The Miami Dolphins will have more than $50 million in cap space to spend this offseason.
However, that’s a byproduct of having more than two dozen unrestricted and restricted free agents, many of whom won’t be returning to the 2022 team.
A new regime spearheaded by coach Mike McDaniel has laid the groundwork for a new blueprint for the direction of the team. That usually accompanies an influx of newcomers to the roster to match the overhauled offense and remade defense.
But not every free agent will be shown the door because some players (Emmanuel Ogbah) are critical to what the Dolphins want to do, some (Phillip Lindsay) would be good scheme fits, and a few (Nik Needham) still have promising upside.
Here’s a look at all of Miami’s players with expiring contracts, with how much they earned last season, a breakdown of what they contributed in 2021 and what could be ahead for each.
Receiver Will Fuller — $10.5 million
Fuller was Miami’s worst free-agent signing since the Dolphins inked safety Gibril Wilson to a five-year, $27.5 million deal in 2009, and he only lasted one season. Fuller had four catches for 26 yards in the one-and-a-half games he played before breaking his finger in Week 4 and never returned. Fuller, who turns 28 next month, must convince his next team that his heart is still into playing football.
Defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah — $7.5 million
Considering Ogbah recorded recorded 83 tackles, 45 quarterback hits, 18 sacks, four forced fumbles and 17 pass deflections in his two seasons with the Dolphins, re-signing the 28-year-old should be Miami’s top priority. That could cost the Dolphins as much as $15 million a season, depending on what other teams have shown interest. A good deal for Ogbah will include a guarantee of at least $25 million.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett — $5 million
Brissett, a former Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer standout, led Miami to a 2-3 record filling in for injured starter Tua Tagovailoa. He completed 62.7 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,283 yards and five touchdowns with four interceptions. His 78.1 passer rating was the fourth-worst of his six-year career. Miami plans to add a veteran quarterback and must decide if Brissett is the right fit for this team, and at what price point.
Tailback Phillip Lindsay — $3.25 million
Miami claimed Lindsay off the waiver wire in late December, and the former Pro Bowl running back contributed 119 yards on 38 carries in four games for the Dolphins. Re-signing the 27-year-old should be considered because he’s viewed as specialist at running the outside zone plays Mike McDaniel intends to install.
Receiver Albert Wilson — $3 million
Wilson’s had an inconsistent four-year tenure with the Dolphins in his 33 starts since 2018. His lackluster production — 25 receptions for 213 yards — last season hints that it’s time for both sides to move on unless it’s for a minimum deal.
Cornerback Justin Coleman — $2.25 million
Coleman was signed with the hopes he’d take over the nickel cornerback spot, but his inconsistent play early allowed Nik Needham to keep his old role. Coleman improved as the season progressed, contributing 27 tackles and two interceptions. But it’s a stretch to conclude he’s anything more than a journeyman and special teams contributor.
Linebacker Elandon Roberts — $2.14 million
Roberts returned to the Dolphins nine months after having reconstructive knee surgery. He resumed his starting role as Miami’s starting inside linebacker and delivered a career year, recording 83 tackles, one sack and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown, and two forced fumbles. The problem is Roberts, who will turn 28 in April, is viewed as a two-down linebacker, and Miami needs to find a versatile inside linebacker who can play every snap.
Tight end Durham Smythe — $2.2 million
Smythe, who has started 41 games for the Dolphins the past four seasons, logged a career-high in receptions (32) and receiving yards (325). But this in-line tight end remains limited as a pass catcher, and has only scored two touchdowns in his career. Expect the former Notre Dame standout to sign with the highest bidder in this tight-end-starved free agent market.
Running back Malcolm Brown — $2.14 million
Brown, who joined Miami as a free agent last offseason, started three games early in the season and contributed 125 rushing yards and one rushing score on 33 carries. He also caught three passes for 10 yards before being placed on injured reserve because of a knee injury. At this point, he’s a minimum-salary player.
Punter Michael Palardy — $1.4 million
Palardy, a former St. Thomas Aquinas standout, was inconsistent last season, which contributed to Miami’s struggles on special teams. He averaged 44.7 yards on 78 punts (ranked 28th), and 40.1 net yards per punt (ranked 21st), which means he should either be replaced or have competition this offseason.
Defensive tackle John Jenkins — $1.2 million
Jenkins played in the first six games of 2021, serving as the Dolphins’ injury replacement for Raekwon Davis. During that stretch, he had 16 tackles in 169 defensive snaps. If the 32-year-old Jenkins continues playing, it will likely be for the veteran minimum. Miami’s his home, so re-signing him late will likely be considered.
Safety Jason McCourty — $1.2 million
McCourty had 21 tackles in seven games for Miami before going on injured reserve with a foot injury. Jevon Holland blossomed into one of the team’s top playmakers in his absence, which means the 34-year-old McCourty’s services are no longer needed. If he’s signed in Miami, or elsewhere, it will likely be for the veteran minimum.
Linebacker Duke Riley — $1.1 million
Riley started three of 15 games in 2021, logging 22 tackles and a blocked punt last season. He was one of the few productive players on special teams because his energy was infectious. Last season marked the least he’s ever played in his five-year NFL career, but as a minimum salary signee he could bring plenty of value.
Linebacker Brennan Scarlett — $1.1 million
Scarlett started four of 12 games last season, contributing 17 tackles, one quarterback hit and a pass breakup. He’s a role player who has played more snaps on special teams than he did on defense.
Receiver Mack Hollins — $1.1 million
Hollins isn’t just one of the Dolphins’ best special teams contributors, he’s also been one of the team’s most productive red-zone weapons. He scored four touchdowns on his 14 receptions last season. This team captain should be a priority to re-sign, but at the right price.
Center Greg Mancz — $990,000
The Dolphins sent a 2022 sixth-round pick to Baltimore during the summer to acquire Mancz and a 2022 seventh-round selection. Mancz started four of five games last season as a replacement for injured center Michael Deiter, but his play didn’t hint that he’s more than an NFL backup.
Tailback Duke Johnson — $920,000
Johnson, a former University of Miami standout, emerged as the team’s leading tailback late in the season, and his 4.6 yards-per-carry average indicates the 28-year-old Johnson could potentially do more with a better offensive line leading the way. Miami will likely sign one veteran tailback and add another in the draft, so it will be interesting to see if Johnson has a future with the Dolphins.
Receiver Isaiah Ford — $920,000
Ford, a 2017 seventh-round pick, has been waived and re-signed 10 times since 2018 by the Dolphins. His understanding of Miami’s old offense made him difficult to replace, which explains why the fifth-year veteran had 12 receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns last season. Adding him for camp competition has been beneficial for years.
Linebacker Vince Biegel — $920,000
Biegel, a 2019 Dolphins starter, had a rough two seasons since because of injuries, but fought his way back onto the 53-man roster, contributing primarily on special teams. It’s difficult to say whether there’s more upside to Biegel, who turns 29 in July. But he’s proven that he has the type of versatility the Dolphins favor.
Safety Sheldrick Redwine (RFA) — $850,000
The former University of Miami standout was signed off Carolina’s practice squad in late October. He had two tackles in four games last season with Miami. It’s unrealistic to expect Miami to use an original-round tender worth $2.4 million on Redwine, but he might be signed to a contract for the NFL minimum.
Cornerback Jamal Perry (RFA) — $850,000
Perry will have an uphill battle remaining with Miami because of the knee injury he suffered in late November. He’s facing a tough rehab as a restricted free agent. Don’t expect Miami to place a tender on him, but he could be re-signed for the minimum, giving him a chance to rehab with the Dolphins.
Tailback Patrick Laird (RFA) — $850,000
Laird, who made the Dolphins as an undrafted rookie from California, spent the past three seasons serving as a special teams contributor and a pass-catching specialist out of the backfield. His 2021 season ended with a knee injury, which means he’ll likely be signing for the minimum with Miami or another team when he’s healthy. Getting a tender is unlikely.
