What should the Miami Dolphins do with their newfound $18.5 million in cap space?

The post-June 1st money is in! Here are five free agents (I think) the Miami Dolphins should consider signing before the 2024 NFL season kicks off! #GoFins

The post-June 1st money has officially hit the bank account for general manager Chris Grier and the Miami Dolphins. And now that the team has a little bit of cap flexibility, we can all begin wondering what they may spend that newly-found money on.

For starters, the team has to sign its 2024 NFL Draft Class, which, according to OverTheCap.com, will cost Miami roughly $8.342 Million. Couple that with the inevitable Tua Tagovailoa contract extension we’re all waiting to hear, and it looks like Miami will have northward of $10M in cap space to play with.

The question now is, who should the Dolphins look to add to their current roster?

As of today, Miami’s most significant needs (IMO) remain on the interior offensive and defensive lines. Offensively, the team is still trying to figure out who will start at guard, and there’s no depth behind Aaron Brewer at center.

Defensively, Miami is still trying to find a partner next to the world’s most underrated player in the world, Zach Sieler. There’s also a need at safety with ‘AnThOnY WeAvEr’S DeFeNsE beInG kNoWn fOr ThEiR uSE oF 3 SaFeTieS’, and those are just the positions we can see on the outside looking in.

So, without further ado, here are five players I (and I’m sure many others) believe the Dolphins should sign as the 2024 NFL preseason fastly approaches.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE | CALAIS CAMPBELL

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After what he did to Ryan Tannehill many seasons ago, I promised never to mention the name Calais Campbell again. And yet, here I am, suggesting the Dolphins sign the 38-year-old defensive lineman. Not only because of the need he’d fill on Miami’s interior defensive line but also because of his experience in Anthony Weaver’s defense. He can also still play, recording 56 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and a forced fumble a season ago.

He probably won’t sign until later in the summer, but if Miami wants to add a player with a bit more experience and a resume to back it up, Campbell would be an interesting fit on Miami’s D-line.

(Shoutout to Brian Cat for speaking this into existence time and time again)

EDGE | TYUS BOWSER

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With a ton of uncertainty surrounding Miami’s front seven to start the season, adding a player like Bowser — who is familiar with Weaver’s system — may not be the worst idea, even if he is in a current financial dispute with the Baltimore Ravens.

Bowser, 29, has 19 sacks over his six seasons with the Ravens. But he has not played football since 2022, which leaves a ton of uncertainty for us outsiders looking in. Still, if he’s ready to get back on the field and have a role with a team that should run a similar style of defense, a prove-it deal with the Dolphins could be perfect for both Bowser and the team.

SAFETY | JUSTIN SIMMONS

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Jordan Poyer isn’t getting any younger, and with Miami seemingly ready to try the Nik Needham experience at safety (I’m all for it), finding a difference-maker on the backend of Miami’s secondary isn’t necessarily a bad idea. Enter veteran safety Justin Simmons.

Last year with Denver, Simmons started 15 games, recording 70 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, eight pass breakups, and three interceptions. Adding him to Miami’s newly revamped secondary alongside Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer would take a position — with several questions — and make it a strength.

Oh, the possibilities!

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN | CONNOR WILLIAMS

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I’ve heard the rumors that Connor Williams may retire this offseason. But until I know for sure, I willl keep the CW dream alive. Sure, Aaron Brewer is a suitable replacement, or so I’ve been told. But besides the errant snaps, Williams was a godsend for Miami’s offensive line. And for a guy that may need some time to heal and a team that could use an upgrade at guard — and a backup center — the move would make too much sense for both sides.

Of course, all of that may depend on Williams’ health, which remains an unknown.

CORNERBACK | XAVIEN HOWARD

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I don’t know that I actually believe this is a possibility. Yeah, it’s never going to happen. But with Howard still on the open market and his recent reply to rookie running back Jaylen Wright on Instagram, why not suggest Miami bring back one of the best players they’ve drafted over the last decade — even if he has lost a step over previous seasons.

Heck, maybe he can even move to safety… /s

(P.S.If you’re #mad about me suggesting Howard, pretend it says Stephen Gilmore 🙂 )

What would you do with the Miami Dolphins’ $18.5 million cap space? Is there a free agent you think can be a difference-maker in 2024? Would you extend a young player like Jevon Holland or Jaelan Phillips? Save the money in case of an emergency? Let us know in the comments section below!