Mike Gesicki, Melvin Ingram, Dolphins Free Agents' Projected Contracts
Many of the core players on the Miami Dolphins' roster are under contract for the 2023 season. That's a good thing for them, especially because they're projected to be $16.4 million over the salary cap (per Over The Cap), limiting their financial flexibility this offseason.
But there are still several key members of Miami's 2022 team who are set to hit free agency. And if the Dolphins hope to retain them, they'll need to find ways to clear up enough cap space to do so.
If not, these players could end up donning new uniforms in 2023. That's particularly the case for any who may command a large salary.
Here's a look at the projected contracts that several Miami players set to hit free agency could receive this offseason.
Mike Gesicki, TE
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Teams looking for a new starting tight end will have several options this offseason. One will be to pursue Mike Gesicki, as the 27-year-old is set to hit free agency after playing the 2022 season on the franchise tag for the Dolphins.
Gesicki has put up solid numbers in recent years, although his production dipped a bit this past season. He played all 17 games, yet had only 32 catches for 362 yards and five touchdowns. But Miami also had more playmakers alongside Gesicki on its offense.
It seems unlikely Gesicki will be back with the Dolphins. There will likely be at least one team willing to pay him a sizable contract, banking on the fact that he should put up bigger numbers if he becomes one of the focal points of a passing attack.
Gesicki has the potential to be among the top tight ends in the NFL, and expect him to get paid as such. It just may not be a deal that comes from Miami.
Projected contract: Four years for $38.5 million
Melvin Ingram, LB
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Last offseason, the Dolphins signed Melvin Ingram to a one-year, $5 million deal, hoping he could boost the team's pass rush. The 33-year-old linebacker did just that, recording six sacks (his most since notching seven in 2019) over 17 games.
Ingram may not still be in his prime after 11 NFL seasons, but he can still be a solid contributor to a defense, as he proved in Miami. Whether he returns to the Dolphins or goes somewhere else, he'll likely continue to create pressure coming off the edge in 2023.
It may not cost a ton to sign Ingram, so perhaps Miami will try to bring him back. Or another team will ink him to an affordable deal, maybe a franchise that has some young pass rushers needing a veteran mentor.
There's a decent chance that Ingram signs a similar deal to the one he got last season. And if that's the case, it could work out well for the team that gets him.
Projected contract: One year for $4.5 million
Raheem Mostert, RB
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The Dolphins have three running backs set to hit free agency: Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Myles Gaskin. Of that trio, Mostert is likely to get the biggest payday this offseason.
Mostert stayed healthy for most of the 2022 season, playing in 16 games, his most since appearing in 16 in 2019. He had played only nine total games between the 2020 and 2021 campaigns. Mostert was effective when he touched the ball last year, too, rushing for a career-high 891 yards and scoring five total touchdowns.
Even if Mostert isn't an every-down RB, the 30-year-old is a valuable player to have in a backfield mix. Miami needs to either bring back several of its backs or find new ones this offseason, considering so many are about to hit free agency, so maybe Mostert will return.
If not, Mostert should have some success elsewhere. And it likely won't require a huge commitment for a team to land him.
Projected contract: One year for $3.3 million
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