NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2021 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 17 at 4 p.m. ET, which means free-agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2021 NFL draft begins April 29 on ESPN.
The Miami Dolphins head into free agency looking to add playmakers at running back and wide receiver with secondary needs at center, linebacker, edge rusher and backup quarterback. It won’t be like 2020 free agency when the Dolphins led the NFL in guaranteed money spent, which coach Brian Flores alluded to when he said, “I’m going to be playing the song ‘you can’t always get what you want,’ on Day 1 in free agency, to be honest with you, because we may get priced out on some guys we’re looking at that we’d like to have.” Miami might avoid market-setting deals but don’t let that lull you into believing this will be a quiet period — this team believes it is ready to win and it should sign multiple starters this week.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2021 NFL free-agent signing by the Dolphins, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Miami signed the former Carolina Panthers punter to a one-year deal.
What it means: The Dolphins have a new punter. Palardy takes over the role for Matt Haack, who becomes a free agent after four years in Miami. The Dolphins clearly felt they could upgrade and/or save money at the position with the move. It does leave open the possibility of the Dolphins adding a rookie via the draft or undrafted free agency to compete with Palardy.
What’s the risk: Palardy tore his ACL last July and didn’t punt during the 2020 season. The injury is the biggest risk here with a little unknown if he will return to the same level of play. Palardy hasn’t had great numbers in terms of punting average or net punting average, so it’s unclear if this will be a significant upgrade.
Biegel agrees to terms on a one-year deal to return to the Dolphins.
What it means: It’s a chance for Biegel, 27, to bounce back on a low-risk, prove-it deal after tearing his Achilles in the 2020 offseason. If healthy, Biegel will provide valuable depth as a backup edge rusher and special teams player. Biegel was one of the brightest and most positive influences on a bad 2019 Dolphins team, and now he’ll get a chance to be that player on a good 2021 team.
What’s the risk: It’s always a risk to count on a player coming off a torn Achilles — one of the most serious injuries in football. It’s no guarantee Biegel will return as the same player, but some of that risk is mitigated based on low-end value of the deal, which will require Biegel to earn his roster spot. There’s more potential reward here than there is risk.
The Dolphins have signed fullback/tight end/special teams player to a three-year deal, a source confirms to ESPN.
What it means: The Dolphins are prioritizing special teams on Day 1 of free agency by adding Carter, who should be a core special teams player in Miami like he was in Cincinnati. He’s also a potential versatile offensive depth player, who can play fullback and tight end.
What’s the risk: There’s not much risk in a low-end signing like this. Three years is a bit hefty, but the guarantees won’t be significant. The Dolphins do have established three tight ends who should make the roster in Mike Gesicki, Adam Shaheen and Durham Smythe, so they might be a little heavy at tight end/fullback. Cethan’s main value will be on special teams.