With questions surrounding the secondary, adding an experienced cornerback could provide the depth, leadership, and insurance the Miami Dolphins need heading into Week 1.
As the Miami Dolphins prepare to open training camp on July 28, the cornerback position has quickly become one of the roster's biggest storylines.
The Dolphins received disappointing news Thursday when cornerbacks Darrell Baker Jr. and Storm Duck were placed on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, thinning what is already a very inexperienced group.
Miami's current cornerback room features first-round pick Chris Johnson, JuJu Brents, Marco Wilson, Baker Jr., A.J. Green III, Alex Austin, Ethan Bonner, Jason Marshall Jr., Miles Battle and Ethan Robinson.
It's ultimately a group filled with potential, but relatively short on proven NFL production.
Training camp will ultimately determine which players earn a spot on the 53-man roster, and several members of that group are expected to be competing for just a handful of roster spots.
Injuries and performance throughout camp could also influence how the Dolphins approach the position over the coming weeks.
For now, Miami appears committed to giving its young defensive backs every opportunity to develop.
Defensive coordinator Sean Duggan and cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae, both in their first season with the organization, have a number of intriguing players to evaluate.
Brents, Marshall Jr., and Bonner are among those who could emerge in expanded roles if they perform well throughout training camp and the preseason.
Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Dolphins kept a close eye on the veteran free-agent market, with names such as Trevon Diggs, Tre'Davious White and Mike Hilton -- who spent a little less than a month with the Dolphins in 2025 -- among the players standing out.
Experienced cornerbacks often become available following training camp roster cuts, giving teams the opportunity to add proven depth without making a significant financial commitment.
First-year Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, however, has been a big believer in culture.
In a January sit-down with team podcaster Travis Wingfield, Sullivan said: "We don't want a team full of mercenaries. That creates problems on multiple levels..."
The issue with Sullivan's statement is this current injury situation is eerily similar to the 2025 season when the Dolphins list Artie Burns, Duck, Kader Kohou, and more to season-ending injuries. This resulted in Jack Jones and Rasul Dougla being brought in, both of whom had resepctable seasons.
Douglas had a strong bounce-back year, but he was reportedly never offered a contract, pointing to Sullivan's plan about building through the draft being the proverbial hill that he will die on.
Having a weak secondary tanks secondaries, and the questions regarding Miami's pass rush and the entire defense bailing out the weak cornerback room may be dubious. This is why adding a veteran corner can offer some much-needed stability.
If Miami's young corners struggle with consistency or injuries start to mount, bringing in a veteran could provide stability, leadership, an experienced voice, and valuable insurance heading into Week 1 on Sept. 13.
That doesn't necessarily mean the Dolphins need to make a move today.
The organization has invested heavily in developing its young talent, and the coaching staff will likely want to see what this group can do before exploring outside options.
For Dolphins news, analysis, and more, join the community HERE. Creating an account is completely free.
