MIAMI - Whether it’s a luxury item on sale at a high-end store, a Publix BOGO (buy one, get one free) deal, or a young player locked up with a cheap salary for the next couple of seasons, a good deal is a good deal.
Bargain shopping is a universal hobby that crosses every genre, including sports. And this season, based on a youth movement and Miami’s more fiscally responsible approach this offseason, the Miami Dolphins have quite a few players who provide plenty of bang for their price tag.
In fact, only 24 players on the Dolphins’ 90-man training camp roster earn more than $2 million a season.
Here’s a look at the top 10 Dolphins players making $2 million or less this season, combining base salaries and bonuses:
Pass rusher Chop Robinson – $1,475,738
Robinson, the Dolphins’ 2024 first-round pick, had a productive rookie season, contributing 26 tackles and six sacks in 17 games. The problem is, Robinson struggled against the run and setting the edge, a hole in his game that limited him to just one start. This training camp, he needs to show his progress to avoid having his playing time monopolized by Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, two established pass rushers returning from serious injuries.
Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. – $1,337,500
The Dolphins signed this 55-game starter to a one-year deal, which includes a $167,500 signing bonus, with the expectation that he’ll serve as a hybrid inside and outside linebacker and special teams contributor. Gay’s strong spring and summer practices hint he could be a borderline starter for Miami, potentially filling a role similar to the one Andrew Van Ginkel once played. Over his NFL career, Gay has built a reputation as a playmaker, recording 261 tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions and six fumble recoveries.
Defensive lineman Jordan Phillips – $1,298,304
Phillips, a 2025 fifth-round pick, is the only rookie to make this list. The former Maryland standout is projected to serve as a second-team defensive lineman, backing up Zach Sieler and fellow rookie Kenneth Grant. His 2025 salary includes a $458,304 signing bonus and keeps him under contract at a low cost for the next four seasons.
Tailback De’Von Achane – $1,244,314
Achane, a 2023 third-round pick, has been one of Miami’s top offensive producers the past two seasons. He is expected to be the Dolphins’ lead back in 2025 if he can stay healthy and maintain his productivity (1,707 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns over two seasons). A strong season could lead to Achane asking for an extension next offseason with a significant raise, as he’s currently set to earn $1.5 million in 2026 before playing-time escalators.
Receiver Dee Eskridge – $1,270,000
Eskridge, who began his NFL career as a 2021 second-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks, fell on hard times the past two seasons due to an off-field incident and a coaching change in Seattle. He found a home in Miami last season and impressed coaches and teammates with strong practices before getting injured. The hope is that the speedy 5-foot-9, 190-pound receiver and returner can pick up where he left off in 2024.
Offensive tackle Patrick Paul – $1,109,168
The Dolphins’ 2024 second-round pick is expected to succeed Terron Armstead as Miami’s starting left tackle following Armstead’s retirement. Paul spent his entire rookie season preparing for the role, logging 337 offensive snaps across three games. His performance was inconsistent, but the team hopes his offseason work will lead to more stability in 2025.
Cornerback Kendall Sheffield – $1,170,000
Sheffield, a former Ohio State standout beginning his fifth NFL season with his seventh team, was among Miami’s most recent signees. He joined the roster after a strong rookie camp and has apparently climbed the depth chart thanks to his disciplined approach during offseason workouts. This training camp will determine whether his solid practices will earn him a starting role for just the second time in his career. He began as a 20-game starter with the Atlanta Falcons.
Tight end Julian Hill – $1,030,000
Hill, an undrafted player who has started 15 games over the past two seasons, is Miami’s top in-line tight end and blocking specialist. Coaches consider him the strongest and toughest player on the team, pound for pound. If healthy, he’s unlikely to lose playing time. This is the final year of his rookie contract. He will be a restricted free agent next season.
Receiver Malik Washington – $960,000
Washington, a 2024 sixth-round pick, emerged as the Dolphins’ top return specialist and slot receiver midway through his rookie season after Braxton Berrios suffered a knee injury. Washington finished with 26 catches for 223 yards and one touchdown. He’ll compete with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Eskridge to keep his role in 2025.
Cornerback Storm Duck – $960,000
Duck, a second-year cornerback who joined the Dolphins as an undrafted rookie, started three of the 14 games he played last season, logging 352 defensive snaps. Based on his steady practices and strong film study habits, he appears to be the frontrunner to start on the boundary. The Dolphins control his contract for at least two more seasons and could extend an exclusive rights tender in 2026 if they choose.