Miami Dolphins free agency: Top 5 players to prioritize
The Dolphins are $28.5 million over the NFL's salary cap, according to Spotrac.
So how in the world are they going to sign any free agents in March, including their own?
Well, it's not going to be possible to sign them all. So, how to prioritize?
Let's consider that Miami will need to cut some players (Emmanuel Ogbah and Xavien Howard) and restructure some contracts (Tyreek Hill? Jalen Ramsey? Bradley Chubb?) in order to have any roster flexibility.
And let's consider that Miami and Tua Tagovailoa can lower his salary cap hit for 2024 with a long-term extension that both sides have expressed a desire to accomplish.
That said, Miami general manager Chris Grier must prioritize his pending free agents, taking into consideration position and potential replacements.
During last season, Grier was able to lock down right tackle Austin Jackson with a new 3-year, $36 million pact that is very fair to club and player.
Jackson's deal makes him the 10th-highest paid right tackle, by average salary. And as far as guarantees, Miami could move on from Jackson after two years if necessary, though that's obviously not the hope.
Jackson wanted to be a Dolphin, enjoys living in South Florida, believes in his coaches and appreciates that the organization supported him despite an uneven start to his career as a first-round pick.
Every player will weigh what's most important to him.
Here's how we rank the Miami Dolphins' free-agent priorities:
#1 Christian Wilkins, defensive tackle
How much might he cost?
According to Spotrac, Wilkins' value is 4 years, $80.9 million, which is about $20.2 million per season. This would make Wilkins the 7th-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL. Wilkins' statistics are quite similar to former Clemson teammate Dexter Lawrence, who makes $21.9 million a season with the Giants.
Who is a free agent alternative?
Here are the annual salary Spotrac projections of some pending free agent defensive tackles: Justin Madubuike ($20.3 million), D.J. Reader ($14.9), Sheldon Rankins ($9.9), Javon Kinlaw ($5.4).
Why might he stay or go?
Madubuike broke out in Baltimore under new Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, so he's an obvious alternative to Wilkins. However, if Miami is going to be in that stratosphere, perhaps the Dolphins would want to just keep the first pick of their massive rebuild. They feel they've been reasonable in previous discussions with Wilkins' representation. If Wilkins insists on $23-$25 million a season, the Dolphins would probably either let him walk or franchise tag him for one year at about $20.9 million. They could then perhaps trade him.
#2 Robert Hunt, guard
How much might he cost?
According to Spotrac, Hunt's value is about 4 years, $47.4 million, or $11.8 million per season. This would make Hunt the 16th-highest paid guard in the NFL.
Who is a free agent alternative?
Here are the annual salary Spotrac projections of some pending free agent guards: Kevin Dotson ($17.4 million), Mike Onwenu ($13.6), Ezra Cleveland ($13.3), Damien Lewis ($7.4).
Why might he stay or go?
Hunt would love to stay in South Florida. The Dolphins love Hunt. They love his size and athleticism and that he is a great fit for Miami's offense. Could he get more elsewhere? Probably. Should Miami prioritize guard? Many will say no, absolutely not. But at a reasonable rate - say, $12 million a season - absolutely, yes.
#3 Andrew Van Ginkel, Edge Rusher
How much might he cost?
Spotrac does not offer a projected salary for Van Ginkel, who has made only $7.9 million over five seasons as he began his career as a fifth-round pick.
We might guess that Van Ginkel, with six sacks last season, might command $7- to $9 million from an NFL team inspired by his high motor.
Who is a free agent alternative?
Here are the annual salary Spotrac projections of some pending free agent edge rushers: Jonathan Greenard ($13.4 million), Chase Young ($13), Za'Darius Smith ($12.4), Josh Uche ($8.3), Leonard Floyd ($8.1), Jadeveon Clowney ($7.2), A.J. Epenesa ($5.6), K'Lavon Chaisson ($3.0).
Why might he stay or go?
Former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, a big advocate, is gone. How does Van Ginkel fit into the Ravens-like scheme of new coordinator Weaver?
Van Ginkel is lighter than, say, Clowney, who played edge for the Ravens last season. But that's not to say AVG couldn't fit.
Miami needs to add at least a couple of edges because stars Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) had serious injuries in 2023.
#4 Connor Williams, center
How much might he cost?
According to Spotrac, Williams' value is about 5 years, $67.7 million, or about $13.5 million per season. This would make him the NFL's second-highest paid center.
Who is a free agent alternative?
Aaron Brewer of the Titans might command about $5.2 million per season, according to Spotrac. Cody Whitehair (Chicago) and Graham Glasgow (Detroit) are among the other available centers.
Why might he stay or go?
We don't think the Dolphins want to pay Williams $13.5 million a season. He will be returning from a torn ACL. He had some snapping issues at times. That said, his skill set - combination of footwork, power and quickness - is ideal for Miami's zone scheme. Could Liam Eichenberg fill the void? Maybe. Or perhaps there is a solid chance Miami drafts a center in the first round such as Jackson Powers-Johnson of Oregon or Graham Barton of Duke.
#5 DeShon Elliott, safety
How much might he cost?
Spotrac does not offer a projected salary for Elliott. We considered placing defensive tackle Raekwon Davis in this slot, but although he's a big body, Davis hasn't had a major impact early in his career. Elliott made $1.8 million last season, so figure another deal in that range as possible.
Who is a free agent alternative?
Here are the annual salary Spotrac projections of some pending free agent safeties: Geno Stone ($7.2 million), Taylor Rapp ($5.5) and Micah Hyde ($3.7). Other free agents include Jayron Kearse, Jeremy Chinn, Ashtyn Davis. Brandon Jones of the Dolphins is also a free-agent option.
Why might he stay or go?
There's no reason not to bring Elliott back. He's a hard hitter and solid in coverage. Assuming it's at a reasonable number, he can start again opposite Jevon Holland. Kearse, a Fort Myers native, is intriguing, if he wants to take a team-friendly deal at the age of 30.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Connor Williams Dolphins' top free agents
