Due to the team’s financial constraints and the high number of players who will become free agents shortly, the Miami Dolphins are facing one of the most challenging offseasons in team history.
It will therefore be difficult to improve upon the 2023 squad that ended 11-6 and lost in the first round of the playoffs this past season to make it better for the 2024 campaign.
Anything is possible for a team led by Steve Ross, who is willing to give out large signing and roster bonuses, even though Miami is $49 million over the projected cap and needs to make several cost-cutting moves. This could allow the Dolphins to avoid the NFL’s onerous financial model, which would push the team’s debt back even further.
It’s always vital to evaluate the talent that is currently in-house when we start the offseason, which formally begins on March 11 with the legal tampering period. This helps us determine what’s probably on the shopping list.
Below is an analysis of the Dolphins’ current offensive roster along with a preview of the upcoming free agents.
QUARTERBACKS DOLPHINS (3)
Signed: Mike White, Skylar Thompson, Tua Tagovailoa
Analysis: Tagovailoa had the kind of season that secured him the AFC starting berth in the Pro Bowl. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,624) and had a 101.1 passer rating. While Thompson managed the scout team for the majority of the season, White performed admirably in his few snaps. The Dolphins intend to extend Tagovailoa’s $23.2 million fifth-year option, which would help free up contract room this offseason. Tagovailoa is scheduled to play on his option. However, settling on season-to-season pricing with Tagovailoa and his team will be difficult. Four seasoned starters, Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott, and Trevor Lawrence, will either.
DOLPHINS BEHIND BACKS (4)
Chris Brooks, Jeff Wilson Jr., Devon Achane, and Raheem Mostert have all signed.
Salvon Ahmed and Darrynton Evans are free agents.
Analysis: In 15 games, Mostert scored a franchise-high 21 touchdowns and ran for 1,012 yards, marking the best season of his nine-year career. But ailments kept the 31-year-old from playing in the NFL for another season. Even though he is still the team leader, don’t be shocked if Achane is given more touches in the backfield. He was selected to the All-Rookie team and established an NFL record for the highest yards per carry average (7.8) for a back with at least 100 carries. Wilson has made only sporadic contributions this season, placing him and his $2.9 million paycheck in danger of being cut.
RECEIVERS OF DOLPHINS (6)
Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braylon Sanders, Erik Ezukanma, Anthony Schwartz, and Matthew Sexton have all signed.
River Cracraft, Freddie Swain, Robbie Chosen, Braxton Berrios, Chase Claypool, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. are all free agents.
Analysis: Despite missing four games between them and being sidelined by ankle problems in the latter month of the season, Hill and Waddle amassed 2,813 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 191 receptions. Though the Dolphins had minimal history, they undoubtedly comprise one of the strongest receiver tandems in the NFL. Wilson finished as Miami’s third-best receiver, but in his 545 offensive snaps, he only managed 22 grabs for 296 yards and three touchdowns. Furthermore, Chosen, Berrios, and Claypool were all letdown. It is feasible, though, that one or more may come back for minimum salaries for veterans. Despite spending most of the season on injured reserve, Ezukanma’s performance in his first two seasons has not lived up to expectations. Schwartz and Sanders haven’t demonstrated that they are.
Tight ends/fullbacks of dolphins (4)
Durham Smythe, Julian Hill, Tanner Conner, and Alec Ingold, the fullback, signed.
Nick Bowers and Tyler Kroft are free agents. Analysis: Smythe, who caught 35 passes for 366 yards to rank third on the club in receptions, and Hill, who played 343 offensive snaps in Miami’s two-tight end package as a rookie, were both nice surprises. Like Ingold and Smythe, Hill is a great blocker, which is why the Dolphins are thrilled about his upside and potential. This group requires something as a requirement. Therefore, anyone who believes the Dolphins should improve their pass-catching at this position needs to keep in mind that these players not only open up gaps for the run game but also carry out the dirty work for the offense in pass protection. Conner was a member of Miami’s practice squad for the entire season and had three appearances on special teams. Expect the Dolphins to make changes to Ingold and Smythe’s
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OF THE DOLPHINS (7)
Terron Armstead, Austin Jackson, Kion Smith, Ryan Hayes, Chasen Hines, Liam Eichenberg, Lester Cotton, and Kion Armstead signed.
Conner Williams, Matt Skura, Isaiah Wynn, Kendall Lamm, Robert Jones (RFA), Jonotthan Harrison, and Robert Hunt are free agents.Analysis: Due to injuries that afflicted all of the day one starters, the Dolphins were forced to start 12 different combinations of offensive lineman and ultimately had three backups in each of the inside places. Nevertheless, Miami’s offensive line put on one of its greatest games of the year, setting the stage for the NFL’s top-ranked offense in terms of yardage (401.3) per contest. Miami ranked first in yards per carry (5.1), tied for fourth best in sacks allowed, and first in quarterback hits allowed in addition to ranking sixth in rushing yards (135.8). It will be difficult to rebuild the line because Armstead is considering retirement after 11 seasons, while free agents Williams, Hunt, Wynn, and Lamm are all starters from the previous campaign.
