The Miami Dolphins are currently -$7.7 million against the 2025 salary cap, according to Spotrac.

But because the 2025 NFL salary cap is expected to take a bigger-than-expected bump for next season, Miami is projected to actually have $1.6 million in cap space soon, according to Over The Cap.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and cap guru Brandon Shore will surely look to clear more space with restructures in the coming months.

Last year, we cited these five players as the Dolphins’ top five free agent priorities: DT Christian Wilkins, G Robert Hunt, Edge Andrew Van Ginkel, C Connor Williams and S DeShon Elliott.

Every single one of those players left. Every. Single. One.

Once a player reaches the start of free agency, they usually leave. But not always. Sometimes they’ll even return to their former club after realizing they’re not going to get the bonanza they and their agent expected.

This year, free agency negotiations with all players begins March 10, with official signings to begin March 12.

Will Dolphins re-sign 2025 NFL free agent Jevon Holland?

Safety Jevon Holland is expected to command about $15.1 million in free agency, according to Spotrac.

He plays safety, which is not a premium position.

Holland is a quality player. But he also has one interception in his past 37 games.

It would be surprising if Holland returned. But we can never say never.

Dolphins increase salary cap space with three cuts

The Dolphins have also cut CB Kendall Fuller, RB Raheem Mostert and TE Durham Smythe.

It would be surprising if any of those now-free-agents returned. But we can never say never.

Jordan Poyer, Jeff Wilson, Kader Kohou, Kendall Lamm?

There are some other free agents who it would be surprising to see return to Miami, including safety Jordan Poyer, running back Jeff Wilson and wide receiver Braxton Berrios.

But we can never say never.

We won’t list cornerback Kader Kohou here because he’s a restricted free agent. It is important that Miami bring Kohou back as a likely slot cornerback starter.

We’re not sure whether tackle Kendall Lamm will return or retire. If Lamm wants to play, bringing him back for offensive tackle depth would be a solid maneuver.

Dolphins’ Top 10 offseason priorities:OL, backup QB, discipline | Schad

Should Dolphins re-sign Liam Eichenberg or Robert Jones?

Liam Eichenberg and Robert Jones were subject to some pretty severe criticism as starting guards.

On the surface, Miami seems likely to let both walk.

But bringing back Eichenberg (who can play guard and center) or Jones (who can play both guard positions) for depth, not as a starter, would be reasonable at the right price.

Re-signing free agent guard Isaiah Wynn at a good number may make even more sense.

The Dolphins have three core special-teamers as free agents: safeties Siran Neal and Elijah Campbell and linebacker Duke Riley. We could see incoming special teams coach Greg Aukerman being asked to choose one or two.

We won’t list quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley here, but if he’d like to sign as a likely third quarterback option, we would be very much in favor of that.

Miami must sign an additional veteran quarterback and ideally draft a quarterback, too.

Here’s how we rank the Miami Dolphins’ free agent priorities:

#1 DL Calais Campbell

• How much might he cost?

Campbell, 38, could command about $7 million per season, according to Spotrac.

• Why might he stay or go?

If Campbell wants to play another season, it should be as a Dolphin. Campbell emerged as one of the Dolphins’ best leaders. And he was ranked by Pro Football Focus as the sixth-best defensive end in the NFL in 2024. Campbell deserves a raise, but breaking the bank is not a priority for him at this time. We hope Campbell gives it one more go. But if he doesn’t think Miami is a realistic Super Bowl contender in 2025, he may retire or sign elsewhere.

#2 LB Anthony Walker

• How much might he cost?

Walker, 29, could command something close to the $1.4 million he made last season.

• Why might he stay or go?

Walker is a local product, and when healthy last season, he added toughness and physical play to the Dolphins’ defense. If he can be secured for a price lower than Tyrel Dodson, it should be a no-brainer. Re-sign Walker.

#3 LB Tyrel Dodson

• How much might he cost?

Dodson, 26, may command about $5 million per season, according to Spotrac.

• Why might he stay or go?

Dodson is more athletic than Walker and better in coverage. But he was not as strong against the run. We trust defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to make this call. But we also wouldn’t extend too far on Dodson. If Dodson leaves, it would be for a promised starting position or more money.

#4 Edge Emmanuel Ogbah

• How much might he cost?

Ogbah, 31, could strike a deal similar to 2024: $4.5 million, including incentives, with a base salary of $3.2 million.

• Why might he stay or go?

Ogbah was a blessing, returning for less money after Shaq Barrett surprisingly retired. While not the dominating pass-rush force he one was, Ogbah is solid against the pass and run and could be a valuable rotational rusher. We’re pretty sure Ogbah would like to stay.

#5 DT Da’Shawn Hand

• How much might he cost?

Hand, 29, made about $1.3 million last season and could be in line for a small bump.

• Why might he stay or go?

The Dolphins could bring back defensive tackle Hand, or nose tackle Benito Jones, or both. Hand is a strong player and a bit underrated. He’s solid against the run, with some pass rush upside. If he can be re-signed to a deal similar to last season, we’d be all for it. If Hand leaves, it would be for more playing time.