How do you think the Miami Dolphins did on their first day of the NFL’s 2025 free agency period?
The official start of the 2025 NFL free agency period is not until Wednesday at 4 p.m. Eastern, but the “legal tampering” period – officially called the negotiating period – began on Monday and news immediately started flying. Teams were agreeing to deals with soon-to-be free agents within the first hour of the period, with top name players landing with new teams. The Miami Dolphins started the day quietly.
By the end of the night, however, they had made several moves to address holes on their roster.
Dolphins Free Agency Day 1 Recap
The day began with news the team was re-signing depth defensive lineman Matt Dickerson. Shortly thereafter, the Dolphins lost their first player in the free agency period as wide receiver Braxton Berrios came to terms with the Houston Texans. Miami jumped into the signing fun with the addition of quarterback Zach Wilson.
The offensive line quickly came into focus later in the evening as the team agreed to a deal with guard James Daniels and guard/tackle Larry Borom. Almost simultaneous with the news of those additions came a report that the team had lost guard Robert Jones, who joined the Dallas Cowboys.
It was a solid, if not flashy, day for a Dolphins team with not as much salary cap space as some of the other clubs about the league. That has not prevented the team from being rumored in the pursuit of one of the top free agents on the market: former Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa. According to a late-night report, the Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers have both made similar offers to Bosa, leaving it up to him to choose to play for the team that drafted his dad in Miami or join his brother in San Francisco.
Dolphins Day 1 Reaction
It was a quiet start, and Miami did not make a big splash, which makes it feel a little underwhelming, especially when watching so many other teams make moves. But the Dolphins were wise early in the free agency period, targeting areas of need and ensuring they added players who would seemingly upgrade the roster.
Zach Wilson is the biggest name of the group of signings, and Dolphins fans will remember the former second-overall pick by the New York Jets as a draft bust. Adding to the situation, in 2023, Wilson landed behind Mike White and Tim Boyle, who became backup quarterbacks the Dolphins signed and released the last two years, as the Jets looked to find a fill-in starter for the injured Aaron Rodgers. He spent 2024 as the Denver Broncos‘ third quarterback but did not appear during the season.
Wilson should upgrade the backup situation behind starter Tua Tagovailoa as he replaces Skylar Thompson, Tyler Huntley, and Boyle, all of whom saw playing time last year for the Dolphins. Wilson has potential and a strong arm. Now, it will be up to head coach Mike McDaniel and the Miami coaching staff to resurrect a stagnated career.
Again, the offensive linemen additions are solid additions to fill a need. Daniels likely comes in as a day-one starter at either left or right guard. Borom is a depth piece who can compete for a starting role at the other guard position or provide Miami with a versatile option on game day in case of injuries. Miami has to upgrade the offensive line, and the first day of free agency began that process.
The Dolphins are likely not done making moves at either quarterback or along the offensive line. Still, they have started the building for the regular season with some early free-agency acquisitions.
The rumors surrounding Bosa and the possibility of bringing him to Miami are interesting. Bosa would join a pass-rush position group that includes Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Chop Robinson. While teams can never have too many pass rushers, a lot of money would be tied up in the position group, even with Chubb’s contract restructure this offseason.
Dolphins Day 1 Grade
Overall, this was a solid start to free agency with the possibility of making a splash move with Bosa. There is not a lot to immediately excite the fans, but that might be Miami’s 2025 offseason as they look to re-set their salary cap and fill holes. I would likely grade day one in the C+/B- range with nothing spectacular but methodically addressing needs without breaking the bank.
How did the Dolphins do in day one of the 2025 free agency period? We want to know what you think. Vote in the poll below and give us your day one grade for Miami.