Exclusive rights free agents are players with two or fewer accrued seasons and an expiring contract. The Dolphins merely had to extend a qualifying offer of a one-year contract at the league minimum salary based on the player’s experience level in order to keep Goode and Smith from negotiating with other teams and retaining them for 2025.

The Miami Dolphins have reportedly shown interest in bringing back linebacker Tyrel Dodson and defensive tackle Benito Jones, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Jones, 27, began his career with the Dolphins and later had a two-year stint with the Detroit Lions before returning to Miami on a one-year deal in 2024.