As the Miami Dolphins enter the second week of training camp and the padded practices begin, let’s take an in depth look at 5 of the remaining free agents that could boost the Dolphins roster as they chase a Super Bowl in ’23.
- Akiem Hicks (DT): Raekwon Davis is the unquestioned nose tackle on the roster. The next man up is undrafted rookie, Brandon Pili, of which is considered a long shot to make the roster. May we present to you, Akiem Hicks. Hicks played for Fangio in Chicago, having some of his most productive seasons. While considerably younger than his current 33. Hicks brings experience and a veteran presence that can still help against the run and pass. Averaging over 300 snaps the past two seasons and tallying 4.5 sacks, Hicks could provide some much needed depth behind Davis and allow Wilkins and Sieler to play more 3 and 5 technique along the interior.
2. Matt Ioannidis (DT)– Wilkins, Sieler, and Ogbah are set to man the interior edge of Vic Fangio’s defense. Ogbah is coming off a season that saw his production dip and end with a trip to IR. Wilkins is in a contract year and so is Zach Sieler. Enter, Matt Ioannidis who has racked up over 26 sacks during his career while displaying the ability to play anywhere along the interior of the defensive line. While production has dipped the past two years, he’s only 29 and can still play 500+ snaps as a capable reserve.
3. Dalvin Cook (RB)– While this has been an ongoing discussion going back to the draft. Dalvin Cook remains unsigned and looking for a new deal. Cook hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down and still has the ability to be any organization’s lead back. With Mostert and Wilson having sustained injuries in the past, Cook would be a great fit, having played in a similar running scheme in Minnesota and his consistent top tier production. The big question is if Cook would take a hometown discount and Grier has not shown any signs of budging as of late.
4. Michael Brockers (DL)– Brockers has had a solid career, mainly as a staple of the Rams defensive line, while coming off an injury riddled season with the Lions in ’22. Brockers is another capable veteran who would provide quality defensive line depth for the Dolphins, having the ability to stop the run and still pressure the quarterback. Lacking much depth on the line outside of the starters, Grier needs to pull the plug on an available veteran or see what shakes free at the end of camp
5. Damien Wilson (ILB)– Wilson brings over 60 games experience as a NFL starter, splitting time between KC, Jacksonville and most recently Carolina. Wilson would provide depth in the event David Long’s injury become a factor this season or Tindall and Riley fail to seize the opportunity in camp. Dolphins were thin at the position in ’22 and could still use reinforcements. Addition of Wilson would allow the Dolphins to allow AVG to focus on his development as a edge rusher instead of splitting time between the two positions.
While this list of free agents could all find a useful role with the Dolphins this season, don’t discount the idea that Grier and company are waiting for some “acorns” to shake free or a surprised veteran become available during final cuts.
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