Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier reiterated Saturday that the team will be active in veteran free agency following the NFL Draft. Cornerback remains the top priority as Miami looks to address significant roster gaps before the 2025 season.
Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier in Talks with Veteran Free Agents
Grier confirmed the Dolphins have “had a number of conversations with players – veteran free agents that are good football players,” and indicated those talks will continue as the team seeks to bolster its secondary and defensive line. Beginning April 28, free agent signings will no longer count against the NFL’s compensatory draft formula, paving the way for Miami to make additions as early as this week.
The Dolphins’ most significant need is at cornerback, where only Kader Kohou and Jalen Ramsey, who remains the subject of trade talks, are established starters. If Ramsey is dealt, Miami would be left with Kohou, Cam Smith, and Storm Duck as its top options, a group short on proven starting experience.
Grier spoke with reporters after the draft and left the door open for a trade between now and June 1.
“No, I think whenever those opportunities arise. We’ve had conversations through the weekend with some teams about it as well, so depending on what happens and if and when it’ll happen. Whatever it is, we’ll make the deal at the appropriate time.”
Head coach Mike McDaniel was also asked about Ramsey during the same news conference, but sidestepped the question.
“I think speaking on the relationship with Jalen on this forum kind of undercuts what I think is important today, which is we’ve added a class and are continuing to add new players to the 2025 Dolphins, and I think beyond that it wouldn’t do justice to these draft picks and what we’re trying to do today,” McDaniel said.
Miami has been in contact with free agent Rasul Douglas, a 30-year-old veteran who started 15 games for the Buffalo Bills last season and has 19 career interceptions over 80 starts. Other experienced corners still available include Asante Samuel Jr., James Bradberry, Stephon Gilmore, and Shaquill Griffin, all of whom could be targets as the Dolphins look to add depth and experience to their defensive backfield.
The defensive line is another area of need, with the Dolphins looking for a veteran to pair with Zach Sieler, first-round pick Kenneth Grant, and Benito Jones. Options are limited, but Miami could target former Vikings starter Jonathan Bullard or ex-Dolphin Raekwon Davis.
The team is also considering adding an edge rusher behind Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, and Cam Goode. Veteran Za’Darius Smith is among those available.
On the offensive line, Miami addressed a key need by trading up to draft Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea, who is expected to start immediately at guard. However, with James Daniels returning from an Achilles injury, the Dolphins could still add more depth, with veterans Brandon Scherff, Dalton Risner, Shaq Mason, and Will Hernandez among the potential options.
Grier’s comments and the Dolphins’ post-draft moves show an aggressive approach to filling remaining holes, especially at cornerback, as Miami gears up for a pivotal 2025 season with a stable quarterback room after drafting Quinn Ewers from Texas.