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Injuries took a toll on the Dolphins in 2024. While they enter the season as potential playoff contenders, it didn’t shake out that way. In particular, the team crumbled when Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion and was lost for the season. Tua is back in 2025, and so, too, is Tyreek Hill, despite posting a peace sign as the 2024 season ended. Is it enough to power the Dolphins and Mike McDaniel back to the playoffs? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Dolphins saw some key contributors depart this off-season. Running back Raheem Mostert left to take a role with the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Dolphins traded tight end Jonnu Smith, one of their best offensive players, and Jalen Ramsey, a stalwart on defense, to the Steelers. The team also lost defensive end Calais Campbell and safety Jevon Holland in free agency.

The team did add some weapons, including receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who caught 32 passes in 2024 for the Tennessee Titans. The trade with the Steelers reunited the Dolphins with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, to give the secondary a lift along with the signings of several corner backs including Ifeatu Melifonwu and Jack Jones. The team also added linebackers Willie Gay, Jr., and K.J. Britt. They also spent a First-Round draft pick on defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.

Fantasy Impact

The biggest question is Tua. If he’s healthy and starting, the offense runs better. He has QB1 upside. But he’s probably more of a QB3 for me because I don’t trust him to stay in the lineup. The team added Zach Wilson and rookie Quinn Ewers if Tua misses time, but I don’t know if that bolsters the team enough. Running back De’Von Achane was a lone bright spot in 2024, finishing as RB5 in 2024. A lot of that production came from dump off passes, and it’s a question whether that volume will be there. Still, he’s a low-end RB1 for me.

In the passing game, the team is hoping that Hill is back and focused. The team also needs Jaylen Waddle to stay healthy and hopes that new tight end Darren Waller, who they pulled out of retirement, can contribute. Hill has WR1 upside, but he’s more of a WR2 for me. I like Waddle as a WR3 and Waller as a TE2. Injuries are a question here, as is inefficiency.

The Bottom Line

The Dolphins have a talented roster and some of the pieces in place to be a playoff team. But can they put it together? Can they be a contender? There is a bad energy around this team. I think that the pieces they added together no longer fit. This might be the year it all falls apart, leading to some big changes next off-season.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.