Dolphins' Last-Minute Guide to 2024 NFL Free Agency

The Miami Dolphins have spent the last few days making the necessary moves to become cap-compliant. In the coming days we'll see what other moves they have left to make and if they are going to bring in any external free agents.

The NFL salary cap can be a tricky beast to manage. The Dolphins haven't been afraid to spend which always means there are some cap gymnastics to be done this time of year.

However, it doesn't mean the Dolphins won't find a way to bring in some new talent. After going 11-6 last season there's reason to believe this team isn't that far from becoming a real threat in the AFC and that could bring some aggressive moves.

With the legal tampering period just one day away, here's a last-minute guide to the Dolphins cap situation, notable free agents and potential targets.

Cap Situation

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A Tua Tagovailoa extension would help matters.

Cap Space: minus-$18.3 million

Technically, the Dolphins have a few more days to get cap-compliant. They still have more work to do than almost any other team in the league. They are 31st in cap space right now.

So far they've released Emmanuel Ogbah and Jerome Baker. They also designated Xavien Howard as a post-June 1 release. It will save them more money but it won't come off the books until June 2.

The moves cleared up a significant amount of cap space, but they also created additional needs on the defense.

One way to clear up more space will be to hand out some contract extensions. That will allow the Dolphins to push money into future years while retaining key talent. Jalen Ramsey, Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa highlight the primary options there.

Tagovailoa could be particularly helpful. He's slated to play on the $23.2 million fifth-year option, but a new contract could see his cap hit reduced significantly.

More cuts could be on the way too. Jeff Wilson stands out as a prime candidate. They could save $2.9 million by releasing the veteran running back.

Notable Free Agents

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Robert Hunt

• DT Christian Wilkins
• iOL Robert Hunt
• EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel
• S DeShon Elliott
• CB Eli Apple

One of the downsides of spending big and constantly pushing money into future years is that it becomes harder and harder to retain good talent.

With free agency unofficially just a day away, the Dolphins are in danger of losing two homegrown talents who have been vital to the team's success. Christian Wilkins is one of the best free agents available. He ranked third on our free agent big board.

Wilkins has been a top-notch run defender throughout his time in South Beach but last season his pass-rushing production really saw an increase. Now the Dolphins might be forced to watch him play elsewhere next season.

Robert Hunt has come a long way since the Dolphins drafted him in 2020. After playing some tackle early on he has settled in at guard. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has reported it's unlikely that Hunt will be returning to the Dolphins, especially after Kevin Dotson just signed a three-year contract with $32 million in guarantees.

Andrew Van Ginkel could also be on the way out. He was big last season with Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips both suffering season-ending injuries. However, his six sacks and 19 quarterback hits likely drew the attention of other teams who are willing to pay for pass rush help.

Biggest Needs and Top Targets

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Cowboys EDGE Dorance Armstrong

Interior Offensive Line

Not only could Robert Hunt be on the way out, but Connor Williams is also set to hit the open market. It's going to be tough to find two starter-level players through the draft so the Dolphins will likely have to roll the dice on at least one free agent who isn't going to be as costly as either of their impending free agents.

Top Targets: Aaron Brewer, Jon Runyan Jr., Laken Tomlinson

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Interior Defender

Assuming that Christian Wilkins will not be returning, there's about to be a massive hole in the middle of the Dolphins defense. Wilkins did a lot of the heavy lifting on the interior for Miami and he played 81 percent of the snaps. Replacing him won't be done with one signing, but they can add some depth there.

Top Targets: DaQuan Jones, Mo Hurst, A'Shawn Robinson

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EDGE

The Dolphins aren't set to lose either star on the edge, but Van Ginkel's loss could be more important than most realize. The best teams have multiple options on the edge who can rotate in and play multiple roles. If the Dolphins are going to take the next step in 2024 they have to have some supporting pass-rushers to help Chubb and Phillips.

Top Targets: Dorance Armstrong, Carl Lawson, A.J Epenesa