Dolphins tender three exclusive rights free agents

The NFL is one week away from negotiations for free agency and just nine days away from teams being able to formally sign players — but the Dolphins are doing their best to dot their I’s and cross their T’s in the buildup to next week’s opening of the league calendar. The team announced this afternoon that they have tendered three exclusive rights free agents from the 2020 roster:

• Cornerback Nik Needham

• Cornerback Jamal Perry

• Linebacker Calvin Munson

Of the three tendered players, Needham has held the most prominent role on the team, having served as Miami’s primary nickel corner for the past two seasons since signing as an undrafted free agent back in 2019. Having played 60% of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps in 2020, Needham will likely face competition for playing time this upcoming season as Miami bids to continue upgrading their roster and putting more talented players on the field.

Meanwhile, Perry logged 140 defensive snaps in 2020 and Munson logged just 47 on the defensive unit (and just 123 in two seasons with the team). But the cost associated with bringing all three back into the fray at this point in the offseason is next to nothing for Miami, so the team is wise to ensure they retain their talent until coming about upgrades that can successfully push them off the roster.

Needham’s position with the Dolphins is most secure, but even still he’s an upgradable player and Miami could push him into a depth role and special teams specialist if free agency and the NFL Draft break right.