The Miami Dolphins are in a position where they are going to need some depth additions through free agency to bolster their roster. The cornerback position is one of the spots the team needs to address, as they have been actively shopping Jalen Ramsey, who is under contract through the 2028 season and sees a significant rise in the cap hit beginning this season.
The Dolphins are coming off missing the postseason, and the organization was 11th last season with a 79.3 Defense+ grade. With Ramsey’s departure looking inevitable now, PFSN’s Brandon Austin predicts Miami could sign a veteran slot cornerback in free agency.
Dolphins Predicted To Replace Jalen Ramsey’s Veteran Presence In Free Agency
In his latest “one free agent each team should sign” article, Austin named Mike Hilton as the best fit for the Dolphins, arguing that Miami would be in need of more depth and veteran presence at corner if Ramsey is traded.
“The biggest storyline for the Miami Dolphins this offseason, unfortunately, had nothing to do with the talent joining the roster,” Austin wrote. “Instead, it surrounded three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, after the two sides mutually agreed to seek a trade. Over a month after the NFL Draft, Ramsey is still a member of the Dolphins, but a deal could still be on the horizon.
“If the Dolphins decide to move on from the star cornerback, they’ll need to have a contingency plan in place because heading into the 2025 season with Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, Cam Smith, and Jason Marshall Jr. is less than ideal.”
Miami has been linked to several top corners, including Asante Samuel Jr. and Rasul Douglas, but Hilton could be cheaper as he comes off one of the worst seasons of his career.
“While Mike Hilton may not be the caliber of Ramsey, he could replace his veteran presence and be an immediate upgrade over the rest of the cornerback room. Hilton’s stock took a bit of a hit after a rough 2024 campaign, where he allowed four touchdowns and a 92.0 passer rating on 61 targets. It was one of the worst seasons of his career, but it’s possible that it was an outlier.
“He recently turned 31 and is likely past his prime, but he offers value as a slot corner if Miami would consider bumping Kader Kohou outside.”
Despite being inconsistent in coverage last season, Hilton racked up 73 tackles, five pass deflections, and one interception while excelling against the run. He received an impressive 91.7 run defense grade, which was the best mark among 222 qualified corners. However, his overall grade was 75.9 while his coverage grade was 68.5.
There are not many slot CBs willing to take on pulling guards like this. Mike Hilton is one of one man. pic.twitter.com/tga3FOwb58
— mike (@bengals_sans) November 2, 2022
The Dolphins are just over $16 million in salary cap space, and signing Hilton is unlikely unless Ramsey is traded. The 31-year-old is projected to earn a three-year, $37 million deal by Spotrac, but that is also unlikely to happen so late in free agency.
