Considering the questions regarding the Miami Dolphins' secondary, would bringing back Rasul Douglas make sense?
The Miami Dolphins have many questions regarding their roster, but one major one has to do with the secondary. Having a weak cornerback unit will make life tough for the defense, and the team still has injuries that are concerning.
As it stands right now, the Dolphins have rookie Chris Bell as a starter, along with Storm Duck. The issue is that Duck remains injured, so would this be a perfect time to revisit bringing back Rasul Douglas?
Bringing back Douglas would go against what the front office has been preaching, as general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan indicated the team would get younger and cheaper, while building through the draft. That has been the case, but there are extenuating circumstances that may lead to signing a veteran.
Earlier this month, head coach Jeff Hafley indicated that both Duck and Darrell Baker Jr. are still dealing with injuries from the 2025 season, and he wished "they were coming along a bit faster."
Granted, there is plenty of time between now and the start of training camp, but hearing a coach speak about a player in that regard is never good. Hafley is also a secondary expert, so his concerns are even more important.
Duck suffered an ankle injury early on that knocked him out for multiple games, which was then followed by a knee injury during Week 8. Those ailments are still impacting his ability to practice fully.
Baker has an undisclosed injury, but he has not participated in camp due to it.
That said, Douglas could be a viable option, even if it's just for one season. The veteran was brought in when the Dolphins' secondary was decimated by injuries during the 2025 offseason.
Douglas put together a very respectable campaign, bringing in 62 total tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and 13 passes defended. He also posted a 54.5 completion percentage and 73 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks when targeted.
Douglas could come in as a one-year player, which wouldn't break the bank for the Miami front office. Though they may choose to build more through the draft in 2027, his being on the roster in 2026 would not hamper what the team is building.
The Dolphins have been practicing what they are preaching, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be out to bring in players that can also give the team a chance to truly win games. Douglas is a veteran who can not only step up in the locker room but can also deliver some solid play.
Hafley and Sullivan have not been shy about adding players, and the Dolphins have been one of the busiest free agent adding teams. However, the majority of players added have been low-cost reclamation projects that may not pan out.
Douglas is an established veteran who also knows the Miami organization now. Granted, there is a brand-new coaching staff in place, including on the defense, but he would likely not need a lot of time to get acclimated.
The Dolphins may be waiting to see what they have in the building come training camp, but Douglas being added should be heavily explored.
