The Miami Dolphins face a significant change in their special teams unit for the 2025 season with cornerback Siran Neal's departure to the San Francisco 49ers after just one year in Miami. Neal, who played a vital role with 84% special teams playtime last season, expressed a desire to remain with the Dolphins. However, the team's transition to new special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman marks a pivotal shift in strategy.

In response to Neal's exit, the Dolphins have acquired former Miami Hurricanes cornerback Artie Burns, who could help fill the void left by Neal both on special teams and in providing depth to the cornerback roster. Aukerman's focus on revamping the special teams unit has also led to competition at punter, as Ryan Stonehouse was brought in to challenge Jake Bailey. This reshuffling comes alongside the re-signing of safety Elijah Campbell, adding another layer to the evolving dynamics of the Dolphins' squad.

The Miami Dolphins have secured the services of safety Ashtyn Davis, a player with five years of experience, primarily spent with the New York Jets. The 28-year-old brings a record of 175 tackles and eight interceptions over 68 games, complementing his role on special teams. Davis is one of two safeties joining the Dolphins, as they are also set to acquire Ifeatu Melifonwu from Detroit. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have re-signed Elijah Campbell and Patrick McMorris, but none are expected to immediately replace Jevon Holland or Jordan Poyer, who are likely to leave the team. Miami seems poised to seek out a starting safety through free agency and the draft to bolster their defensive lineup.

Elijah Campbell is set to return to the Miami Dolphins on a one-year contract worth $1.9 million, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. The 29-year-old safety has primarily played as a special teams contributor but holds potential for a starting role following the departures of Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer. Over his career, Campbell has recorded 40 tackles, one forced fumble, and two passes defended.

While Campbell's return is a solid depth move, the Dolphins need to address their safety position more aggressively, likely seeking one starter in free agency and another through the draft. Their past success in drafting safeties, such as Holland and Minkah Fitzpatrick, suggests they may take a similar route this offseason.

The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a challenging offseason following a subpar 2024 season, ending with an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs. With a tight budget, the team is currently $2.6 million over the projected salary cap, a significant shift from last year when they started $51.9 million over. The situation is exacerbated by the recent $212.4 million extension for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which increases his cap hit to $39.44 million.

In addition to managing Tagovailoa's lucrative deal, the Dolphins will have to make critical decisions regarding their own free agents, such as safeties Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer, along with multiple guards and defensive players. The team may have to look for economical options in free agency to fill the roster's gaps, especially in light of potential retirements among veteran players.

The Miami Dolphins are focusing on their playoff aspirations while also scouting for the 2025 NFL Draft. Currently holding the 10th overall pick, they are eyeing safety Malaki Starks from the University of Georgia, as projected by USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz.

With Jevon Holland and other safeties potentially hitting free agency, Starks' versatility makes him a strong candidate for an early selection. Despite a dip in statistics this season, he showcased his talent with a standout performance against Texas.