After a stellar 2023 NFL campaign, the Miami Dolphins regressed last season with a new defensive coordinator and several injured stars. However, this past season showed a glimmer of hope that the Dolphins can assemble an elite defense.
With many players set to hit free agency this offseason, one of the Dolphins’ most significant challenges is the lack of solidified man-coverage cornerbacks.
In an effort to replace some of the departing stars, Miami could target some of the best defensive free agents this season. According to PFN365, one high-value free agent they could acquire is former Minnesota Vikings cornerback and 2024 Pro Bowl selection Byron Murphy.
Selected second overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Murphy was expected to become one of their top starting cornerbacks. After four up-and-down seasons, he joined the Vikings on a two-year, $17.5 million deal.
Murphy had a standout year in the 2023 NFL season, and in the following year, he proved himself as one of the league’s high-volume stars. In 17 games, he accumulated a season-high 81 total tackles, 62 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, a career-high 14 pass breakups, and a career-high six interceptions. Targeted 119 times, he allowed only a 76.7 passer rating.
Playing like one of the most efficient defenders in the league, Murphy will be looking for a high-value contract. A playoff-hungry team like the Dolphins could allow him to become the star of the defensive backs, opposite of Jalen Ramsey.
