The Miami Dolphins are undergoing significant changes during this offseason, marked by the departure of several key players through free agency. The team has lost notable defensive talents including Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Xavien Howard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Brandon Jones, Jerome Baker, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Keion Crossen. Among these, right guard Robert Hunt's exit is particularly notable as he leaves for a reported $100 million deal after turning down an early extension offer from Miami. This series of departures underscores a challenging period for the Dolphins, as they see a substantial portion of their homegrown talent leave, including four of the seven best defensive players they've drafted over the past eight years. Additionally, the loss of Andrew Van Ginkel to the Vikings for a 2 year, $20 M deal further depletes Miami's roster of accomplished healthy outside linebackers, leaving the team without significant experience in this position. These moves signal a significant offseason of transition for the Dolphins, with the team now facing the task of rebuilding its roster.
From earlier: Dolphins lose Andrew Van Ginkel in painful first 3 1/2 hours of free agency https://t.co/5LEtoqj2vO He's now bound for a Flores reunion in the Twin Cities
From earlier: Dolphins opt not to match or top 2 year, $20 M deal that Minnesota is giving Andrew Van Ginkel https://t.co/5LEtoqj2vO Dolphins now totally out of healthy edge rushers. (I checked in the cabinets; not a single one left, unfortunately.)
The Miami Dolphins were gutted on the first day of free agency, losing Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Andrew Van Ginkel and Brandon Jones. | Schad https://t.co/RmA794PmmX
NEW: Dolphins' roster farther from championship contention after first day of free agency | Schad *Black Monday in Miami Gardens: Dolphins roster raided unmercifully https://t.co/RmA794PmmX
Right guard Robert Hunt leaving Dolphins for reported $100 million deal https://t.co/ygeip8DcEi
NFL Free Agency: Miami Dolphins lose guard Robert Hunt https://t.co/XUY3KAaAfl
Guard market is booming. Robert Hunt bet on himself turning down early Miami extension offer, and he’s rewarded with massive deal. Yet another key Dolphins homegrown departure in this offseason of transition. https://t.co/xTxCMZ3vxX
The #Dolphins now have lost... DT Christian Wilkins G Robert Hunt CB Xavien Howard LB Andrew Van Ginkel S Brandon Jones LB Jerome Baker LB Emmanuel Ogbah CB Keion Crossen
In Robert Hunt, Dolphins also lose arguably the best offensive lineman that they drafted AFTER the first round this century. When you lose this many home-grown draft picks that you hit on, in a day, it's depressing stuff. https://t.co/kogyBPKmpY
In 2 weeks, Dolphins have lost 4 of the 7 best defensive players they've drafted over the past 8 years (Xavien, Wilkins, Baker, Van Ginkel). A 5th, Minkah, was dealt after he and Flores couldn't agree on how to use him. Fortunately, J. Phillips and Holland remain from that list.
Dolphins lose Christian Wilkins in offseason of early key departures. My @nflnetwork report on impact of Wilkins deal, Miami’s offseason of transition/reset, and what’s ahead including big Tua Tagovailoa extension: https://t.co/ykdaJX1UNH
NEW: Dolphins continue disconcerting trend of losing a good defensive player every hour, see Andrew Van Ginkel bolt to Vikings and a Flores reunion https://t.co/5LEtoqj2vO Miami now left without a single accomplished HEALTHY outside linebacker on its roster
Dolphins losing valuable edge defender Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency https://t.co/GT8tj7YdCp
Van Ginkel becomes the third Dolphins defender to leave Miami today. https://t.co/X1GryADSHV
Dolphins lose a starting safety and are expected to lose Christian Wilkins and Robert Hunt too. A lot of big changes happening in Miami. https://t.co/8Kp2xbHZrf
The Dolphins defense is an interesting position. Holland/Ramsey/Kohou/Long/Sieler are good, but Chubb and Phillips are coming off major knee injuries. Behind those 7? A grand total of 806 snaps played last season (448 were Duke Riley). Work to be done.