LATEST UPDATE: Dolphins’ top five free agency targets: Adding a safety feature, resigning a star, and further choices

The Miami Dolphins need to put in some improvement after a dismal 2023 campaign.

A few important players are about to become free agents, so general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel will be looking to make some roster changes.

Miami’s list of possible free agents is led by Christian Wilkins, but it is longer than that. Additional players named are wide receivers Cedric Wilson Jr. and Braxton Berrios, starting offensive linemen Robert Hunt and Connor Williams, linebackers Jerome Baker and Andrew Van Ginkel, and backup starters DeShon Elliott and Eli Apple.

With March 11 marking the start of free agency, the Dolphins might feasibly target any of these five players given their cap room constraints:

DL Christian Wilkins
Although it’s not a splash move, it’s still an essential move. In 2023, Wilkins achieved a career-high nine sacks and twenty-three quarterback hits, marking his greatest season as a pro. Throughout his first five seasons with the Dolphins, the 28-year-old defensive lineman has demonstrated his ability to play both inside and outside. It would be prudent for Miami to place Wilkins on the franchise tag if the two sides are unable to come to a deal before the start of free agency.

Gardner-Johnson, C.J., S/CB
Gardner-Johnson, who only appeared in two Lions regular season games due to injuries, is coming off a season marred by injuries. After sustaining a torn pec in Week 2, the hybrid safety/cornerback helped the Lions advance to the NFC championship game during the postseason. Given his history of injuries, the price tag might not be too exorbitant, but Miami would benefit from his versatility. Gardner-Johnson is a playmaker who might benefit the Dolphins right away.

S. Geno Stone
Here’s another viable safety measure that seems to match perfectly. Anthony Weaver, the new defensive coordinator for the Dolphins, spent the previous two seasons as the defensive line coach and associate head coach of the Ravens. Stone, a previous seventh-round selection, performed at his peak level last season in Baltimore under Weaver’s tutelage. For the top-ranked defense, the 24-year-old safety had seven interceptions. Leaving him at safety with Jevon Holland could prove to be fatal for Weaver’s revamped squad.

WR Jauan Jennings
Tua Tagovailoa might use Jennings as a change of pace because of his ability to create plays on crucial downs, earning him the nickname “Third-and-Jauan”. Given his time with the 49ers, he is familiar with McDaniel’s system, but he’s the kind of guy the Dolphins haven’t had under McDaniel. The fast deep threats are Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but Jennings might provide Miami with a 6-foot-3, bigger receiver who can make difficult catches for a fair price.

Laken Tomlinson, OL
Tomlinson was cut by the Jets before he could have become a free agent, giving him the opportunity to play with a Miami division foe. During McDaniel’s tenure as an offensive assistant in San Francisco from 2017 to 2021, Tomlinson had his greatest years. Both parties would benefit from a reunion in South Beach since the 32-year-old veteran might strengthen the Dolphins’ interior offensive line. Even though he didn’t play at the same caliber in New York, there is optimism that he could return to form under McDaniel’s system.