Miami Dolphins sign top free agent key man Cornerback , which is a huge problem for the Dolphins this offseason but there had been a lot of speculation surrounding Fuller’s return. With his release, the need for a corner becomes a lot more glaring.

Kendall Fuller is no longer with the Miami Dolphins, creating a significant void opposite Jalen Ramsey.

Fuller struggled in 2024, dealing with injuries, and his release helped the Dolphins free up cap space. Now, they’ll need to spend some of that money—and likely more—to find a suitable replacement.

Cornerback wasn’t expected to be a major issue for Miami this offseason, but speculation surrounded Fuller’s future. With his departure, the need for reinforcements in the secondary becomes much more pressing.

The Dolphins could target a cornerback in the draft, but if they plan to use a first- or second-round pick on one, the options for immediate impact players are limited. Fans may not be thrilled to see GM Chris Grier draft yet another early-round cornerback.

Potential Draft Targets:

• Will Johnson (Michigan)
• Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)
• Jahde Barron (Texas)

A mid-round corner is the more expected route, but that wouldn’t immediately fix Miami’s issues at the position. Their in-house options remain uninspiring:

• Kader Kohou – Restricted free agent
• Storm Duck – Started three games in 2024 but remains raw
• Cam Smith – Former second-round pick yet to prove he’s NFL-ready
• Ethan Bonner – Highly touted in 2024 preseason but spent the year inactive

Free Agency: The Dolphins’ Best Bet to Replace Fuller

With the rising cost of cornerbacks, Miami can’t afford to be cheap—but given their cap constraints, they may have no choice but to search for value signings. They could pursue an aging veteran looking for a final season, but that wouldn’t significantly improve the team.

It’s still unclear how the free-agent market will shape up, but the Dolphins are unlikely to splurge on a top-tier option. However, they need to avoid scraping the bottom of the barrel. Here are some potential targets:

• Asante Samuel Jr. – Injuries in 2024 may lower his price. Despite flashes of talent, he has yet to reach elite status. A better system and coaching could unlock his potential, but he won’t come cheap.
• Byron Murphy Jr. – Led the league with six interceptions in 2024, while the entire Dolphins defense had just four. Formerly coached by Brian Flores, he could be a strong fit if Miami can manage the cost.
• Stephon Gilmore – A veteran presence similar to Calais Campbell’s role on the defensive line. At 13 years in the league, Gilmore remains consistent and, most importantly, available—having missed just three games in three seasons.
• Paulson Adebo – Had a chance to break out in 2024 before a season-ending leg injury. If the Saints don’t retain him, he could be a low-risk, high-reward option on a one-year deal.

The Dolphins have decisions to make, and while they may not land a star, finding a capable replacement for Fuller will be crucial for their secondary.