The Miami Dolphins‘ chances of having a flawless offseason rely on Chris Grier’s ability to free up cap space.
With 24 in-house free agents, the Dolphins are positioned to clear almost $36 million in cap space through cuts and restructures (including $16 million from straightforward roster moves). As it stands, the team faces needs at both guard positions, linebacker, backup quarterback, wide receiver, defensive line, and safety, with depth concerns across all positions.
These next few months will be pivotal for Grier, who may find himself looking for a new job heading into the 2026 offseason. Both he and head coach Mike McDaniel could be at risk in 2025, making this offseason crucial for their futures.
Which free agents should the Dolphins target?
Trey Smith, G
Trey Smith is among the top guards in the league, and if he becomes a free agent, he is likely to command a contract larger than the one Robert Hunt received last year. This means Chris Grier will need to offer over $100 million to land him. At 25 years old, Smith is the premier free-agent guard.
A former sixth-round pick, Smith has started all but one game in his NFL career, all with the Kansas City Chiefs. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2024. Adding Smith would immediately improve the Dolphins’ offensive line and allow Grier the flexibility to either go with a cheaper option or draft a guard for the other side. Having played both guard positions, Smith would be a versatile and valuable addition. With a starting salary of at least $20 million per season, Dolphins fans would be thrilled to have him on the team.
Talanoa Hufanga, S
Jevon Holland’s future with the Dolphins is uncertain, as he has expressed openness to leaving in free agency. Despite a down year, Holland’s performance won’t necessarily hurt his market value, but the Dolphins must be cautious with their spending. They will likely need to draft a safety and also sign another in free agency.
Talanoa Hufanga is another free agent who could be a more affordable option than Holland. Although Hufanga dealt with injuries throughout the 2024 season—something Chris Grier could leverage in negotiations—he has the potential to be a standout player when fully healthy.
Will Fries, G
Will Fries has been performing well for the Indianapolis Colts as he nears the end of his rookie contract. Although he missed all but five games in 2024 due to a leg fracture, he started all 17 games in 2023 and nine of 16 in 2022.
Fries has shown consistent improvement year over year and would be a strong addition for Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry to develop. Selected in the seventh round, Fries has become the kind of player Chris Grier hopes to nurture within the Dolphins’ system.
Camryn Bynum, S
Camryn Bynum has been playing excellent football for the Minnesota Vikings, thriving under former Dolphins coach Brian Flores. Miami will need a ball-hawking safety to potentially replace both Jordan Poyer and Jevon Holland if they leave in free agency, and Bynum could be a more affordable option than both Holland and Hufanga.
Bynum still has significant room for growth and comes with fewer injury concerns than Hufanga. At just 26 years old, the former fourth-round pick offers a promising future.
Mekhi Becton, OL
Mekhi Becton, a former first-round pick by the New York Jets, didn’t live up to expectations in his early years. The Jets eventually moved on from him, but after signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, Becton transitioned from tackle to guard, and his career started to show more promise.
Becton still has a lot of potential and could be a starting option for the Dolphins. Offensive line coach Butch Barry is known for keeping players focused, something Becton could benefit from. According to Pro Football Focus, Becton allowed 12 sacks and eight hits in his final season with the Jets, but after shifting to guard with the Eagles, he gave up only three sacks and three hits.
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