Miami opens its preseason slate at Chicago with plenty of roster intrigue. Six areas stand out: fringe special teams players who can carve a spot, the battle for the Dolphins fifth receiver, an unsettled cornerback group, offensive line depth questions, backup QB opportunities, and veteran pushback for a roster spot. Expect rookies and fringe players to get meaningful reps as starters rest.

Key special-team contenders include Dee Eskridge and Cameron Goode, with undrafted options like Monaray Baldwin generating curiosity. The crowd for the fifth receiver spot features Eskridge, Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., and Andrew Armstrong, plus others in camp. The cornerback room remains fluid after offseason changes, with Ethan Bonner and undrafted BJ Adams in the mix while Isaiah Johnson stays in the conversation.

On the line, Germain Ifedi, Daniel Brunskill, Josh Priebe, Addison West and swing-tackle contenders will get opportunities to prove depth behind the starters. Quinn Ewers will get reps behind Tua Tagovailoa, who may or may not see action, while the backup plan at quarterback remains unsettled. Veterans Cam Smith, Channing Tindall, Tanner Conner and Erik Ezukanma will be aiming to reaffirm their spots in a game where jobs are on the line.

The Buffalo Bills made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting six defensive players out of their nine picks, signaling a strong commitment to bolstering their defense. South Carolina's TJ Sanders, picked 41st overall, is drawing attention as a potential standout. Analysts highlight his impressive performance in the SEC, boasting a pressure rate above 10% in back-to-back seasons. Sanders, just 21 years old, is expected to complement Ed Oliver on the defensive line, adding much-needed depth against formidable AFC offenses. With the Bills' track record of developing young talent, Sanders could emerge as a Pro Bowl-caliber player sooner rather than later.

Maxx Crosby's recent extension set a new precedent for non-quarterback salaries in the NFL. However, that record didn't last long as multiple players quickly surpassed it. Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns became the highest-paid non-quarterback with a $40 million extension, followed closely by Ja'Marr Chase's record-breaking deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, which averages $40.25 million annually. Danielle Hunter also secured a $35.6 million extension from the Texans.

These contracts highlight the growing financial power of non-quarterbacks in the league, with wide receivers and pass rushers dominating the highest-paid lists. Players such as Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, and Trey Hendrickson are expected to benefit from this trend as they negotiate their own contracts. In terms of guaranteed money, Garrett remains at the top, followed by Nick Bosa and Chase, who made history with his $112 million guarantee.

The Miami Dolphins are in search of a starting inside linebacker to pair with Jordyn Brooks for the upcoming season, with options including free agents and potential draft picks. Channing Tindall, a third-round pick in 2022, has yet to establish himself as a starter, which complicates the situation. Tyrel Dodson and Anthony Walker Jr. are both candidates, having previously filled the role, while the draft may yield new talent.

Some notable free agents include Ernest Jones, who just had knee surgery but has consistently hit the 100-tackle mark, and veteran Eric Kendricks, who had a solid performance with the Cowboys last season. Meanwhile, other potential recruits, like Jamie Sherwood and Lavonte David, offer varying degrees of experience and skill. The Dolphins' choices will weigh heavily on both immediate needs and future potential.