Dolphins will make time for Taylor. And Kiper’s last Miami thought: Canes is scheduled to try out.

The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2025 NFL offseason with a sense of urgency, balancing potential roster changes and planning for life after key veterans. In that mix comes an intriguing development: the team’s openness to giving former Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor an opportunity, and Mel Kiper Jr.’s final word on the Miami Hurricanes’ NFL hopefuls, including a highly-anticipated tryout.

The headlines in South Florida often lean toward drama, speculation, or short-lived excitement. But this time, the narrative is one of strategic investment, long-term planning, and perhaps a nod to the region’s deeply rooted football culture.

Jonathan Taylor Rumors Pick Up Steam

According to team insiders, the Miami Dolphins are “prepared to make time” for Jonathan Taylor should the former All-Pro running back become available either via trade or after a release. While Taylor is currently under contract with the Colts, speculation continues that the relationship between the franchise and the running back is growing strained.

This isn’t the first time Miami has shown interest in Taylor. Last year, reports emerged that the Dolphins were among several teams inquiring about a possible deal before the trade deadline. However, compensation demands and uncertainty surrounding Taylor’s health prevented anything from materializing.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Dolphins seem to be reconsidering.

“He’s the kind of back who can completely tilt the balance of power in an AFC playoff race,” said one league scout. “Miami’s offense would become lethal with someone like Taylor in the backfield.”

With Raheem Mostert entering his age-33 season and De’Von Achane still developing as a full-time back, the Dolphins know they need depth and versatility. Taylor, when healthy, is a top-five running back in the league, capable of delivering game-breaking runs and softening defenses for Miami’s high-flying passing attack.

Head coach Mike McDaniel has not confirmed interest publicly, but when asked about Taylor during offseason meetings, he offered a telling smile.

“We’re always looking to get better. If we think a guy fits our culture, our locker room, and our scheme—we’ll make time for him.”

What Taylor Would Bring to Miami

The Dolphins’ offense ranked in the top 10 in total yards and scoring last season but fell short in the postseason due to inconsistency in short-yardage situations and a lack of balance when defenses schemed out Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Taylor’s bruising yet explosive style could fix that.

His career 4.7 yards per carry average and 36 touchdowns over four seasons speak volumes about his reliability in the red zone. He’s also a capable receiver out of the backfield, something McDaniel prizes in his West Coast-inspired system.

“I can see it now,” said an NFL analyst on a recent South Florida radio show. “Tua [Tagovailoa] with Hill, Waddle, and Taylor? That’s a Madden cheat code.”

Taylor’s contract situation remains a stumbling block. He’s due $14 million this year, and Miami isn’t exactly flush with cap space. But if the Colts decide to part ways and he hits the open market, expect general manager Chris Grier to at least make a phone call.

Mel Kiper Jr. Drops His Final Take on Miami Hurricanes Prospects

While the Dolphins explore free agency and trade options, college prospects remain under the microscope—and Mel Kiper Jr. isn’t letting his final draft board pass without a strong opinion about Miami Hurricanes talent.

In his last official “Big Board” before the 2025 NFL Draft, Kiper included three Hurricanes in his Top 100 and issued a particularly bold projection about linebacker Francisco Mauigoa.

“Mauigoa isn’t just an early Day 2 talent—he could sneak into the first round if a team sees the right fit,” Kiper wrote. “He’s physical, instinctual, and has the SEC-caliber strength despite playing in the ACC.”

Mauigoa posted 89 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks last season. He also led all linebackers in the conference with 3 forced fumbles, showing a knack for creating chaos in key moments.

Kiper also highlighted wide receiver Xavier Restrepo and cornerback Te’Cory Couch as mid-round risers.

“Restrepo’s tape doesn’t lie,” Kiper said. “He’s a gritty slot receiver with deceptive speed and hands you can trust in traffic. Couch, meanwhile, has the raw athleticism to stick around in the league if he lands in a good scheme.”

Miami Hurricanes Prospects Get Their Shot with Dolphins

Perhaps more noteworthy than Kiper’s words was the Dolphins’ response.

Shortly after Kiper’s list went public, reports confirmed that multiple Hurricanes players—including Restrepo and Couch—are scheduled to participate in a Dolphins-hosted local tryout session before the NFL Draft.

This has become a tradition in recent years, as NFL teams are allowed to host local talent (from nearby high schools or colleges) for an on-site workout. Miami has used these sessions to find hidden gems—most recently, linebacker Duke Riley and running back Salvon Ahmed received extended looks following their tryouts.

For the Hurricanes players, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Restrepo, in particular, has built strong chemistry with quarterbacks in pre-draft events, showing scouts he’s more than just a college system guy.

“It’s a big deal to get that look in your own city,” said former Dolphins cornerback Sam Madison, now an assistant coach. “It’s like a home audition. And sometimes, it’s all a guy needs to make a roster.”

A Renewed Relationship Between Canes and Fins?

This tryout news also signals a possible thaw in what has long been considered a somewhat disconnected relationship between the University of Miami and the Dolphins organization.

Although both entities reside in South Florida and share a passionate fan base, their history hasn’t always been intertwined on the football side. That might be changing under McDaniel’s regime.

“We’re very aware of the talent around us,” said Dolphins personnel director Marvin Allen. “If a guy from the U or FAU or FIU can play ball, we’ll give him a shot. There’s no bias here.”

Canes Have Momentum to Build On

The Hurricanes finished last season 8–5, an improvement under head coach Mario Cristobal, but not yet the breakthrough year fans were hoping for. Still, scouts noted improvement in player development and strength training, especially in the trenches.

Guard Anez Cooper and tackle Jalen Rivers have both received late-round interest, while safety Kamren Kinchens—who declared early—is viewed as a third-round lock.

If the Dolphins continue this trend of evaluating and developing local talent, don’t be surprised to see one or more Canes wearing aqua and orange come training camp.

The Bigger Picture: Miami’s Offseason Strategy

For the Dolphins, all of these developments reflect a deeper strategy.

They’re not chasing stars recklessly. They’re building a culture rooted in accountability, speed, and depth. Taylor, if he becomes available, fits that culture. So do the Hurricanes players who’ve grinded their way into draft conversations.

“We know how close we are,” said McDaniel. “A few more pieces, a little more consistency—that’s what separates you from one-and-done to deep playoff runs.”

The AFC East is no joke. The Bills remain contenders. The Jets will be dangerous if Aaron Rodgers returns to form. And the Patriots, under Jerod Mayo, are building from the ground up with fresh energy.

Miami doesn’t want to fall behind.

What’s Next for Dolphins and Hurricanes Hopefuls

The Dolphins will finalize their draft board in the next two weeks. They have seven picks, including a first-rounder at No. 26 overall. While their needs are mostly on defense—linebacker, safety, and depth at edge rusher—running back and wide receiver remain open for improvement.

Should Taylor become a real possibility, expect Miami to pounce. But if not, Day 2 and Day 3 will likely determine the direction of the backfield.

As for the Hurricanes, their NFL hopefuls will get one last chance to impress during tryouts. History says not all of them will be drafted—but several may find their way onto rosters via undrafted free agent deals.

Restrepo, Mauigoa, and Kinchens lead the charge. But don’t count out Couch or even punter Lou Hedley, who could latch on as a specialist.

From Jonathan Taylor’s potential arrival to a group of Canes chasing their NFL dreams, the South Florida football story this offseason is about more than roster transactions. It’s about belief—in local talent, in scheme fits, and in second chances.

Miami will make time for Taylor. And the Dolphins will make space—figuratively and literally—for any Cane who proves he belongs.

It’s a uniquely Miami story: a blend of stardom and scrappy ambition, played out beneath the palm trees and pressure of pro football’s brightest stage.