After seasons of near-contender status and bursts of offensive brilliance, the Miami Dolphins now find themselves fighting to hold ground in a brutally competitive AFC. The foundation of a high-flying offense and playmaking defense remains. However, cracks are beginning to show. If the Dolphins want to keep up with the likes of Kansas City, Baltimore, and Cincinnati, they’ll need to get aggressive. Trade season may be the last major lever they can pull to stabilize the roster. That means targeting proven contributors who can address glaring holes, provide versatility, and—most importantly—offer immediate value.
It’s hard to think the Dolphins are in a better spot than when they started the offseason. They lost Jevon Holland and also have some uncertainty with stars Jalen Ramsey and Tyreek Hill. Miami did bolster their offensive line by bringing in James Daniels. They further solidified the trenches by drafting defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea.
Still, serious concerns linger—especially in the secondary. Rumors of a Ramsey trade only add to the anxiety. Without Ramsey on the field in 2024, the Dolphins’ defense managed just a 53.6 PFF coverage grade. That’s an alarming number for a team that often runs Cover 2. That also makes the search for a reliable cornerback an urgent priority. Now, yes, secondary concerns dominate the headlines. That said, there’s another opportunity: adding a utility weapon on offense to stretch Mike McDaniel’s playbook even further.
Here we’ll try to to look at the players who are the Miami Dolphins 2 best trade targets to round out their 2025 roster.
When former first-round pick Greg Newsome’s name surfaced in trade talks during the draft, it was easy to understand why. Despite showing early promise in his rookie campaign, Newsome hasn’t made the leap the Browns had hoped for. Last season, he was credited with allowing a 120.7 passer rating in coverage. That’s a jarring number for a corner in a defense that was otherwise elite up front.
Still, there are reasons to believe Newsome could thrive in Miami. First, the Dolphins’ scheme emphasizes zone discipline and Cover 2 responsibilities. That’s a potentially good fit for Newsome’s strengths. Second, a fresh start—especially under a veteran secondary coach—could rejuvenate his confidence and maximize his still-intriguing athletic profile.
The challenge is financial. Newsome is on the books for a fully guaranteed $13.38 million fifth-year option in 2025. That’s a steep price for a player who hasn’t shown much growth over his first four years. However, that same contract detail is why the Browns might be open to dealing him. This is especially true as they evaluate their long-term secondary core and look to recoup mid-round draft capital.
Miami, meanwhile, is in a win-now window. If they believe Ramsey’s health or future is uncertain, Newsome represents a potential low-risk, high-reward play. In short: the talent is there. The price is tough. But the fit? Potentially just what the Dolphins need to shore up a secondary...