Dolphins Free Agency 2026: Assessing Elijah Campbell’s Future

As the clock ticks down to the start of the 2026 NFL league year, anticipation builds for the onset of free agency on March 13 at 4 p.m. Eastern. This pivotal moment marks the rollover of player contracts into the next year, freeing those without remaining deals to sign with new teams. Free agency is a bustling time for NFL front offices, necessitating careful planning and timely decisions before the signings commence.

Currently, the Miami Dolphins find themselves in the thick of negotiations with 35 players poised to enter the free agency market. The team faces crucial decisions regarding whether to re-sign, franchise-tag, or allow these players to depart. This ongoing evaluation of soon-to-be free agents is part of a series that provides fans with insight and a chance to weigh in on the Dolphins’ strategies.

This installment focuses on defensive back Elijah Campbell, a player whose future with Miami is uncertain as the team navigates its roster for the upcoming season. Campbell, who has been a consistent presence on the Dolphins’ expiring contracts list, was claimed off waivers from the Jets in 2021 and has since secured exclusive rights deals in the past two offseasons. In 2024, he returned on a one-year contract, followed by another one-year deal ahead of last year.

In the 2025 season, Campbell’s role remained consistent as a rotational player, taking snaps at both safety and cornerback. He appeared in ten games, recording five tackles, but his defensive snap count dropped to just 16, the lowest since his inaugural year with Miami, where he primarily contributed on special teams. However, he did participate in 183 special teams snaps, ranking fifth on the team, demonstrating his value in that capacity.

Looking ahead, Campbell’s role is expected to remain unchanged for the 2026 season if he returns. He would likely serve as a reserve safety with the flexibility to play cornerback, while continuing to bolster the special teams unit. Despite his contributions, the Dolphins are aiming to infuse youth into their roster, making it likely that Campbell’s tenure with the team may come to an end as they embark on a rebuilding year.

Ultimately, the decision may come down to timing. If Campbell remains available in the later stages of free agency, he could be a candidate for re-signing as training camp approaches. For now, the question remains: what should the Dolphins do with Elijah Campbell? Fans can cast their votes and share their thoughts in the comments section as the team strategizes for the upcoming season.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.