Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive news article on the Miami Dolphins’ free agents and the likelihood of them being re-signed. While the following response may not be exactly 2000 words, I will ensure it is as thorough as possible for an in-depth analysis.
How Many of Their Free Agents Will the Dolphins Re-Sign?
As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, the Miami Dolphins find themselves at a critical juncture. With a team on the rise, led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins are poised to make a serious run at a Super Bowl. However, before they can focus on future success, Miami’s front office must navigate the complicated task of handling its 2025 free agents.
The Dolphins have several key players set to hit free agency, and the question now is: how many of them will Miami look to re-sign? With limited cap space and several roster holes to fill, the Dolphins’ management will have to make tough decisions that could define the team’s future.
The Dolphins’ Free Agent Landscape: Key Players
To fully understand the task ahead, it’s important to take stock of the Dolphins’ free agents. There are a mix of starters, rotational players, and role players hitting the open market in 2025. Some of these players have been integral to the team’s success, while others may be expendable.
1. Jalen Ramsey (CB)
Arguably the most significant free agent on the Dolphins’ roster, cornerback Jalen Ramsey has solidified himself as one of the premier shutdown corners in the NFL. Acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster trade, Ramsey was expected to elevate the Dolphins’ defense, and he delivered. Not only did Ramsey provide leadership and experience to a young secondary, but his ability to blanket top-tier receivers made a tangible difference in several games.
However, with Ramsey’s age (29 years old) and the fact that he will likely command a lucrative contract, it remains to be seen whether the Dolphins will prioritize re-signing him. They could face the difficult decision of paying Ramsey top dollar or opting to invest in other areas of the roster.
Likelihood of Re-signing: High, but contingent on the financials. The Dolphins have invested heavily in their defense and could prioritize keeping a player like Ramsey, especially if they feel his presence makes them Super Bowl contenders. However, a significant market for Ramsey could push the Dolphins to reconsider.
2. Mike Gesicki (TE)
Mike Gesicki has been one of the Dolphins’ most productive offensive weapons in recent years. The tight end has made several highlight-reel catches, and his ability to stretch the field makes him a valuable asset in the Dolphins’ high-octane offense. Under McDaniel, Gesicki has thrived, particularly in matchups where his athleticism can be exploited in space.
Despite his success, Gesicki’s future in Miami has been a subject of debate. The Dolphins have several other weapons in the passing game, and with the emergence of younger, cheaper options at tight end across the league, they may be hesitant to pay Gesicki the money he’ll likely demand on the open market.
Likelihood of Re-signing: Moderate. Gesicki is a good fit in the Dolphins’ offense, but Miami’s need for cap space could make him expendable, especially with other pressing needs like the offensive line and defensive front.
3. Raheem Mostert (RB)
Raheem Mostert has been a valuable contributor to the Dolphins’ backfield since joining the team. His ability to stretch the field with his speed and provide a solid change of pace to the offense has been a key component of the Dolphins’ run game. Mostert has a history of injuries, but when healthy, he’s been one of the NFL’s top playmakers.
However, with the Dolphins looking to solidify their backfield, they could opt to invest in a younger, more durable option at running back. Mostert’s age and injury concerns could make him an expensive luxury that Miami may not be able to afford in the long run.
Likelihood of Re-signing: Low to moderate. While Mostert’s speed and leadership are valuable, the Dolphins may opt to go in a different direction, especially considering the wear and tear Mostert’s body has experienced over his career.
4. David Long (LB)
David Long has emerged as a force in the middle of the Dolphins’ defense. His ability to cover sideline-to-sideline, combined with his leadership qualities, has made him a key cog in Miami’s defensive unit. Long is a young player with high upside, and his versatility allows the Dolphins to use him in a variety of schemes.
Re-signing Long seems to be one of the higher priorities for the Dolphins, especially considering his youth and potential for growth. Miami’s defense is only as strong as the players it has at linebacker, and Long provides them with a solid foundation moving forward.
Likelihood of Re-signing: Very high. Long’s age, production, and fit in the defense make him a candidate for a long-term deal. Miami is likely to make every effort to bring him back.
5. Zach Sieler (DT)
Zach Sieler has been an unsung hero on the Dolphins’ defensive line. While not a household name, Sieler’s contributions in both run defense and pass rushing have been crucial to Miami’s defensive success. He is a versatile interior lineman who can contribute both as a starter and in rotational roles, making him a valuable asset for Miami.
Given that defensive line play is often a key component to a team’s success, Sieler’s ability to disrupt plays makes him a priority for the Dolphins to re-sign. However, his market value could see him command a more significant contract, which may make it difficult for Miami to afford him.
Likelihood of Re-signing: High. Sieler’s value as a consistent and dependable force on the defensive line is likely to lead to a re-signing, as he provides depth and versatility that Miami will want to maintain.
6. Terron Armstead (LT)
Terron Armstead, the Dolphins’ starting left tackle, is another pivotal free agent. Armstead has been a stabilizing presence on the Dolphins’ offensive line and has proven to be one of the best left tackles in the league when healthy. However, Armstead’s injury history has been a concern, and at 32 years old, he may not be in the long-term plans for the Dolphins.
Given how important protecting Tagovailoa is, the Dolphins may look to re-sign Armstead, but they may also explore cheaper or younger options if they believe his health will continue to be a liability.
Likelihood of Re-signing: Moderate. If Armstead is willing to accept a more team-friendly contract given his injury concerns, he could return to Miami. However, if the Dolphins are able to land a younger, more durable left tackle, they may move on.
Other Key Free Agents
The Dolphins also have several other free agents who may be more replaceable, but whose re-signing could still provide valuable depth and continuity to the team:
- Durham Smythe (TE): A reliable, if unspectacular, presence in the passing game.
- Coleman Parris (OL): A depth piece for the offensive line.
- Trill Williams (CB): A backup cornerback who has shown promise when called upon.
The decisions surrounding these players will largely depend on Miami’s overall strategy in free agency and the draft.
Miami’s Salary Cap Situation
As the Dolphins look to re-sign their free agents, they must consider the current salary cap situation. With a competitive roster, the Dolphins will need to balance retaining their key players while also making room for new acquisitions. Cap management will be especially crucial in ensuring that Miami can build a team that can compete for a championship in the years to come.
Currently, the Dolphins are expected to have around $10-$15 million in cap space, which means they will need to make strategic decisions regarding re-signing players and creating cap space.
Free Agency Strategy: The Dolphins’ Approach
The Dolphins’ strategy in free agency will likely revolve around retaining their core players while making targeted acquisitions to improve weak spots on the roster. With a high-powered offense already in place, the Dolphins could focus their efforts on bolstering their defense and offensive line.
- Defensive Improvements: Miami’s defense has made strides, but the team could still benefit from more playmaking ability in the secondary and pass rush. If they are able to re-sign key players like Ramsey and Long, the defense could continue to improve.
- Offensive Line Reinforcements: Protecting Tagovailoa will be the Dolphins’ top priority in free agency. They will need to invest in the offensive line to ensure that their young quarterback remains healthy for the long haul.
- Special Teams and Depth: Miami could look to add depth at several key positions to ensure their roster is built for long-term success.
Conclusion: Will the Dolphins Re-Sign Their Free Agents?
The Miami Dolphins have a lot of decisions to make as they prepare for the 2025 season. While they have several key free agents, the likelihood of re-signing each player depends on a variety of factors, including salary cap space, positional needs, and future plans for roster construction.
In all likelihood, the Dolphins will prioritize retaining players who are key to their immediate success, such as Jalen Ramsey, David Long, and Zach Sieler, while being more selective with players who may command large contracts, like Mike Gesicki and Raheem Mostert.
The 2025 offseason will be a pivotal one for the Dolphins, as they look to build a roster capable of contending for a Super Bowl. How they navigate their free-agent decisions could be the difference between staying competitive or falling behind in an ever-evolving league.
