The Miami Dolphins, under the stewardship of general manager Chris Grier, find themselves in an intriguing financial position this off-season. As of June 1, the Dolphins unlocked roughly $18 million in cap space following adjustments with cornerback Xavien Howard’s contract. Further financial flexibility could emerge if the team finalizes new deals with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star receiver Tyreek Hill.
One compelling question looming over this financial windfall is how Grier plans to allocate these resources to enhance the squad. Focusing on fortifying the team’s secondary seems to be a priority, and some tantalizing options are on the table.
Among the potential targets is cornerback Stephon Gilmore, a seasoned veteran whose free agent status has drawn notable attention. According to Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey, the Dolphins should seriously consider reaching out to Gilmore. Known for his substantial NFL experience and accolades, including five Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors, Gilmore could offer considerable value to Miami’s defensive lineup.
“Stephon Gilmore likely still aspires to a starting role, but Miami might carve out a significant third-corner position for him should mutual interest exist,” Tansey suggests. “For Gilmore, it’s an opportunity to join a contender, while the Dolphins could substantially reinforce their secondary to counter the formidable air attacks from other top AFC contenders like Kansas City, Buffalo, and Cincinnati.”
Despite his impressive resume, the 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback remains unsigned—a situation that might shift as teams assess their needs and roster performances throughout training camps. This pause could work in favor of the Dolphins, who are eager to bolster their roster before the season kicks off.
Beyond the quarterback quandary involving Tagovailoa, Miami’s front office has multiple strategic decisions to weigh, particularly in enhancing the depth and capability of their secondary. A veteran like Gilmore not only brings skills and experience but also a competitive edge crucial for playoff contention.
As training camp approaches, and the roster begins to solidify, it will be interesting to see if Grier leverages this newfound cap space to bring a high-caliber player like Gilmore into the fold. Should this materialize, it could signify a strong commitment by the Dolphins to not just compete with but potentially outpace their AFC rivals in the upcoming season.