Back Seven
LB Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills
LB Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CB Mike Hilton, Pittsburgh Steelers
CB Desmond King, Tennessee Titans
SAF Marcus Williams, New Orleans Saints
SAF John Johnson III, Los Angeles Rams
Lavonte David would be a perfect fit — but he, like Chris Godwin, doesn’t appear poised to hit the market; the Buccaneers were very clear during their championship parade that they planned to run it back. If David, who is an older player anyway, is not on the market, Miami may look within the division for the next addition with Matt Milano. Milano is a rangy coverage linebacker who is everything the Dolphins don’t have currently on the roster. But if the team were to sign Milano, they’d still need an early down thumper to play the run.
Both of the corners listed play in the nickel, where Miami needs to find an upgrade over Nik Needham. The Needham story has been fun to watch unfold as a UDFA in 2019 but this defense is ready for a more dynamic presence in the slot. Cost could be restrictive here but both King and Hilton are home run fits in the nickel.
Meanwhile, Miami may also opt to upgrade in the safety room. If they do, either Marcus Williams or John Johnson III make the most sense as young talents who won’t command the premiere price tag on the market — that will likely go to Justin Simmons (Denver) and Anthony Harris (Minnesota).