The upcoming 2026 NFL free agent market is set to feature 28 players from the Miami Dolphins organization, alongside restricted free agents Julian Hill and Matthew Butler. This presents an opportunity for the Dolphins to reassess their roster under new General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. As the team embarks on a rebuilding phase, it is crucial to evaluate former Dolphins players who may be worth bringing back.
Analyzing Former Dolphins in Free Agency: Potential Worthy Returns
Quarterbacks
- Teddy Bridgewater (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Skylar Thompson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Bridgewater’s future is uncertain as he transitioned from coaching high school football back to the NFL. Thompson has already had his stint with the Dolphins.
Running Backs
- Raheem Mostert (Las Vegas Raiders)
- Chase Edmonds (Washington Commanders)
- Salvon Ahmed (Indianapolis Colts)
The team is unlikely to pursue these players further, as Mostert and Edmonds are now older veterans, while Ahmed is recovering from a severe injury.
Wide Receivers
- Braxton Berrios (Houston Texans)
Sullivan is looking to enhance the size of the wide receiver corps. Berrios may not fit this vision.
Tight Ends
- Durham Smythe (Chicago Bears)
- Pharaoh Brown (Arizona Cardinals)
- Jonnu Smith (Released by Pittsburgh Steelers)
Due to the organization’s current direction, a reunion with Smythe or Smith seems improbable.
Offensive Linemen
- Dan Feeney (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Robert Jones (Dallas Cowboys)
- Jack Driscoll (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Jones could attract interest if he recovers from his previous neck injury that sidelined him last season.
Interior Defensive Linemen
- Calais Campbell (Arizona Cardinals)
- Neville Gallimore (Indianapolis Colts)
- Jordan Phillips (Buffalo Bills)
- Da’Shawn Hand (L.A. Chargers)
While Campbell has a notable reputation, it’s doubtful he would choose to join a rebuilding team. The status of Wilkins and Davis remains uncertain, making Hand a potential option for the Dolphins.
Edge Defenders
- Jaelan Phillips (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Kyle Van Noy (Baltimore Ravens)
- Emmanuel Ogbah (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Phillips is a key name entering free agency and might command a contract beyond the Dolphins’ budget, even if a reunion is desirable.
Linebackers
- Elandon Roberts (Las Vegas Raiders)
- Jerome Baker (Cleveland Browns)
- Neville Hewitt (New York Giants)
- Anthony Walker Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Channing Tindall (Arizona Cardinals)
The older age of the first four linebackers makes it unlikely they will return, while Tindall’s reunion does not seem practical.
Defensive Backs
- Jordan Poyer (Buffalo Bills)
- Noah Igbinoghene (Washington Commanders)
- Chris Lammons (Indianapolis Colts)
Igbinoghene has shown improvement since leaving the Dolphins and may be an affordable option worth considering.
Specialists
- Thomas Morstead (San Francisco 49ers)
- Matt Haack (Arizona Cardinals)
- Jake McQuaide (L.A. Rams)
Given the Dolphins’ salary cap situation, they are likely to seek cost-effective solutions among specialists.
As the Dolphins navigate their upcoming free agency decisions, evaluating these former players will be essential for their roster reconstruction.
