Dolphins Bound to Make Splashes in Free Agency

By: Tanner Elliott

The Miami Dolphins are scheduled to have the tenth most cap space in the NFL this offseason. As we all know, owner Stephen Ross isn’t afraid to throw big money at big-time players. With the salary cap lower than it has been in a while, it will be interesting to see what contracts players want. Here, we take a look at some free agents that Miami must get in free agency.
 
Lavonte David, Linebacker
           
If Miami decides to go all in on David and throw all of their money at him, I won’t be angry, and you shouldn’t be either. With the addition of David, the Dolphins defense has the potential to be the best in the NFL. Not one of the best, but THE best. David is one of the most consistent and underrated players in the NFL. He’s had over 100 tackles every single year except one, and he can do it all. His coverage skills are fantastic, as he shut down Travis Kelce in the Super Bowl. David is the middle linebacker the Dolphins need, and he would also boost the play of his teammates. Jerome Baker has the potential to have a Devin White type season if the Dolphins sign David. 

Bud Dupree, Edge
           
A consistent edge rusher that opponents need to plan around is something the Dolphins haven’t had since Cameron Wake. Even when the Dolphins had Wake, the rest of the pass rushers on the team were mediocre at best. If you add Dupree to Miami’s current pass rushing rotation, it has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL. He’s progressed as a pass rusher since 2019, when he started all 16 games. Dupree had 11.5 sacks that season; this past year, he had 8.5 sacks in 11 games. To go along with exceptional pass rushing skills, Dupree is also a good run defender, something Miami still needs help with. Dupree would not only instantly make our pass defense arguably among the top five in the NFL, but also bring much needed help to the outside run defense. 
 
Golden Tate, Wide Receiver
           
Some people may not want Tate, as he is 32 years old, and think the team needs a bigger name player, but Tate precisely fits what the Dolphins are looking for in a receiver. Tate is one of the most notable YAC receivers in the league, something Miami is missing. Since he has entered the league, Tate leads the league in RAC yards with 4,248. That’s an insane stat, and he would immediately be one of Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite targets. As well as filling the need, Miami won’t need to break the bank for Tate, as he won’t demand nearly as much money as Allen Robinson, Marvin Jones, or Corey Davis. Tate would also be a good mentor for guys already on the team (Lynn Bowden, Malcolm Perry, and Albert Wilson), and for a potential rookie draft pick.