Defensive Line Challenges
The Miami team faces significant hurdles on the interior defensive line after a key player departed. Da’Shawn Hand secured a one-year contract worth $3.35 million with another team, eliminating a potential contributor for filling in defensive snaps. Hand’s previous season saw him register 31 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and six run stops—a modest statistical output that still reflected his value as a reliable role player.
Current Roster Composition
At present, the interior line appears sparse. Zach Sieler has firmly established himself as a starter, while another lineman was re-signed to add stability. Calais Campbell delivered strong numbers with 35 tackles, five sacks, five pass deflections, and 11.5 run stops. Despite his impressive performance, Campbell remains an unrestricted free agent and faces uncertainty about his future, particularly given his upcoming 38th birthday and limited involvement last season. Relying on him beyond a depth role poses a considerable risk in such a pivotal area.
Additional Roster Considerations
Another former contributor, Benito Jones, also enters free agency. Primarily used in a nose tackle capacity, his statistical output was limited, yet he provided a consistent presence as part of the rotation. Bringing him back could offer depth, though his contributions have historically been modest. With options dwindling, the team now faces the need to either secure new talent or encourage current free agents to commit to the upcoming season.