The Miami Dolphins have already signed many key free agents, including James Daniels, Larry Borom, and Ashtyn Davis. With the draft coming up, the Dolphins will fill a few more holes, but they still need some veteran talent in a couple more spots.
Miami have only six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and only about five will probably make the 53-man roster. Their first two or three picks will be contributors this upcoming season, but they will experience adjustment and rookie struggles, and they still need more pieces.
As a result, they will probably have to sign a few more guys before the season starts. Although there are limited remaining players, some great veterans can contribute in the locker room and on the field this upcoming season.
The Dolphins are not in a rebuilding stage, but they have also lost some key pieces. Additional signings are necessary if they are looking to compete, which they most likely are. They still need to fill the main holes on their offensive and defensive lines and in their secondary.
One position the Dolphins should focus on is offensive tackle. Two strong candidates to consider are Joseph Noteboom, an offensive tackle from the Los Angeles Rams, and an offensive tackle from the Cleveland Browns. Although both options are similar, the Dolphins should weigh the pros and cons of each.
Noteboom has been a solid tackle for the Rams but has struggled with consistency, particularly against faster rushers. He offers versatility, playing both tackle positions and even some guard. While his injury history has held him back, he is a reliable option when healthy.
At 30, Noteboom is likely at or near his ceiling, with more experience and better film than Wills, but his struggles in pass protection and injury concerns could be a factor.
Wills, a former 10th overall pick, has not been as consistent as Noteboom, but he has a much higher ceiling. While his play hasn't quite reached the level of Noteboom's, he has more time to develop and could offer more in the long run.
The 25-year-old was healthy the first few years of his career but struggled with injuries the last two, unable to find a rhythm and eventually getting benched. Although Wills is younger and has more upside than Noteboom, he is more of a risk and may even cost more than Noteboom. The Dolphins will have to decide which player they want.
Next is Justin Simmons, a safety who played with the Atlanta Falcons last year. The Dolphins are already projected to draft a safety high in this year's draft, so adding an established veteran to help contribute and teach the young safety they bring in would be ideal. The Dolphins have already signed two safeties this offseason, but neither are ideal starters; they would be better off as rotational guys or backups.
Simmons has already shown that he can play both free safety and strong safety, so regardless of who they draft, he can play on either side. Last season, he had 62 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions. Simmons is 31 but has shown that he is still in great shape, able to compete, and might be a cheaper option that they will not have to give a long-term deal to.
The veteran is a playmaking safety with great vision, ball skills, and hands. He can also make tackles when needed. He is also a very reliable player who has been relatively healthy his whole career. He seems to have still two or three good seasons left, and if the Dolphins can agree on the right deal, he could spend those on the team.
Lastly, the Dolphins should look to sign Demarcus Walker, a defensive end from the Bears. Last year, Walker played in 17 games for the Bears and had 47 tackles, seven and a half tackles for loss, and three and a half sacks. Walker is known as a really good run-stopper and tackler but not as great as a pass-rusher.
Good news for the Dolphins: Elite pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips will return. If both can perform at the level they have in the past, Walker will be in a better position to contribute to stopping the run while also making plays as a pass rusher when needed.
Miami can add several solid contributors to help fill roster holes and provide depth for the upcoming season. These players, who could come in on team-friendly deals, are either established veterans or young players with high potential. The Dolphins should pursue these players to strengthen the roster for next year.
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 4:00 AM.