Re-Ranking the Dolphins Veteran Additions

The latest addition of Calais Campbell is among the most impactful of the offseason for Miami

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. looks on during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex. / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins’ acquisitions this week of veterans Marcus Maye and Calais Campbell had us revisiting a list we published a month ago ranking all the offseason additions in terms of value.

Maye and Campbell became the 19th and 20th veteran newcomers on the Dolphins roster since March 1, with the moves starting with the signing of defensive tackles Isaiah Mack and Davyion Nixon as “street” free agents and including UFA pick-ups like Kendall Fuller and Jordyn Brooks.

Here's our updated ranking of those veteran offseason additions, in terms of value, done countdown style (contract info, per overthecap.com).

20. DT Daviyon Nixon — 1 year, $985,000

19. DT Isaiah Mack — 1 year, $985,000

Those two players were signed the week before the start of free agency after not playing in the NFL in 2023 and their chances of earning a spot on the 53-man roster took a massive hit once the Dolphins starting signing defensive tackles left and right. It really was not a surprise when Nixon was waived to make room for the addition of Marcus Maye this week.

18. LB Cam Brown — 1 year, $1.2 million

17. TE Jody Fortson — 1 year, $1 million

Brown was signed with special teams in mind, while Forston is a young player who has flashed intriguing potential but has had a hard time staying healthy.

16. DT Jonathan Harris — 1 year, $1.8 million

15. CB Siran Neal — 1 year, $2 million

14. DT Neville Gallimore — 1 year, $1.8 million

Harris and Gallimore very well could wind up fighting for one of the final roster spots on the team. Neal, meanwhile, is a very good athlete who was brought in to help the special teams.

13. LB Anthony Walker Jr. — 1 year, $1.2 million

Injuries prematurely ended the past two seasons for Walker, but he’s a veteran with 75 career starts and getting him at that price for a backup role was impressive work.

12. G/T Jack Driscoll — 1 year, $1.8 million

Driscoll figures to be involved in the battle for the starting right guard job (barring a proven veteran addition before the start of training camp), and his ranking would go up if he ended up beating out Liam Eichenberg and Robert Jones.

11. DT Benito Jones — 1 year, $1.8 million

Jones is back for a second stint with the Dolphins in a much better position to contribute. He shouldn’t be dismissed for the starting job next to Zach Sieler.

10. S Marcus Maye

The addition of Maye serves a couple of important purposes, including giving new DC Anthony Weaver the option of using three safeties extensively and also providing insurance for fellow newcomer Jordan Poyer given Poyer's age.

9. DT Teair Tart — 1 year, $1.2 million

We ranked Tart first among all the new defensive tackles based on the upside, which he showed often with Tennessee last season before his Titans tenure ended on a sour note.

8. OLB Shaquil Barrett — 1 year, $7 million

Barrett isn’t the pass-rushing force he was when he led the NFL in sacks in 2019, but he’s a good veteran to have to hold the position until Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are back at full speed and then as a backup/rotational player.

7. S Jordan Poyer — 1 year, $2 million

Like Barrett, Poyer is past his prime, but he’s an absolute gamer whose grit and determination can only be an asset on defense, not to mention the mentorship role he could play with Jevon Holland.

6. TE Jonnu Smith — 2 years, $8.4 million

The Dolphins offense neglected the tight end in the passing game the past two seasons, but Smith has the skill set (most notably YAC ability) to change that in 2024.

THE TOP FIVE VETERAN ADDITIONS

5. WR Odell Beckham Jr. — 1 year, $3 million/$8.5 million

Beckham savvy and superb hands (not to mention ability to make circus catches) could make him a key factor on offense if used enough. At the very least, he should represent a clear upgrade at the third wide receiver position.

4. C Aaron Brewer — 3 years, $21 million

If the Dolphins had to replace Connor Williams at center, Brewer was among the most ideal fits because his skill set (mobility, athleticism) is such a good match for the Dolphins offense.

3. LB Jordyn Brooks — 3 years, $26.3 million

Brooks’ speed should helped make him an upgrade at linebacker over Jerome Baker, who was a solid and dependable starter for the Dolphins for the past five seasons.

2. DL Calais Campbell

There are just so many reasons to like this move, from Campbell's versatility on the defensive line, to his familiarity with Anthony Weaver, to his leadership and, as a bonus, his ability to block kicks. Sure, he's a bit old, but he was plenty good enough with the Atlanta Falcons last season.

1. CB Kendall Fuller — 2 years, $15 million

Once the Dolphins made the (expected) decision they would move on from Xavien Howard, they had to come up with a high-end cornerback to replace him, and one could argue that Fuller was the best available option on the free agent market. That he can play the slot as well, if needed, only makes this an even better addition.