Dolphins stretching money out to fill needs -- CBS Miami's Steve Goldstein
MIAMI - Without a big bag of money to spend, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier is making every available dollar count in free agency.
The team continues to pick up numerous players for mostly low-cost short-term contracts in free agency.
They filled a need at tight end with former FIU player Jonnu Smith.
He is thrilled with the opportunity to play in this offense. He also said he learned about the Dolphins by binge watching Hard Knocks and came away impressed.
After also signing a center that first the offensive scheme and a handful of defensive players, the Dolphins have reportedly helped the special teams coverage unit.
Former Buffalo Bills special teams ace Siran Neal has agreed to a contract. He was with the Bills for 6 years and fills an underrated need for the Dolphins. Miami's kick coverage has struggled the last few seasons, at times faltering in game-changing situations like this season's regular-season finale loss against, ironically, Buffalo that cost the Dolphins the AFC East title.
Some big names and productive players have left in free agency, but the Dolphins are filling many holes with the available cash.
They still need depth on defense, on the line and in the secondary. Offensive linemen are also needed along with a third wide receiver. Grier has the draft and a second wave of available free agents in June to fill out the roster.
UPDATE: Dolphins sign 2 linebackers CBS Miami's Steve Goldstein
After losing numerous well-known players in free agency the Dolphins agreed to contracts with a pair of linebackers.
Miami native Anthony Walker will sign a one-year contract. Walker played for Cleveland last season, starting 12 games.
The Dolphins then did a deal with 2020 1st-round draft pick Jordyn Brooks of Seattle. Brooks has had 100 tackles each of the last three seasons.
There will be competition to replace the departed Jerome Baker at linebacker next to David Long. Brooks is the favorite to start.
Free agency hits Dolphins' defense - CBS Miami's Steve Goldstein
MIAMI - Under a salary cap crunch, the Dolphins have lost a handful of mainstay defensive players in free agency.
The team had already parted ways with cornerback Xavien Howard and linebacker Jerome Baker, veterans who were Dolphins' draft picks. Also let go to help get under the cap, pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah.
On Monday, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins agreed to a huge contract with Las Vegas. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkle is off to Minnesota and safety Brandon Jones got a deal done with Denver.
The Dolphins are in the process of restructuring a few contracts to get under the salary cap so it's no surprise that these players are leaving.
They performed well and are getting paid. The Dolphins will get compensation in the form of draft picks next year for the free agents leaving.
For now, the team must replace much of their defense from the last handful of seasons. Most of the players that are leaving were draft picks that had been with the team for some time. Such is life in the NFL.
New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will have a nearly blank canvas to work with. Defensive backs Jevon Holland and Jalen Ramsey along with from seven players Zach Seiler and David Long are returning. But Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are recovering from season ending injuries and when they will be able to play again is unknown. Add in the numerous defensive coaching staff changes that have been made, there will be a lot new about Miami's defense in the 2024 season.
On Monday afternoon, Guard Robert Hunt has agreed to a contract with the Carolina Panthers.
