A look at Dolphins’ defensive line free agent options, with Campbell status pending
The view here is that the Dolphins need at least one starting defensive tackle (an upgrade over Benito Jones at nose tackle) while also clearly needing a starter opposite Zach Sieler if Calais Campbell doesn’t return.
Whether the Dolphins believe they need two, instead of just one, starting defensive tackle is another story.
One source said he would be surprised if the Dolphins pay for a top-flight nose tackle and wouldn’t be surprised if they opt to re-sign Jones or someone similarly cheap (and mediocre).
After all, the Dolphins had the league’s No. 9 run defense last season (yards allowed per game) even without a standout nose tackle.
But cajoling Campbell to return or finding a top-flight replacement must be a priority when free agency opens March 10. And even if Campbell returns, Miami needs someone above average to share snaps with him. Our understanding is that Miami is going to prioritize the position (as well as offensive line, cornerback and safety).
One potential trade option surfaced Tuesday when NFL Network reported that the Commanders have had trade talks involving accomplished defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who’s due $15 million in 2025 in the final year of his contract. But after playing at least 16 games for four years in a row, he played just eight games last season and had just three tackles for loss, 19 tackles overall and three sacks.
Meanwhile, here’s a look at the free agent defensive tackle options who played at least 40% of their team’s snaps in 2024, with some of these players capable of fitting into Campbell’s spot opposite Sieler and others better suited for nose tackle:
The most expensive tier
▪ Philadelphia’ Milton Williams (played 47.9% of Eagles’ snaps): Vic Fangio suggested the Dolphins try to acquire him when Fangio was coordinator here, but the Eagles weren’t interested. A year later, he was a key part of Fangio’s Super Bowl-winning defense, and he’s going to get paid royally, likely beyond Miami’s means.
Pro Football Focus rated him the 20th-best interior defender in football this past season. The 290-pound defensive tackle had 24 tackles and five sacks in 17 games and seven starts.
▪ Dallas’ Osa Odighizuwa (78.1): The Cowboys reportedly are looking at placing the franchise tag on him by Tuesday’s deadline if it doesn’t reach a multiyear deal with him before that.
PFF rates him 30th of 125 interior defensive linemen. The 280-pound tackle had 47 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 17 starts.
Starters who won’t be bargain basement but would help
▪ Cincinnati’s B.J. Hill (played 62.4% of snaps): PFF rated him 24th among 125 interior defenders this season. The 311-pounder had 56 tackles and three sacks in 14 starts.
One veteran NFL talent evaluator said Hill would make a lot of sense as an affordable option for the Campbell role if Campbell doesn’t return.
▪ Detroit’s Levi Onwuzurike (57.9%): PFF rated him 27th among interior defenders. The 290-pound defensive end had 28 tackles but just one for loss in 17 games and 10 starts. That talent evaluator said Onwuzurike would be an ideal fit for the Campbell slot if Miami can afford him.
▪ Seattle’s Jarran Reed (60.1%): PFF rated him 18th of 125 interior defenders. The 306-pound Reed had 45 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 17 games and eight starts. He’s also a good scheme fit for the Campbell role if Campbell decides to retire or move on.
▪ Tampa Bay’s Greg Gaines (41%): PFF rated him 70th among 125 interior defenders. He had 17 tackles and two for loss in 15 games and three starts. He would be cheaper than the aforementioned players, and an evaluator mentioned him as someone who would be an under-the-radar pickup for the Campbell position.
▪ The Jets’ Javon Kinlaw (60.7%): PFF rated him 83rd among defensive tackles. The 319-pound nose tackle had 40 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 17 starts. Some have questioned the motor and work ethic.
▪ Tennessee’s Sebastian Joseph-Day (46%): PFF rated him the No. 22 interior defensive lineman. The 310-pounder had 42 tackles and two sacks in 17 games and 12 starts. He’s better suited to nose tackle.
▪ The Chargers’ Morgan Fox (52.8%) and Poona Ford (55.3%): PFF rated Ford the fifth-best defensive tackle in the league, one spot ahead of Campbell. Fox ranked 90th.
Ford had 39 tackles and three sacks and an interception in 17 starts but is more of a nose tackle. Fox had 27 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 17 games and three starts.
▪ Minnesota’s Jonathan Bullard (50.5%) and Jerry Tillery (41.1%):
PFF ranked Bullard 75th and Tillery 95th.
The 290-pound Bullard had 41 tackles (seven for loss) and a sack. Tillery, a 295-pounder, had 28 tackles (but just one for loss) and no sacks in 17 games and 11 starts. Neither is the protypical fit for the spot opposite Sieler.
▪ Kansas City’s Tershawn Wharton (61.7%): PFF rates him 71st among defensive tackles. The 280-pound end had 29 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 17 games and 10 starts.
Other impending free agents who played at least 40% of team’s defensive snaps in 2024
▪ The Raiders’ John Jenkins (54.6%) and Adam Butler (77%): The Dolphins considered re-signing Jenkins last offseason but opted for Benito Jones and others instead. He had 46 tackles and a sack for the Raiders and PFF rated him 84th among defensive tackles.
Butler’s return to Miami seems improbable; he had 65 tackles and five sacks and PFF rated him 67th among defensive tackles.
▪ New England’s Daniel Ukuale (64.6): PFF rated him 54th of 125 defensive tackles. The 310-pounder had 52 tackles (just two for loss) and a sack in 16 starts.
▪ Houston’s Mario Edwards Jr. (42.5): PFF rated him 69th among interior defenders. The 280-pound end had 31 tackles and three sacks in 12 starts.
▪ Arizona’s Roy Lopez (43): The 318-pound defensive tackle had 28 tackles and a sack.
Among defensive tackles who played less than 40% of the snaps on defense, a talent evaluator said to keep an eye on Kansas City’s Derrick Nnadi, who started all 17 of his appearances for the Chiefs in 2022 and 2023 but started just one of his 17 appearances in 2024. He’s got the skill set to play opposite Sieler if Campbell isn’t back.
Even if Campbell opts to come back, the Dolphins will need another starter-type because Campbell can’t be expected to play most of the game at his age (he turns 39 on Sept. 1). Campbell played 58% of Miami’s defensive snaps last season.
Miami figures to try to re-sign Da’Shawn Hand as a backup; he was reliable last season.
Here’s our look at available free agent options at guard and safety. And here’s a look at No. 3 or 4 wide receiver options.
