Three compelling free agents who may be of use to the Miami Dolphins’ defense in 2026
The Miami Dolphins’ free agency spending appears to be just about done. But if the team wants to add more on defense, who may be a fit?
The Miami Dolphins defense is certainly going to look different in 2026. Head coach Jeff Hafley is looking to put his imprint on the roster, which transitions away from former defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver after two seasons.
Much of the bones of the front seven look similar, however. The team’s trio of 2025 rookie defensive tackles are back, along with veteran names like Zach Sieler, Chop Robinson, and All-Pro Jordyn Brooks. But if the Miami Dolphins wanted to add any extra new pieces between now and the start of training camp, where should they look? Here are three possible names who could make sense for the Dolphins to add on defense, especially considering their 2026 financial plan.
Three compelling defensive free agents who may be of use to the Miami Dolphins in 2026
EDGE Josh Paschal
If the Dolphins are hoping for an inside/outside hybrid end, Paschal could be a nice swing of the bat. He did miss all of 2025 after surgery to address a back issue landed him on the NFI list. But he’s been able to play in 10+ games in each of his first three seasons in the league.
Has he lived up to his second-round draft investment in Detroit? No. But assuming he’s back to full health, Paschal has obvious physical ability and is the style of player Miami is currently missing on the edge: a physical and heavy-handed defender.
CB Cory Trice
Trice has had a rough go in the NFL. A 7th-round draft choice back in 2023, he’s been able to play just 193 snaps on defense in three seasons for the Steelers before being cut loose. He kind of mirrors the trajectory of JuJu Brents, who has ample physical gifts but simply has not been able to stay healthy in the pros. Even coming out of Purdue in 2023, Trice was a highly gifted player who simply couldn’t stay on the field.
But his two healthy seasons at Purdue were excellent. On a one-year, minimum contract, you could catch lightning in a bottle with the physical ability. And if not, you’re probably free of any guarantees. It’s a no risk, modest reward proposition at corner if Miami wants to add another defender to the room. That is, of course, assuming Trice is healthy. He was released with a failed physical designation this spring.
EDGE Clelin Ferrell
Ferrell, after being a high draft choice by the Raiders in 2019, has become a bit of a journeyman. But he’s been good for about 400 snaps a season every year since 2020, so he’s been a part of meaningful rotations on the line. And, best of all, he’s cheap. He may be holding out for a meaningful contract, but last year he played on a pair of practice squads before landing on the 49ers 53-man roster midway through the year on a minimum salary. If Miami has concerns about the depth on the edge, Ferrell could make sense.
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