South Florida

5 key storylines defining the Dolphins’ 2025 plans

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

The Miami Dolphins face a complex offseason marked by player tension, roster challenges and high-stakes decisions.

Key narratives include the franchise navigating Tyreek Hill's frustration following a difficult, injury-marred season, with Hill voicing competitive dissatisfaction and opening the door to a possible trade. Additionally, critical uncertainties surround veteran players such as Terron Armstead and Calais Campbell, whose return or departure will heavily impact key positions, including offensive tackle and defensive line depth.

Miami’s draft strategy and cap management will define its ability to address glaring weaknesses in secondary and defensive positions, highlighted by the need for reliable starters. Emerging organizational approaches, such as calculated patience in free agency and strategic restructuring, aim to bolster the team, but tight margins leave little room for error ahead of the 2025 campaign.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Kendall Lamm (70) stretches on the field before the start of their NFL game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla By David Santiago

NO. 1: DOLPHINS LOSE ANOTHER OFFENSIVE TACKLE TO SEASON-ENDING INJURY. AND OTHER PLAYERS HOBBLED

Dolphins lose Kendall Lamm to injury. Miami in a tough spot at offensive tackle | Published January 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) signals at the line of scrimmage during the second half of an NFL Football game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio on Sunday, December 29, 2024. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 2: HOW THE MIAMI DOLPHINS PLAN TO FIX RELATIONSHIP WITH TYREEK HILL

How the Miami Dolphins plan to address Tyreek Hill’s plea to leave. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) talks with his wife, Keeta Vaccaro, before the start of his NFL game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 3: DOLPHINS’ TYREEK HILL EXPANDS ON HIS EYEBROW-RAISING COMMENTS AFTER SEASON FINALE

Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill explains the eyebrow-raising comments he made after the season. | Published January 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (21) pulls down an interception during the first half of the Gamecocks’ game at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia on Saturday, November 18, 2023. By Sam Wolfe

NO. 4: HOW DOLPHINS’ PATH HAS BECOME NARROWER. AND OPTION FOR PICK 13 ASKED TO VISIT TEAM OFFICES

Dolphins have a more narrow path to achieve their goals. A top prospect is lined up for a visit. And more. | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks to the runners participating in the 5k race during the 15th Dolphins Cancer Challenge at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 5: DOLPHINS’ MCDANIEL EXPLAINS WHERE THINGS STAND WITH CAMPBELL, ARMSTEAD AND ZACH WILSON

Dolphins await word from Campbell, Armstead. And Dolphins personnel notes. | Published March 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.