap-strapped Dolphins cannot afford. The same can’t be said of the Eagles, who had nearly $40 million in cap space prior to Kelce’s retirement announcement.
Andrew Van Ginkel Stays Put
He might not be the best-known front seven defender in free agency, but Andrew Van Ginkel might be the most versatile. And with the Dolphins uncertain about the rehab timelines of Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, Miami must add pass-rush help.
It’s unlikely that they’ll find a better fit at better value than AVG, who seems to like playing in Miami and clearly loves his teammates. Van Ginkel’s wife, Sam, posted photos from Tua Tagovailoa’s birthday party to social media over the weekend.
Moore Help in the Secondary
Xavien Howard is out, and the Dolphins have yet to reveal their plans to replace him. But that’s not their only concern in the defensive backfield.
Kader Kohou was, quite frankly, bad in 2023, and the Dolphins should look to improve the nickel cornerback position this offseason.
KEEP READING: Chris Grier Hints At Limited Free Agency Action
Kenny Moore seems like a good fit. He allowed just 6.7 yards per target and had three interceptions in 2023. And while finding a starting cornerback in the draft certainly would be cheaper, it would be too risky to have that be their only option.
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