The Miami Dolphins have been gradually crafting their roster during free agency, steering clear of grandiose splashes but making calculated moves that should bolster their squad. Regardless of whether you’re typically an optimist or a pessimist, the Dolphins’ strategy might not sway opinions drastically, but it certainly has a positive undertone. It’s clear that Miami’s brass believes in their current methodology to elevate the team’s potential.
Bringing back Liam Eichenberg might not have sparked excitement – it might’ve even caused a few groans – but let’s take a closer look. Eichenberg is familiar with the Dolphins’ playbook and offers versatile depth across the offensive line, able to fill in as a tackle, guard, or center when needed. While he’s not the guy you want starting every week, as a bench option, he’s a decent choice.
Fans anticipating Miami to make a blockbuster free agency move might have been setting themselves up for disappointment, given their cap constraints. General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel have no room for impulsive decisions, especially with their roles under the microscope this season. But despite the pressure, they seem unfazed, focusing instead on strategic improvements.
Enter James Daniels, a name likely to put smiles on Dolphins fans’ faces. His arrival is a significant upgrade, particularly in solidifying the offensive line, which was in need of reinforcement. Moreover, the pair of new safeties are expected to add more value than last year’s counterparts, showing that these acquisitions address some critical gaps.
Sure, there are still areas in need of attention, but Grier is approaching this with a long-term vision. Unlike leveraging future draft capital for immediate gains or restructuring key contracts to free current cap space, Miami is opting for a more developmental approach. With 10 selections lined up for the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s ample room to draft needed talent, especially on the offensive line and defensive line.
On the flip side, their defense hinges on the returns of Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to inject vigor into their performance. The choice to forego pursuing a top-tier corner may indicate confidence in emerging talents like Storm Duck or Cam Smith stepping up. While the defensive line still poses a challenge, there’s plenty of time and the draft to address it.
Offensively, the Dolphins seem content, welcoming Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to an already stellar receiver corps alongside a more robust back in Alexander Mattison to replace Raheem Mostert. The offensive line, historically a pain point, has seen some much-needed TLC with the addition of a solid guard in free agency, which they’ll likely continue to strengthen via the draft.
Grier keeps his cards close to his chest, leaving fans guessing. Despite potential skepticism about the specifics of their strategy, the Dolphins are actively implementing a plan based on a belief that their core roster is playoff-caliber, with only a few gaps left to fill under fiscal constraints.
While lavish expenditures are tempting, Miami’s current path is clear—they’re not vying for championships in the spring but rather building toward victories when it truly counts. Trust in their roster and coaching staff is pivotal.
Worst case? The season doesn’t pan out as expected, and changes are made.
But right now, the Dolphins are taking thoughtful footsteps toward potential success.