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The Dolphins were linked to a former first round pick cornerback
The Miami Dolphins had a clear goal this offseason, and that was to reset the salary cap after years of spending big in free agency. Miami’s once talented roster had yielded diminishing returns over the past two seasons, as the team went below .500 and missed the playoffs both years. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross decided it was time for a change, as he fired the general manager and head coach, ensuring new leadership for Miami moving forward.
While previous general manager Chris Grier valued superstar talent, which he acquired through free agency or trades, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan prefers drafting and developing talent. As a result, instead of doing restructures and extensions, Miami has cut ties with most of their high-priced players which ensured the team’s cap space situation would be better in 2027.
However, that has led to Miami’s spending during this free agency period being limited. Aside from the three-year, $67 million contract given out to quarterback Malik Willis, the Dolphins have not signed any free agent to a contract worth over $3 million. Now, Sports Illustrated’s Tyler DeSena has floated the idea of signing a player who was previously selected in the top five of the 2020 NFL Draft, and would align with Miami’s current mindset.
Miami Dolphins Pitched Signing of Former First-Round Cornerback
Regarding Miami’s signings this offseason, DeSena described them as “scratch-off tickets: players with some form of previously high pedigree whose numbers have valleyed in recent years.”
As a result, he listed former Lions third overall pick Jeff Okudah as one of the free agents that fits Miami’s current roster construction strategy. DeSena wrote:
“The third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Jeff Okudah was the prototype outside corner: solid size, strong athletic testing, and top end production at Ohio State.
However, as is the case with a few players on this list, injuries have largely kept Okudah from reaching his full potential. He missed most of his rookie and sophomore seasons with injuries, and suffered a concussion that landed him on injured reserve this past season.
Okudah has appeared only in 12 games over the last two seasons, but with Miami’s massive need at cornerback, and the fact that he would likely only command a minimum salary, a shot on the former Buckeyes star would be very low risk.”
Okudah started in 31 NFL games during his career, which is more experience than any cornerback on the Dolphins roster. He has also totaled $40 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac, but would likely be available for a cheaper contract after signing a $2.3 million deal in 2025.
Miami Dolphins Cornerbacks
As DeSena mentioned, cornerback is a position of need for the Dolphins heading into the 2026 season. Miami’s top two cornerbacks during the 2025 season were Jack Jones Jr. and Rasul Douglas, both of whom exceeded expectations for Miami, but are now free agents after signing one-year contracts.
While Douglas did express a desire to return to the Dolphins, his strong play last year resulted in him probably exceeding Miami’s budget.
Another option the Dolphins could take at the position is selecting one in the draft. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah projected the Dolphins selecting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No.11 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Jeremiah wrote: “There are still a lot of holes to fill on Miami’s roster. The Dolphins solve a corner spot with Delane, one of the draft’s most consistent players on tape.”
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
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