The Miami Dolphins are working out their plans for the 2026 offseason, adjusting the roster to fit new head coach Jeff Hafley’s vision for the club. Included in those plans are decisions about what the team should do with the 35 players slotted to hit free agency when the new league year begins on March 13. We have been working our way through the list of players, bringing you a closer look at each player, as well as a chance for you to weigh in with what you think Miami should do this offseason.
This is part four in this year’s series, following looks at cornerback Kader Kohou, linebacker Quinton Bell, and tight end Darren Waller. Today, we stay on offense with another pass catcher, moving out to wide receiver for a review of Dee Eskridge.
I have included an embed from X, giving you a chance to vote on what you think the Dolphins should do. Feel free to also head into the comments to discuss Miami’s options with Eskridge.
Previous player reviews
Biography
D’Wayne “Dee” Eskridge
Position: Wide receiver
Age (when season begins): 29
College: Western Michigan
Draft: 2021 2nd Round (Seattle Seahawks)
Experience: 5 years
Previous Teams:
- Seattle Seahawks (2021-2023)
- Miami Dolphins (2024-2025)
Pro Bowl, All-Pro, Awards:None
Expiring Contract
1 year, $1.3 million
2025 Review
Eskridge re-signed with the Dolphins in May after spending the 2024 season with the team. He appeared in 13 games for Miami in 2025, catching four passes for 62 yards during the season. He also worked on special teams for Miami, primarily as a kick returner, where he averaged 25.9 yards per return on 28 attempts. Eskridge’s season ended after the team’s Week 16 game when a toe issue landed him on injured reserve.
2026 Outlook
Esridge’s role in 2026 likely looks just like his role in 2025, which looked just like his role in 2024. He is a rotational wide receiver who provides special teams work as well. That is about his ceiling, and it is a role every team needs someone to fill. If Miami is looking for bigger-bodied wide receivers this year, as it would seem they will be doing, Eskridge could find his role limited even more than it had been in the past.
Walk, Tag, or Re-Sign?
Projected franchise tag (linebacker): $28.8 million (via OverTheCap.com)
Walk. Eskridge provides veteran depth, but he is limited in his role with the team – and that is based on the speed-based offense former head coach Mike McDaniel used. While speed will still matter under Hafley, the team will want to add size and Eskridge is on the wrong side of that decision point. If he comes back at a veteran minimum, his special teams work could garner a re-look, but for now, letting Eskridge leave in free agency would make sense.
What do you think Miami should do? Vote here and head to the comments to discuss: