Top Dolphins Trade Targets Entering 2024 Offseason

The Miami Dolphins thrived in the NFL trade market over the last two seasons.

It's fair to say that we should not expect anything different from Mike McDaniel's team in 2024 as it looks to get better and contend for the top spot in the AFC.

Miami's roster does not have many flaws because of the big-name trades and shrewd draft picks made over the last two offseasons.

However, the Dolphins can look to a few spots to improve on the trade market before they dive into the 2024 NFL draft, where they have seven selections.

Any offensive upgrades should come on either the offensive line or at tight end, while the defense could use some help at linebacker with Jerome Baker and Andrew Van Ginkel set to hit free agency.

Laken Tomlinson

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 24: Laken Tomlinson #78 of the New York Jets runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Laken Tomlinson achieved a good amount of success with the San Francisco 49ers from 2017-21.

Mike McDaniel was the run-game coordinator and offensive coordinator during Tomlinson's tenure in San Francisco.

McDaniel has not been shy about adding players to the Miami roster with connections to those 49ers teams. The biggest impact of those moves can be seen at running back with Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.

The Dolphins could use Robert Hunt and Connor Williams in free agency, and while their replacements may be chosen in the draft, McDaniel could turn to a familiar face.

The hang-up with any Tomlinson trade is that it would take place with a fellow AFC East squad in the New York Jets and their asking price may be higher because of that.

Dawson Knox

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Dawson Knox #88 of the Buffalo Bills catches a pass for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Dawson Knox is also an inside-the-division trade target, but he could make a ton of sense for the Miami offense.

The Buffalo Bills will use Dalton Kincaid more in his second season, which could mean a dip in production for Knox.

Knox still had value in the postseason alongside Kincaid, but it is clear that he is no longer the No. 1 tight end in Buffalo.

Miami's offense lacked an impact from the tight end position under McDaniel. Knox does not have to be a high-volume pass-catcher, but if he is effective in the red zone, he would be a worthwhile acquisition.

Miami should have concerns about Knox's $14.3 million salary cap hit in 2024, per Spotrac, but the team could restructure some contracts to become salary cap compliant.

Jaycee Horn

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Jaycee Horn #8 of the Carolina Panthers enters the field during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Dec 17, 2023. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Jaycee Horn makes a lot more sense for the Dolphins from a contractual standpoint than most other trade targets.

Horn is in the last year of his rookie contract and the Carolina Panthers could look to trade him if they are not willing to pay him a massive extension.

The Dolphins have $52 million tied up between Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard at the moment, so they would have to find a cheaper option to replace some depth that could leave in free agency.

Horn would give the Dolphins three solid coverage cornerbacks, which could make life difficult for any other AFC contender.

Miami would probably have to give up one or two of its Day 3 picks to land Horn because of his contract situation that leaves Carolina with a lack of leverage in any trade conversations.