Cornerbacks and safeties are in high demand for the Dolphins, especially at starting positions. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley have a major task ahead when it comes to patching together a secondary.

Free agent negotiations begin Monday while free agents can sign contracts March 11, the first day of the new league year.

The Dolphins return injured and unproven cornerback Storm Duck, a 2024 undrafted rookie free agent, along with fellow cornerbacks Jason Marshall Jr., the 2025 fifth-round pick who played sparingly from scrimmage, and little-used Ethan Bonner.

Among Miami’s potential free agents at cornerback are Kader Kohou, Jack Jones, Rasul Douglas and JuJu Brents, who are all starting-caliber.

Things are only slightly better at safety where Dante Trader Jr., a 2025 fifth-round pick, returns. But veterans such as Minkah Fitzpatrick (likely to be traded), Iffy Melinfonwu (potential free agent), Ashtyn Davis (free agent) and Elijah Campbell (free agent) seem unlikely to return.

Miami’s secondary almost requires a total rebuild under defensive coordinator Sean Duggan.

Whether the Dolphins plan to play primarily man-to-man or a zone defense, there aren’t many attractive options in their price range at cornerback or safety.

Here’s a glimpse at what could be available for Miami:

Cornerbacks
Jaylen Watson, Kansas City

Watson, 27, is a four-year veteran who recorded career bests last season in starts (15), interceptions (two) and tackles (64). In his first three seasons, he played sparingly from scrimmage and mostly on special teams. As a rookie, he started three playoff games and had two interceptions. Watson cost $3.4 million against the salary cap last season.

Riq Woolen, Seattle

Woolen, 26, is a four-year veteran who started out hot, sharing the league lead for interceptions (six) as a rookie in 2022. But he’s totaled just six interceptions in the three seasons since then. He made seven starts last season in 16 games and totaled a career-low 42 tackles and one interception. Woolen cost $5.4 million against the salary cap last year.

Nahshon Wright, Chicago

Wright, 27, is a five-year veteran who made the Pro Bowl last season after having career bests in starts (16), interceptions (five, one returned for a touchdown), passes defended (11) and tackles (80). Prior to last season, his career bests in starts for a season was two with Dallas in 2022. Wright cost $1.1 million against the salary cap last season. 

Montaric Brown, Jacksonville

Brown, 26, is a four-year veteran who started 22 of 32 games for the Jaguars during the last two seasons, compiling 126 tackles, three interceptions and 20 passes defended. Brown also has special teams value. Brown cost $3.4 million against the salary cap last season.

Tre’Davious White, Buffalo

White, 31, is a nine-year veteran whose best days are definitely behind him, but could serve a one-year purpose. Wright made 16 starts last season and had 10 passes defended. Prior to that, the two-time All Pro hadn’t made more than 10 starts since 2021. White cost $2.9 million against the salary cap last season.

Rock Ya-Sin, Detroit

Ya-Sin, 29, is a well-traveled seven-year veteran who has played for five teams. He made six starts for the Lions last season and had 49 tackles and nine passes defended. He has 45 career starts in 96 games. Ya-Sin cost $1.03 million against the salary cap last season.

Safeties
Coby Bryant, Seattle

Bryant, 26, is a four-year veteran and two-year starter. In the last two years he’s made 26 starts in 32 games and totaled 139 tackles, seven interceptions, 13 passes defended, two forced fumbles and one recovered fumble. Bryant cost $3.6 million against the salary cap last season.

Nick Cross, Indianapolis

Cross, 24, is a four-year veteran who started all 34 games in the last two years, compiling 266 tackles, no sacks, 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions, seven QB hits and two forced fumbles. He’s young and versatile. Cross cost $3.6 million against the salary cap last season.

Kevin Byard, Chicago

Byard, 32, is a 10-year veteran who was a Pro Bowl selection last season after having 93 tackles and seven interceptions. It was the second consecutive season he started all 17 games. Byard probably doesn’t want to be part of a rebuild, but the market might dictate where he plays next season. Byard cost $8.5 million against the salary cap last season.

Reed Blankenship, Philadelphia

Blankenship, 27, is a four-year veteran who has been a steady starter for the Eagles for the past three years. He has started 50 of 56 career games. He totaled a career-best 113 tackles in 2023, 78 tackles in 2024, and 83 tackles in 2025. He has no interceptions, three recovered fumbles and no sacks. He cost $1.8 million against the salary cap last season.

Kyle Dugger, Pittsburgh

Dugger, 29, is a six-year veteran who has made 26 starts in 29 games for New England and Pittsburgh in the last two years. In that span, he amassed 140 tackles, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), one forced fumble and nine passes defended. Dugger cost $1.1 million against the salary cap last season. 

Jonathan Owens, Chicago

Owens, 30, is a seven-year veteran who has a significant injury history, including 2023 with Green Bay when a knee injury limited him to 11 games. Owens has made five starts in 34 games in the last two seasons with one interceptions and 68 tackles. His biggest contribution might be special teams. Owens cost $1.9 million against the salary cap last season.