The Miami Dolphins faced challenges this past season, particularly with the free agency losses they incurred. NFL analyst Bucky Brooks highlighted this in his compilation of the top ten free agent pickups of 2024, which notably excluded any Dolphins players. Instead, two players the Dolphins lost, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and guard Robert Hunt, made the list, showcasing the impact of their departures.
Van Ginkel, now with the Minnesota Vikings, was ranked fifth, earning Pro Bowl honors and demonstrating impressive performance as a pass-rush specialist, contributing 11.5 sacks and two interceptions in his first year with Minnesota. Brooks noted that Van Ginkel’s versatility significantly enhanced the Vikings’ defensive schemes under coach Brian Flores, leading to a more dynamic defense.
Meanwhile, Hunt, despite securing a lucrative contract with the Carolina Panthers, landed at tenth on the list, underscoring the Dolphins' struggles to replace him adequately at the guard position. The Dolphins’ inability to make offers to either player before their exits has left fans lamenting the lost potential.
The Dolphins also lost compensatory free agents, which could impact their draft strategy for 2025. With the losses of Hunt and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, the Dolphins are anticipated to gain multiple compensatory picks in the upcoming draft.
