Miami Dolphins Lock in Future with Million-Dollar Deals for Cameron Goode and Kion Smith
The Miami Dolphins have taken proactive steps to secure their future by signing two of their free agents well before the start of the new league year on March 12. Linebacker Cameron Goode and offensive lineman Kion Smith, both exclusive-rights free agents, have been re-signed by the team in what are seen as strategic moves to solidify key positions.
Exclusive-Rights Free Agents Secured
Exclusive-rights free agents like Goode and Smith are players who are unable to negotiate with other teams once they receive a qualifying tender from their current team. In this case, both players have signed one-year deals worth slightly over $1 million each, setting them up to become restricted free agents next offseason.
Goode, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, faced challenges last season due to a serious knee injury sustained in the 2023 regular season finale against the Buffalo Bills. Despite spending most of the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, he managed to play in three games, primarily contributing on special teams. On the other hand, Smith appeared in nine games in a backup role in 2023 before being sidelined for the entire previous season due to an ACL injury suffered in preseason.
Grant DuBose’s Situation and Other Impending Free Agents
Wide receiver Grant DuBose, another exclusive-rights free agent for the Dolphins, is also in the spotlight. Despite facing injuries during his time with the team, including a shoulder issue in Week 2 and a concussion from a harsh hit in Week 15, there seems to be a strong case for the Dolphins to retain him.
Additionally, the Dolphins have three restricted free agents in cornerback Kader Kohou, wide receiver Anthony Schwartz, and linebacker Quinton Bell. As the team approaches the March 12 deadline, decisions will need to be made regarding extending qualifying offers to these players. The Dolphins have the option to use different types of tenders, each with varying levels of compensation and the right to match any offer sheets presented to the players.
