NFL free agency has begun, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, when free agent signings could become official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Miami Dolphins and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Zach Wilson, QB
Wilson is joining the Dolphins on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Dolphins were in the market for a No. 2 quarterback after getting shoddy backup play and cycling through three different passers when Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined to injury last season. Miami lands on Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick from the 2021 draft who has the talent to potentially stick with offensive-minded coach Mike McDaniel and a cadre of speedsters at the skill positions. General manager Chris Grier told reporters that the Dolphins were runners-up on multiple backup options last offseason. This time around, Miami opened up its wallet a bit more to get Wilson in the fold.
What's the risk: Given Tagovailoa's injury -- he's missed 16 games in five NFL seasons -- it seems more likely than not that Wilson will see time in the 2025 season. And while Wilson showed well enough in the preseason last year to be kept as Denver's No. 3 QB, there's no evidence to show that he has shaken his bust label after a failed stint with the New York Jets. An insufficient backup plan arguably cost the Dolphins an opportunity to make the playoffs last season. Miami's offense cratered without Tagovailoa and the team went 2-4 in games he missed.
James Daniels, G
Daniels is joining Miami on a three-year deal.
What it means: Dolphins general manager Chris Grier foreshadowed the team addressing its offensive line during his end-of-season news conference. And with starting guards Liam Eichenberg and Robert Jones hitting free agency, Miami quickly found at least one replacement in the 27-year-old Daniels, who has started 84 games in his seven-year career. The Dolphins didn't have to break the bank to find a capable starter; since entering the league in 2018, Daniels ranks 17th out of 91 guards in ESPN's pass block win rate (93.4%) and 16th out of 87 guards in run block win rate (72%).
What's the risk: Miami has often taken a chance on players with injury histories and Daniels is no different, missing all but four games last season because of a torn Achilles tendon. Daniels suffered the injury last September, so a normal recovery timeline would have him ready for the season opener. He's generally stayed healthy otherwise -- he's played in 15 or more games in five seasons -- but the signing is still a bit of a risk, nonetheless.
Larry Borom, T
What it means: The Dolphins have a need not only for starters along the offensive line but quality depth, especially at tackle. Terron Armstead is mulling retirement and even if he returns, he and right tackle Austin Jackson have been injured often. Kendall Lamm, Miami's swing tackle last season, is also a free agent. Borom has 27 career starts at both tackle spots and left guard, making him an ideal candidate to fill Lamm's role in 2025.
What's the risk: Miami has often needed its backup tackles to play significant snaps and Borom doesn't project as a quality starter if given extended playing time. Since entering the league in 2021, he's graded out as an average blocker in the pass block win rate and run block win rate metrics.
Ifeatu Melifonwu, S
The former Detroit Lion is joining the Dolphins on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Dolphins needed to replace both starting safeties from a season ago and Melifonwu will be in the running to help do so. He's a talented defensive back who showed off his versatility by switching to safety after playing cornerback at Syracuse. It also means Miami has a bigger move to make at safety, because Melifonwu could just as likely be a rotational safety as he could be a starter.
What's the risk: Melifonwu comes with some injury risk as he's spent multiple stints on injured reserve have limited him to 37 games in his four-year NFL career. He was placed on injured reserve twice in 2024, limiting him to just three games. When healthy, he is a starting caliber player -- but staying healthy has been an issue for the former third-round pick. At $4 million, however, there isn't a significant financial risk.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR
The former Titans wideout is joining the Dolphins on a two-year deal.
What it means: Westbrook-Ikhine turned in a career-best 497 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns for the Titans last season, and at 6-foot-2, 211 pounds, adds a physical element the Dolphins otherwise lack at receiver. The former UFA should see plenty of single coverage and open space as teams focus on Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Jonnu Smith. If he's ready to take the next step in his career, this should be a fun pairing.
What's the risk: There isn't much risk considering his role. His teammates will draw plenty of attention away from him so it's up to him to make the most of his opportunities when they come. Luckily for the Dolphins, that's something Westbrook-Ikhine has specialized in playing in a poor passing offense for the entirety of his career. He didn't necessarily add much after the catch last season, averaging four yards after the catch per reception. It's something he will have to improve playing in the Dolphins' offense.
Ashtyn Davis, S
The former New York Jet is joining Miami on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Dolphins entered free agency needing to replace both starting safeties from 2024, and added a pair of veterans before the official start of the new year. Davis started 22 games for the Jets in five seasons with eight interceptions, and should be fresh in Dolphins fans' memories; he intercepted Tyler Huntley twice in the teams' regular season finale on January. He featured heavily on special teams, as well, which is good news for Miami if Siran Neal signs elsewhere.
What's the risk: Davis only has one year of extensive starting experience and the Dolphins need starters. Davis is a playmaker, which is critical for a Miami defense that only forced 16 turnovers last season. At $2.5 million, this is a financial risk the Dolphins can take -- but their secondary is an issue perhaps worth allocating more assets to, whether that's money or draft capital.
Tyrel Dodson, LB
The linebacker is returning to the Dolphins on a one-year deal.
What it means: Dodson's return brings stability to a Dolphins' defense that needed it after half of its starters hit free agency this offseason. Dodson started three games for Miami in 2024 but led the team with three interceptions. Dodson likely slots in as the team's starting linebacker for 2025 and should only improve as his comfort grows within Anthony Weaver's defensive scheme.
What's the risk: Dodson is an aggressive linebacker who can sometimes overrun plays and miss tackles. From a financial standpoint, however, $8.25 million over two years represents a low-risk commitment for a player who showed improvement every time he hit the field. Dodson is also only 26 years old and still very much in the prime of his career. This is a bargain for a starting-caliber linebacker.
K.J. Britt, LB
Britt joins Miami from Tampa on a one-year deal.
What it means: In essentially a one-for-one swap for former linebacker Anthony Walker, who signed with Tampa Bay, the Dolphins add Britt to fill a run-stopping role in the middle of their defense. The fifth-year pro started 11 games for the Buccaneers last season and recorded 72 tackles. Miami will need him to bring physicality and a downhill style after losing one of its better run defenders in Walker, but Britt won't likely be relied on much in pass coverage.
What's the risk: Britt is somewhat undersized for the position and one-dimensional on defense. With just 0.5 career sacks, he doesn't provide much in terms of pass rushing and he isn't known for his coverage skills. But he can contribute on special teams and a one-year deal doesn't come with much risk attached; Jordyn Brooks and Dodson will likely be the team's starting off-ball linebackers this season.
Alexander Mattison, RB
The former Raider joins the Dolphins on a one-year deal.
What it means: At the NFL combine, Mike McDaniel said the team would add 2-3 players to its running backs room. Mattison is the first. The 220-pound back brings a physical style unique to the team's current group of runners and could be called upon in short-yardage situations, which the Dolphins struggled with in 2024. Even if the goal is to lighten De'Von Achane's workload, Mattison won't likely see anything near a feature role considering the talent and capital Miami has invested into other players in that room.
What's the risk: Mattison has never been an efficient runner but he averaged a career-low 3.2 yards per carry with the Raiders last season. He doesn't bring the same home run-hitting speed that Jaylen Wright and Achane possess but that's not what he will be asked to provide. Mattison's one-year deal represents a minimal financial commitment that can be moved on from if he fails to impress in training camp.
Pharaoh Brown, TE
The former Seahawk joins Miami on a one-year deal.
What it means: Brown should come in and compete for the blocking tight end role currently occupied by Julian Hill. Miami signed Hill to a three-year contract in 2023 but he was highly-penalized in 2024 and Brown's signing suggests a willingness to open up a competition for the position. He's been used sparingly as a receiver throughout his career but as long as Brown can avoid penalties and capitalize on his limited opportunities in the passing game, there's a chance he wins this job.
What's the risk: Miami isn't asking Brown to be George Kittle, but there's little risk in bringing in a veteran on a one-year deal to help provide some inline blocking. He had a better run block win rate than Hill last season, albeit in 140 fewer snaps. Hill has the youthful upside but this move adds competition and a chance at a possible upgrade.
Ryan Stonehouse, P
Stonehouse, who kicked for Tennessee last season, joins the Dolphins on a one-year deal.
What it means: It's competition at the punter position. Jake Bailey has owned the role for the past two seasons and is still under contract for one more year after signing an extension in 2024. But the former All-Pro's 47.1 average yards per punt ranked 18th in the NFL last season; Stonehouse ranked third with 50.6 yards per punt. Stonehouse has spent all three of his NFL seasons under new Dolphins special team coordinator Craig Aukerman, and his arrival in South Florida is likely a direct result of that relationship.
What's the risk: It's overall a smart move from Dolphins GM Chris Grier, who hasn't brought in much specialist competition over the past several offseasons. Stonehouse suffered a major injury in 2023, when he tore his ACL, MCL, and broke a bone in his non-kicking leg, but he bounced back in 2024 to still average north of 50 yards per punt. It was a decline from his NFL-record 53.1 yards per punt in 2022 and 2023, but still established him as one of the league's stronger legs.
Artie Burns, CB
The former Seahawk joins Miami on a one-year deal.
What it means: Burns adds to the depth and competition in the Dolphins' cornerbacks room, but isn't necessarily the default starter entering the team's offseason program. The former first-round pick played four games for the Seahawks last season but played his college football at the University of Miami and played at Miami Northwest high school -- so this is a homecoming for him. The Dolphins still need a starting cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey, and Burns will compete with Cam Smith and a possible draft pick for the job.
What's the risk: Despite a promising start to his career, Burns hasn't been a consistent starter since 2017 -- which is also when he recorded his last interception. But Burns will have to earn a starting job, this isn't a Kendall Fuller situation where Fuller was signed to be the starter. Burns has also played significant special teams reps throughout his career, mitigating any risk his signing carries.
Willie Gay, Jr., LB
The former Saint joins Miami on a one-year deal.
What it means: More depth at linebacker. The former second-round pick has started 55 games in his five-year career, including two Super Bowl-winning seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and 2023. At 27 years old, Gay brings veteran leadership and productivity, as well as playoff experience to a team that needs to learn how to finish games late in the season.
What's the risk: Gay is coming off possibly the worst season of his career for a bad New Orleans Saints team -- although that could be contributed to the quality of the team around him. He was targeted just 10 times in pass coverage last season, and allowed 14.8 yards on five completions. It's a small sample size but a noticeable difference from the 8.5 yards per completion he allowed in four seasons with the Chiefs. Gay will likely compete with Tyrel Dodson and K.J. Britt for the off-ball linebacker job opposite Jordyn Brooks, and is not a major risk considering his age, injury history and past productivity.