2023 Free agency primer: How much cap space do Dolphins have, possible additions, more
The NFL’s two-day negotiation period opens at noon on Monday, during which teams can contact and enter negotiations with unrestricted free agents. These deals cannot be finalized until the new league year starts at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Dolphins have already made one of the biggest moves of the offseason on Sunday, agreeing to trade for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. And Miami has the flexibility to make a few more big moves as the organization tries to pursue a championship after a 2022 season in which the franchise made the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the start of the new league year, including how much cap space the Dolphins have, potential additions in free agency and more.
CAP SPACE
The Dolphins are projected to enter free agency with approximately $11.8 million, according to Over the Cap. This does not account for the new deal for running back Salvon Ahmed, a restricted free agent who signed a one-year deal worth up to $1.8 million.
In the last week, the Dolphins freed about $47 million in cap space by releasing tight end Cethan Carter and restructuring the contracts of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, left tackle Terron Armstead and outside linebacker Bradley Chubb. Miami will also release cornerback Byron Jones at the start of the new league year, saving $13.6 million, but that cap relief won’t be available until after June 1.
Free agents
Unrestricted free agents
The following players have four or more accrued seasons and an expiring contract. They can negotiate with other teams at the start of the legal negotiation window Monday and finalize deals at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
▪ Cornerback Justin Bethel
▪ Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater
▪ Offensive tackle Geron Christian
▪ Wide receiver River Cracraft
▪ Center Michael Deiter
▪ Safety Clayton Fejedelem
▪ Offensive tackle Eric Fisher
▪ Running back Myles Gaskin
▪ Outside linebacker Trey Flowers
▪ Tight end Mike Gesicki
▪ Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram
▪ Defensive tackle John Jenkins
▪ Offensive tackle Kendall Lamm
▪ Punter Thomas Morstead
▪ Running back Raheem Mostert
▪ Cornerback Nik Needham
▪ Inside linebacker Duke Riley
▪ Inside linebacker Elandon Roberts
▪ Safety Eric Rowe
▪ Tight end Adam Shaheen
▪ Offensive tackle Brandon Shell
▪ Wide receiver Trent Sherfield
▪ Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel
▪ Running back Jeff Wilson
▪ Defensive lineman Justin Zimmer
Restricted free agents
The following players have three accrued seasons and an expiring contract. The Dolphins can place a qualifying offer — often called a tender — on them, which would give the team the right of first refusal or the opportunity to receive draft compensation for the player signing with another team. If a restricted free agent does not receive a tender or it is withdrawn, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Dolphins have already signed Ahmed.
▪ Fullback John Lovett
Exclusive rights free agents
These players have fewer than three accrued seasons and an expiring contract. If an exclusive rights free agent receives a tender — a one-year, league-minimum contract — he cannot negotiate with another team. The Dolphins have placed a tender on their lone exclusive rights free agent, defensive back Elijah Campbell.
POTENTIAL ADDITIONS
The following is a list of unrestricted free agents whom the Dolphins could target to address positions of need.
Running back
▪ Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins)
▪ Jeff Wilson (Miami Dolphins)
▪ Jerick McKinnon (Kansas City Chiefs)
Backup quarterback
▪ Taylor Heinicke (Washington Commanders)
▪ Nick Mullens (Minnesota Vikings)
Inside linebacker
▪ Elandon Roberts (Miami Dolphins)
▪ Kyzir White (Philadelphia Eagles)
▪ Drue Tranquil (Los Angeles Chargers)
Safety
▪ Jordan Poyer (Buffalo Bills)
▪ Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles)
▪ Kareem Jackson (Denver Broncos)
Offensive tackle
▪ Mike McGlinchey (San Francisco 49ers)
▪ Cameron Fleming (Denver Broncos)
▪ Kaleb McGary (Atlanta Falcons)
Tight end
▪ Foster Moreau (Las Vegas Raiders)
▪ Josh Oliver (Baltimore Ravens)
▪ Ross Dwelley (San Francisco 49ers)
Punter
▪ Thomas Morstead (Miami Dolphins)
▪ Riley Dixon (Los Angeles Rams)
▪ Andy Lee (Arizona Cardinals)
