Free-Agent Contracts Dolphins Must Pursue After Preseason

The Miami Dolphins come into the 2022 NFL season with a more complete roster than in 2021.

The additions made through the trade market, free agency and the draft have the Dolphins set up for success in Mike McDaniel's first year as head coach.

However, there is one weakness that could be a growing concern for the opening few games of the McDaniel era.

Byron Jones was placed on the PUP/injured list and will miss at least the first four games of the season as he recovers from offseason leg surgery.

The Dolphins will likely use Nik Needham as an internal replacement for Jones, but it would be wise of the team to at least explore the free-agent market for secondary help.

Miami is not dealing with any significant injuries at safety, but it could use a little more depth behind Jevon Holland, who could become the most important player on the defense in 2022.

Chris Harris

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 09: Cornerback Chris Harris #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers is shown during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

Miami's pursuit of a cornerback to replace Byron Jones could start with Chris Harris.

Harris produced 30 solo tackles, six forced fumbles and an interception last season with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Harris spent all of his career in the AFC West with the Chargers and Denver Broncos. He could bring help veteran cover to the Miami secondary as it deals with Jones' absence for at least four weeks.

Harris should be the top option considered at cornerback, but it may not be the right move in terms of Miami's long-term strategy at the position.

Jones is expected back at some point and that would leave the Dolphins with him, Harris and Xavien Howard competing for two starting spots. That would be a great problem for McDaniel and his staff to have, but Harris may not be looking for a backup or nickel role when Jones returns.

Miami should take a swing at Harris in the free-agent market because of his talent, but it may look to more of a depth piece to be the short-term roster fill-in for Jones.

Ross Cockrell

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TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 24: Ross Cockrell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Ross Cockrell could be an intriguing name for the Miami front office to consider.

Cockrell was released early in the preseason by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who he played the last two seasons for.

Cockrell comes with winning experience from the previous two years and he would not take over snaps when Jones eventually returns.

The 31-year-old played 42 percent of Tampa Bay's defensive snaps in 2021. That was an uptick in production from 29 percent of defensive snaps in 2020. He played over 65 percent of snaps in his previous four seasons in the NFL.

The Dolphins could plug Cockrell into the secondary and have a few solid options to back up Jones and Howard, and have a player available that can make a spot start.

Miami should give Nik Needham a chance to start with Jones out, but it is a bit thin behind the likely Week 1 starter with Noah Igbinoghene, Keion Crossen, Justin Bethel and Kader Kohou all listed on the depth chart.

Cockrell would give the Dolphins an extra dose of experience in the secondary, and he could combine well with Howard and Jones once the defensive backfield reaches full strength.

Landon Collins

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 21: Landon Collins #26 of the Washington Football Team looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 21, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

It's at least worth dreaming about Landon Collins patrolling the middle of the field next to Jevon Holland.

Collins is one of the best free agents available as Week 1 inches closer and he could end up as a massive help to what the Dolphins are building.

Holland is clearly the top playmaker in the Miami secondary, but he will not be able to do everything.

Miami has Brandon Jones, Eric Rowe and Elijah Campbell currently on the roster at safety, so the depth chart is not barren, but it could use an upgrade to compete in a conference that is expected to have its wild-card berths go down to the final week of the regular season once again.

The Dolphins will learn what their secondary is capable of in September with clashes against New England, Baltimore, Buffalo and Cincinnati.

If there are some issues in the defensive backfield, the Dolphins could turn to someone like Collins to shore up the positions with a playoff spot in mind.