Miami Dolphins Offseason Preview
Photo Credit: Lynne Sladky, Associated Press
It’s been a couple of days since the Miami Dolphins were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead 26-7, and now that Dolphins fans have had time to mourn the loss, let’s take a look at how the Dolphins look heading into the offseason.
The Dolphins have six starters set to hit unrestricted free agency in March:
· Defense tackle Christian Wilkins
· Safety DeShon Elliot
· Offensive lineman Connor Williams
· Offensive lineman Robert Hunt
· Offensive lineman Isiah Wynn
· Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel
The Dolphins are currently not in a good financial situation heading into an important offseason for them. They are currently expected to be about $40 million dollars over the salary cap, which is 3rd worst in the league.
It may be difficult for them to bring in any major new talent to the team this year through free agency, but luckily, they have a good core already under contract for 2024.
Although they may not be able to make a splash in free agency, they do hold the 21st pick in the draft. If they lose Hunt and Wynn, it is a safe bet that the Dolphins will attempt to find a replacement in the draft. The Dolphins also have needs at tight end and defensive line.
The Dolphins are going to have to explore restructuring and cutting players to try and improve their salary cap situation and try to bring back some of their starters who are set to hit the open market.
Expect the Dolphins to try to get linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah, who is due $14.9 million and linebacker Jerome Baker who is due $10.8 million to take a pay cut heading into the new league year, and if they cannot reach an agreement they are likely top cut candidates.
The Dolphins also have to make a decision on the future of Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is set to hit free agency after the 2024 season. Tagovailoa played solid football this year, but there are some questions on if he can take the Dolphins all the way.
Head Coach Mike McDaniel and General Manager Chris Grier will have some big questions to answer regarding if they want to bring back Tagovailoa on a long term deal before he enters his final year, or if they want to let him play out the rest of his contract before making a decision.
The Dolphins season ended quicker than they would have hoped due to their struggles against winning teams. This is a crucial offseason for them if they hope to get over the hump in 2024.