Miami Dolphins offseason moves focus on rebuilding

The Miami Dolphins have been active but selective this offseason, focusing on shoring up their porous offensive line and filling out the roster despite a tight budget.

This list of stories outlines how the team snagged guard James Daniels in free agency while also adding tackle Larry Borom, betting on both players' versatility and toughness. The articles dive into Miami’s struggles protecting Tua Tagovailoa—whose future looms as a central question—and explore whether draftees like Jalen Rivers could solidify the trenches.

With key veterans undecided and injuries hampering last season’s explosive plays, the pressure is on the Dolphins to beef up the line and reset expectations. As coaches preach accountability and mental grit, all eyes remain on whether more reinforcements are on the way before the draft.

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.

El quarterback de los Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa (der.), charla con el entrenador Mike McDaniel antes del inicio del partido contra los Browns, el 29 de diciembre de 2024 en el Huntington Bank Field, en Cleveland. By Al Diaz

NO. 1: THE STUNNING FINAL NUMBERS ON THE DROP IN DOLPHINS BIG PLAYS. AND MCDANIEL’S EXPLANATION

Here’s how much the big play was removed from the Dolphins’ offense in 2024. | Published January 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) sets up to pass during team practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By David Santiago

NO. 2: FROM ATTENDANCE TO JUDGMENT LAPSES TO PUNCTUALITY, DOLPHIN PLAYERS REVEAL WHAT MUST IMPROVE

Dolphins players reveal what must improve, including behind-the-scenes things. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed (4) defends in the first half of their NFL game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 3: THE PRAISE, THE PROBLEM, AND POSSIBILITIES WITH DOLPHINS RUNNING BACKS

The second of a 10-part series examining the Miami Dolphins by position, which today’s focus being running back. | Published January 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Jalen Rivers (64) talks to reporters after football practice at the University of Miami campus in Coral Gables, Florida, Tuesday, August 30, 2022. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 4: THE DOLPHINS NEED OFFENSIVE LINE HELP. HERE’S WHO STOOD OUT AT THE SENIOR BOWL

‘This past year, I went from left tackle to left guard every series,’ former Miami Hurricanes lineman Jalen Rivers said, explaining that he ‘feels comfortable at every spot’ along the O-line. | Published January 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team defensive lineman Aeneas Peebles of Virginia Tech (16) battles National team offensive lineman Grey Zabel of North Dakota State (77) during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

NO. 5: DOLPHINS OFFENSIVE LINE COACH DISCUSSES WHAT TEAM IS LOOKING FOR IN THE TRENCHES

“Everybody has size and all the measureables but dog mentality is something that I’m looking for,” Dolphins assistant offensive line coach Lemuel Jeanpierre. | Published February 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel listen to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa speak to reporters at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens on Sunday, July 28, 2024. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 6: DOLPHINS ADD ONE OF TOP GUARDS IN FREE AGENCY AND A VETERAN TACKLE

Dolphins add veteran offensive linemen Daniels and Borom | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross talks with Dolphins general manager Chris Grier before the start of their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By David Santiago

NO. 7: KELLY: DOLPHINS HAVE BELT-TIGHTENING TO DO TO GO FREE AGENT SHOPPING | OPINION

Terron Armstead restructuring his contract creates nearly $14 million in cap space for the Dolphins, but this team needs much more to improve the roster. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier (left) speaks to the media as Head Coach Mike McDaniel looks on during an end-of year press conference at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Miami, Fla. By D.A. Varela

NO. 8: DOLPHINS’ FIRST DAY OF FREE AGENCY PROVIDES LITTLE EXCITEMENT AS TEAM MAKES JUST TWO MOVES

Dolphins signed quarterback Zach Wilson and defensive tackle Matt Dickerson, a six-year veteran who appeared in just four games in 2024 and didn’t record a single stat. | Published March 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels (78) wears a guardian cap in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. By Ron Chenoy

NO. 9: KELLY: HERE’S WHAT THE DOLPHINS ACCOMPLISHED IN FREE AGENCY SO FAR | OPINION

A snapshot of what the Miami Dolphins have accomplished in the first week of free agency, and how they might fit into the 2025 team. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Benito Jones (95) and Mario Kendricks (68) run through practice drills with at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens on Saturday, July 28, 2024. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 10: DEFENSIVE TACKLE BENITO JONES RE-SIGNS WITH MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Miami Dolphins have re-signed defensive tackle Benito Jones.A 15-game starter in 2024, Jones finished 24 combined tackles, four tackles for loss and three quarterback hits.The Dolphins signed Jones as an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss in 2020. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) calls a play during the second half of their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. By David Santiago

NO. 11: KELLY: DECISION MAKERS HAVE DOLPHINS, TUA IN COMPROMISING POSITION

Based on what Dolphins achieved in free agency, team left a long to-do list for the 2025 NFL draft | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa chats with head coach Mike McDaniel before kickoff against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.. By Al Diaz

NO. 12: KELLY: TIMELINE ON TUA TAGOVAILOA’S TENURE WITH DOLPHINS IS TICKING

The Miami Dolphins could move QB Tua Tagovailoa, now or next season. But would it be worth it? | Published April 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

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.