Getty
Dolphins cornerback hopes to return in free agency
With a 7-10 record, the Miami Dolphins had a disappointing season where they failed to meet expectations. Miami’s owner was equally disappointed as he decided to make major changes to the organization. Following their 1-6 start, the Dolphins fired general manager Chris Grier, who had spent over two decades with the organization. Despite Miami turning things around and finishing the year on a 6-3 run, owner Stephen Ross fired head coach Mike McDaniel.
Now, the Dolphins have begun a new era. The team hired former Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan as the team’s new general manager. Then, Sullivan made his first major move as he led the search for a new head coach, landing on former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. They will be tasked with making several key decisions for the Dolphins going forward, including the future of the team’s upcoming free agents.
Dolphins Defender Hopes to Return
Despite the disappointing year, the Dolphins had plenty of good contributions from individual players. They had two All-Pro selections, and four players ranked in ESPN’s Top 100 Most Valuable Players list. One of those players who missed out on the list but was among Miami’s best was veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas.
Former general manager Chris Grier had interest in Douglas throughout the offseason, but Douglas rejected the Dolphins’ offer and opted to wait. With no other offers heading into the season, Douglas signed with Miami a week before the regular season opener. Due to him signing late, he began the season on the bench; however, he was quickly thrust into action as starting cornerback Storm Duck went out with an injury.
Douglas quickly impressed and became one of the best players on the Dolphins’ defense. In 15 games played for the Dolphins, he graded as a top-20 cornerback in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. On a one-year deal worth $1.5 million, Douglas was called “the best defensive bargain in football” by Fox Sports announcer Greg Olsen.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, that bargain is over and the 31-year-old cornerback is set to be a free agent. However, when a fan told him on X that he would love to see him back in Miami, Rasul Douglas replied, “Hopefully.” The former Super Bowl champion impressed in his one season in Miami and could provide a solid veteran presence if Miami tends to go with younger players in the secondary.
Miami Dolphins Upcoming Free Agents
Douglas is not the only Miami player set to hit free agency. Defensive backs Jack Jones, Ashtyn Davis, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Kader Kohou are all set to be free agents, meaning Miami’s secondary may look very different than it did in the 2025 season.
Miami is currently in the bottom 10 in cap space, which might lead them to cut some popular players in order to free up cap space. Additionally, Miami’s two All-Pro players are set to be free agents after the 2026 season, which might lead the Dolphins to either extend them or try to find a trade partner for them. With the Dolphins potentially facing another rebuild, all options are currently on the table for Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley.
Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer
More Heavy on Dolphins
Loading more stories