As the Miami Dolphins make free agency decisions for 2025, what should they do with Da’Shawn Hand?
The Miami Dolphins’ list of potential 2025 free agents features 32 players who may hit the open market on March 12 when the new league year begins. Will the Dolphins re-sign any of those players? Will they use the franchise or transition tag this year? Will they decide to let the players hit free agency?
Each year, we work our way through the Dolphins’ upcoming free agents, allowing you a chance to weigh in on what you think the front office should do. Do you want the player to return? Are you ready for someone else to take that roster spot?
Today we turn back to the defensive side of the ball with defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. Should Miami bring him back? We break down his 2024 performance, what might be expected in 2025, and give you a chance to let us know what you think the Dolphins should do.
Last five free agent reviews:
Biography
Da’Shawn Hand
Position: Defensive tackle
Age (when season begins): 29
Draft: 2018 fourth-round pick (114th overall) by the Detroit Lions
Experience: 7 years
Previous Teams:
- Detroit Lions (2018-2021)
- Tennessee Titans (2021-2022)
- Miami Dolphins (2023-2024)
- Note: Hand has a 10-day stint on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad during the 2021 season.
Pro Bowls/All-Pro: None
Expiring Contract
1 year, $1.3 million
2024 Review
17 games played (2 starts)
31 tackles
1 sack
1 pass defensed
1 forced fumble
1 fumble recovery
Hand’s 2024 campaign was exactly what the Dolphins needed from him. A solid player in the middle of the defensive line who can eat up blocks and snaps. Despite only two starts, he played over half the defensive snaps for the team. He provided a stabilizing presence when the Dolphins were dealing with injuries. He was not a dominating, household name type of lineman, but he is a player every team needs and he was that for Miami in 2024.
2025 Outlook
Hand’s role in 2025 is likely exactly the same he played in 2024. He is that veteran who performs exactly as the team needs. He is a solid rotational player who can get spot starts when needed. You do not have to worry about the line when he is in, and, even if he is not recording sacks, his presence provides options for the edge rushers around him. He will be a target in free agency, if the Dolphins let him get there, as someone who can provide stability to the line.
Walk, Tag, Re-Sign?
Projected tag value (Defensive tackle): $24.1 million (franchise); $19.4 million (transition) (via OvertheCap.com)
Re-sign. The Dolphins need defensive linemen. They have a solid one who can be counted on to start if needed. He should not cost a ton of money against the salary cap. He is familiar with the defensive system and compliments Miami’s other players. Everything seems to say keeping Hand makes sense.
