The 2024 NFL season is behind us, but NFL teams face critical decisions regarding their expiring contracts. Focusing on the AFC, each team has key impending free agents. The Buffalo Bills are considering re-signing Amari Cooper, who struggled with injuries but maintains potential in a favorable lineup. Miami's Kendall Lamm, an aging offensive tackle, must prove his worth to stay in Miami. New England's Deatrich Wise Jr. had a solid season but may not be enough to warrant retention. The Jets' Haason Reddick is a sought-after pass rusher, coming off a strong showing despite earlier contract drama.

In the AFC North, Baltimore's Ronnie Stanley remains integral for protecting Lamar Jackson, while Cincinnati's B.J. Hill needs to regain form on a faltering defense. The Browns are uncertain about Nick Chubb's future after injuries, while Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson may face a split from the Steelers. Each of these free agents represents significant implications for fantasy managers and team strategies as they gear up for the 2025 season.

The Miami Dolphins are preparing for the 2025 NFL free agent market, likely targeting to re-sign around a third of their 26 pending unrestricted free agents. Traditionally, they have re-signed about eight players from this group based on past seasons. Key names include QB Tyler Huntley, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., and WR Braxton Berrios. The Dolphins have already re-signed several players from last year’s contingent, such as Kendall Lamm and Isaiah Wynn, suggesting a favorable trend in keeping core talent in Miami.

Some players, like Kendall Lamm, are uncertain about their future following back surgery, while others like Braxton Berrios and Jeff Wilson Jr. face pivotal moments in their careers as they approach free agency for the second time. The team previously re-signed several players to one-year contracts, indicating a strategy of short-term commitments with the potential for future negotiations.

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.

Kendall Lamm, the Miami Dolphins tackle, has shared updates on his back surgery via social media after being placed on injured reserve due to the injury. Lamm, who participated in 15 games this season with seven starts, expressed his situation on Instagram, highlighting the challenges of his recovery.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for their crucial Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos, which is essential for the Dolphins' playoff hopes. However, the Chiefs' final injury report raises concerns, as they ruled out four players and listed nine others as doubtful. Notably, some of these players, including star tight end Travis Kelce, are marked as doubtful due to 'Not Injury Related' reasons.

In another development, former Dolphins quarterback Mike White has been signed to the Buffalo Bills' 53-man roster after spending the season on their practice squad. With the Bills having secured the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs, Coach Sean McDermott is looking to give White some playing time in the upcoming game against the New England Patriots, while starting quarterback Josh Allen will be rested.

Miami Dolphins tackle Kendall Lamm has been placed on injured reserve due to a severe back injury that requires surgery. In an emotional Instagram post, Lamm detailed the challenges he faced, including a bulging disc affecting his left side, causing numbness and pain that hindered his daily activities.

Lamm, who took over the right tackle position after Austin Jackson's injury, expressed his dedication to the team and desire to make the playoffs. Despite announcing this season might be his last, he has not ruled out a return, as he will enter free agency after this year.