The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, aware of the significant roster needs that still loom. Following an active start to free agency, the Dolphins find themselves in a transitional phase, seeking to strengthen their lineup at cornerback, guard, defensive tackle, and defensive end.
General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel are leading the charge, albeit with caution. The Dolphins have already made a few key free agent signings, including guard James Daniels, quarterback Zach Wilson, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, as well as safeties Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis. Despite these additions, the challenge of filling major gaps remains apparent.
As of mid-March 2025, the Dolphins stand unofficially at 27th in the NFL for salary cap space, which drastically limits their options for further acquisitions. Nonetheless, Grier is opting for a strategy focused on mid-level, cost-effective players, mirroring the cautious approach observed in their 2024 free agency period. This may involve re-signing key defensive players such as Calais Campbell and Emmanuel Ogbah, aiming to maintain some of the defensive prowess that has been a hallmark of previous seasons.
“Chris Grier has been the Miami Dolphins General Manager since 2019 and has been with the franchise for twenty-five years,” noted the The Palm Beach Post. This steady presence suggests a calculated approach to team-building, balancing short-term needs with long-term sustainability—especially in light of the longstanding frustrations surrounding Miami’s offseason strategy.
On the offensive front, Grier has stated the importance of rectifying past mistakes along the offensive line. The addition of James Daniels as a new starting guard is an essential move, yet concerns linger about the left tackle position. With veteran Terron Armstead contemplating his NFL future, young offensive lineman Patrick Paul could step into a role that comes with lofty expectations, which is a challenging task for any second-year player. Industry insiders and fans alike have expressed skepticism about Liam Eichenberg’s potential return as a starter, with some humorously suggesting that “Dolphin fans might riot” if he takes the field as a primary option again.
As the draft approaches, the Dolphins are expected to prepare for various eventualities, considering that they may draft players like quarterback Shadeur Sanders or offensive lineman Will Campbell if they slide down the board. As Draft Day approaches, speculation swirls about how Miami will address its ongoing areas of need. A recent report indicated that both Armstead and Campbell could potentially not return, marking the Dolphins’ two most troublesome positions as ones facing crisis-level concern if not resolved soon.
The Dolphins' focus on filling these positions effectively underscores a fundamental desire for improved performance in the upcoming season while also warding off potential crises. Amid these strategic discussions, general sentiments across the team emphasize a need for patience and clarity, with “it might be wise to find a veteran who could step in and take over if Paul struggles,” according to Yahoo Sports.
Moreover, their offseason moves, particularly Grier’s selective free agency approach, reflect a strategy of opportunity rather than haste. The team’s balance in securing impactful talent while still assessing existing players’ capabilities is a telling mark of their long-term vision. Every signing and decision appears to aim not only for a competitive squad in 2025 but potentially for a sustained return to playoff contention.
In context, the Dolphins have potentially turned a chapter into rebuilding a competent lineup while facing the inherent challenges of a turbulent salary cap and roster dynamics. It remains to be seen how effectively Grier and McDaniel can navigate these waters to yield a playoff-caliber team moving forward.
As camp approaches, every decision becomes more pressing, with the implications of this offseason expected to resonate well beyond the immediate future. Whether the right combinations are put in place to finally deliver sustained success for the Miami Dolphins in the 2025 season remains an open question, and it promises to be a compelling story as we move in closer to the start of the NFL season.
