The Miami Dolphins added several new veterans during the offseason and summer, with a few expected to take on major roles in 2025.
Heading into Week 1, here are a trio of newcomers who could make significant contributions right away for the Dolphins
LB Willie Gay Jr.
Signed in March at the start of free agency, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. is still just 27 years old entering his sixth NFL season. Drafted in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, he spent four seasons there before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2024.
In Kansas City, Gay became a two-time Super Bowl champion and recorded 233 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, four interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown), 19 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries.
However last season in New Orleans, he recorded just 22 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, and was on the field for only 27 percent of the Saints’ defensive snaps. Gay admitted he was “kind of clocked out” with the Saints, but he’s looked anything but in Miami. Throughout training camp and preseason, Gay has been a standout who has made a serious push for starting duties.
EDGE Matt Judon
Despite an already strong group of pass rushers, the Dolphins added another in August. Judon enters his 10th NFL season with four Pro Bowl selections (2019–2022) to his credit.
Over his career, Judon has 72 sacks, 94 tackles for loss, and nine forced fumbles. In Miami, Judon joins a potent edge rushing trio — Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Chop Robinson — who he can help keep fresh.
“You can’t have enough of those guys, right?” Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said. “He’s got the skill set, he’s a physical presence, can win on the edge with power, has a mean power-rip move, and is a really good hand fighter. Everything he shows on film is what we look for in our edges, so he’s a great complement to the guys we already have, and we’re thrilled to have him.”
G James Daniels
The Dolphins made improving the interior offensive line a priority this offseason, starting with the signing of versatile veteran James Daniels in March and followed by the selection of Jonah Savaiinaea in the 2025 NFL draft.
Daniels played multiple positions across the line during his four seasons in Chicago with starts at left and right guard, as well as center. In Pittsburgh, he played both guard spots before suffering an Achilles injury in 2024 that ultimately ended his tenure with the Steelers.
Now healthy, Daniels may make the biggest impact improving the Dolphins’ run game. According to PFF, he earned a 92.5 run-blocking grade before his 2024 injury.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins 2025 season preview: 3 veteran newcomers to watch
Reporting by Jason Sarney, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
