Miami may choose to sign three free agents as “prove it” contracts

The Miami Dolphins love to make a splash move every offseason, landing a big-named player who can bolster the offense. That mentality has landed players like Jalen Ramsey and Tyreek Hill on the roster, but it also has Miami in a tough spot when it comes to the 2024 salary cap. The Dolphins, while likely looking for the splash move they can make this year, will also likely be looking to cash in on players needing a “prove-it” deal for 2024.

Adding a player who wants to come into Miami in 2024 to show they are worthy of a long-term, high-dollar contract in 2025, could prove to be mutually beneficial for the player and the team. The Dolphins are on a tight budget this year, with some players likely needing to accept lower-value contracts this season with the hopes of betting on themselves for next year.

Who could be the bargain deals Miami targets this year? We take a look at three (or four) players who could be on the Dolphins’ “prove it” deal list.

A.J. Epenesa, edge, Buffalo Bills

The Dolphins need to add pass rushers this year as they wait for Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to recover from season-ending injuries last year. They could use someone looking to prove himself, using a good year to increase his salary demands in the 2025 free agency period. Similar to Miami’s salary cap situation, the Buffalo Bills have had to cut players to ensure they have the operating space for the year and will not be able to re-sign everyone. One of those players who is headed out of Buffalo is edge rusher A.J. Epenesa.

He tallied 6.5 sacks each of the last two seasons, but has been buried in the Bills depth chart and has not seen the playing time that would make him a top-tier free agent on the market. Signing a one-year contract that would guarantee him playing time, followed by a shot at the 2025 free agent market could be exactly what Epenesa needs.

Adding Epenesa on a “prove it” deal could give the Dolphins the stop-gap at edge rusher they need to start the season.