Miami Dolphins 2024 training camp heats up in Aug. 2025. With Minkah Fitzpatrick back, who will win the CB job after the Ramsey trade? Updates on Tua.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The South Florida heat has nothing on the intensity brewing at the Baptist Health Training Complex. With the sting of last season's 32-20 loss to the Jets and a 25-year playoff win drought fueling them, the Miami Dolphins are deep in the trenches of a pivotal training camp. Every snap feels critical, every drill a chance to prove worth, as Coach Mike McDaniel molds a roster he hopes can finally break the curse.
The Miami Dolphins are battling to end a 25-year playoff win drought.
The blockbuster trade that sent Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh in exchange for the return of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has completely reshaped the secondary. Now, a fierce competition is underway to fill the void at cornerback. Second-year player Cam Smith is battling with rookie Jason Marshall Jr., veteran Artie Burns, and Kendall Sheffield for a starting job. How this battle shakes out will be one of the most critical factors for the defense's success this season.
On the offensive side, Tua Tagovailoa is reportedly showing excellent command of the offense, and Jaylen Waddle continues to look like the dynamic, game-breaking threat fans know and love. However, concerns are mounting along the offensive line. Liam Eichenberg remains on the PUP list with a leg issue, and new center Aaron Brewer is sidelined with a lower-body injury. While Coach McDaniel has stated Brewer's injury isn't serious, the depth is already being tested before a single preseason snap.
While the secondary sorts itself out, the front seven is flashing serious potential. Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson has been a force of nature, reportedly dominating pass-rush drills and justifying his high draft pick. He's joined by new linebacker additions Willie Gay Jr. and Jordyn Brooks, both of whom have been praised for their immediate impact and sideline-to-sideline speed. This injection of talent could signal a much more aggressive and disruptive defensive identity for Miami in 2025.
Amidst the on-field battles, the front office has made key moves to solidify the team's future. The Dolphins officially exercised the fifth-year options for star receiver Jaylen Waddle and pass rusher Jaelan Phillips, locking down two cornerstones of the roster through the 2025 season. This signals a clear commitment to the team's young core and a belief that these players are the foundation of a future championship contender.
All eyes now turn to August 10th and the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears. It will be the first real test for these position battles and a glimpse into whether the new-look defense can translate practice dominance into game-day disruption. The pieces are being moved, the stars are emerging, but the ultimate question remains: is this the year the Dolphins finally turn potential into a long-awaited playoff triumph?
