Should the Miami Dolphins bring back three of their top available free agents?
The Miami Dolphins face numerous decisions in the upcoming weeks as they build their roster for the 2025 NFL Season. Many players will hit free agency, and there will undoubtedly be some cap-saving moves made before the league year begins. Some of those critical players expected to hit free agency — played valuable snaps for the Dolphins this past season.
In a recent article, the staff of Pro Football Focus ranked the top players in the upcoming free agency class from 1 to 100. Three Miami Dolphins players made that list, and there’s a chance all three could be gone this upcoming season.
here’s how the #dolphins roster is broken down (contractually) over the next few years:
— josh houtz (@takeittothehoutz.bsky.social) 2025-01-16T15:06:18.201Z
The first Dolphins player on PFF’s list was linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who led the team in interceptions (3) despite only joining mid-season. He fell into Miami’s lap as they swapped out David Long Jr. with Dodson, and the middle of the Dolphins’ defense benefited.
In a perfect world, Miami would bring back Dodson as he brings depth to the position. He even showed some things alongside Jordyn Brooks as the starter, but I think we’d all understand if Miami continued to add to the position with or without his return.
Here’s what Pro Football Focus had to say.
91. LB Tyrel Dodson, Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins claimed him, and Dodson had three interceptions over just 251 snaps with the team to close out the year, highlighting further how he’s a feast-or-famine player who can make a splash or give up a big gain.
Next up on the list, and probably one of the most important moves of the offseason, is not only whether or not 38-year-old Calais Campbell will retire — after contributing to one of his best seasons, albeit without a playoff appearance — or does he return to chase a ring once again? Furthermore, does he believe enough in head coach Mike McDaniel and the rest of Miami’s vision to return home?
It surely would say a lot about his feelings towards the team after willingly wanting to play for them in 2024. That said, I won’t hold my breath. Here’s what PFF had to say.
53. DI Calais Campbell, Miami Dolphins
The ageless wonder put together a sensational 2024 season as he nears 40 years of age, with a trade-off, in his own paraphrased words, of losing some speed over time but maintaining brute strength. This reality is reflected in Campbell’s elite PFF run-blocking grades, as he can still hold up at the point of attack as well as anyone. It’s probably up to Campbell whether he plays next year and where exactly that may be.
The highest-rated Dolphins player on Pro Football Focus’ Top-100 list is none other than safety Jevon Holland. Earlier in the year, Holland was No.1 on this list (Campbell too) but dropped two spots due to his poor play this past season. In another world, I thought Holland would get a gold jacket in Miami and ease the pain of losing Minkah Fitzpatrick many moons ago. Instead, it appears both sides are ready for divorce… * sigh *
Here’s what Pro Football Focus had to say.
3. S Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins
A second-round draft pick out of Oregon in 2021, Holland has ranked as one of the five highest-graded safeties in two of his first three seasons in the league. He earned a career-low 63.0 PFF overall grade in 2024, but his body of work more than speaks for itself.
Which of these three players do you think the Miami Dolphins have to bring back next season? For me, based on value to the team and likely salary, Calais Campbell would be welcomed back in Miami with open arms. That’s not to say Holland and Dodson wouldn’t, but it seems the Snowman is ready to hop on a train car and leave town. While Dodson may use that team-leading interception to fetch more money.
How do you think the Dolphins will re-sign this offseason? Let us know in the comments section below!
