The Miami Dolphins are making waves this offseason, working tirelessly to revamp their roster after finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing 8-9 record and missing the playoffs. General manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel are committed to creating a more competitive team for the upcoming season, and their recent signings point to a clear strategy that combines experience with youth.
One of the most notable additions is two-time Super Bowl-winning linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins on March 19, 2025. Gay, at just 27 years old, brings invaluable championship experience from his time spent with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won titles in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Last year, while playing for the New Orleans Saints, Gay recorded 28 total tackles, including two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. His versatility as both an inside and outside linebacker is expected to add significant depth to Miami's front seven, which is essential as they look to maintain their strong defensive performance from last season.
Miami's defense ranked fourth in total defense in 2024, allowing an average of just 313.4 yards per game. They also finished with the ninth-ranked pass defense and rush defense. These figures indicate a solid foundation, and the addition of Gay is expected to help keep that momentum going into the new season.
In total, Gay is the 13th player the Dolphins have added through free agency this offseason. Other notable signings include quarterback Zach Wilson, left tackle Larry Borom, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu. This influx of new talent aims to provide the Dolphins with more sustainable depth, addressing issues that plagued their roster last year, primarily due to injuries. Tua Tagovailoa, for example, suffered his fourth career concussion last season—three of them occurring in the NFL and another while he was at Alabama. With Tagovailoa's health in mind, the Dolphins are looking to surround him with a more robust support system.
As the Dolphins move forward, they also own the No. 13 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. This gives them the potential opportunity to draft a promising rookie who could further bolster their efforts to return to playoff contention.
However, the Dolphins’ quest for improvement isn't limited to their defense. The team's offensive line has been identified as a key area of concern, leading to the re-signing of offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg despite his struggles in past seasons. Grier and McDaniel openly stated their commitment to upgrading the line after the last season. Eichenberg's return, nonetheless, prompted questions about the message this sends regarding the team's improvement strategy.
As part of their efforts, the Dolphins secured former Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels, who is currently recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 4. While Daniels' past injuries raise concerns about his availability, his potential as a significant upgrade to the line is promising. Additionally, the Dolphins brought in Larry Borom, a part-time starter from Chicago, to further bolster their offensive front.
Grier also holds ten picks in the 2025 Draft, allowing for the possibility of acquiring high-quality players to address other pressing needs, including their offensive line. Historically, the last time the Dolphins invested in a guard through the draft was when they traded up in 2021 to select Eichenberg at No. 42. The continued focus on the line reflects both a recognition of its integral role and a hope for improvement heading into the new season.
In a recent poll conducted among fans, 53% identified James Daniels as their favorite new addition to the roster, while other new faces like Westbrook-Ikhine and Melifonwu also garnered notable interest. The poll indicates a collective optimism among the fan base, signaling hope for a stronger performance in the coming season.
Furthermore, the Dolphins' fan interactions highlight underlying sentiments about the team’s latest steps. Comments shared among fans reveal a mix of skepticism and excitement regarding the re-signing of Eichenberg. Some recognize his dedication and adaptability in playing multiple positions on the line, while others are wary of the status quo, associating Eichenberg's return with a failure to address the line's deficiencies in past seasons.
This offseason's decisions reflect Miami's broader strategy to combine experienced players with younger talent, as they look to reinforce key areas that were lacking last season. The Dolphins clearly aim to provide Tagovailoa with more time in the pocket and better protection on the offensive front while boosting their defensive performance with the likes of Gay.
As they prepare for the season ahead, Dolphins fans remain cautiously optimistic. The upcoming draft will play a critical role in determining the final shape of the team. With continued investment in both free agency and the draft, Miami seems poised for a more competitive future, and the hope is that the players being brought in can help propel the Dolphins back into postseason contention.
