Ahead of a crucial year for Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins continue to make the most of free agency by signing players out of contract with the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
On Sunday, Titans insider Justin Melo of The Draft Network reported that punter Ryan Stonehouse is joining the Dolphins. This move could give McDaniel a huge boost on special teams.
Stonehouse, 25, shone in his rookie season with the Titans after going undrafted in 2022. That year, he led the NFL in punting yards and made the second-team All-Pro as well as the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
The Colorado State product carried his average of 53.1 yards per punt from 2022 to 2023, but an injury in his nonkicking leg forced him to spend time on the sidelines in his second NFL season.
Ryan Stonehouse #4 of the Tennessee Titans reacts after a field goal during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Nissan Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Stonehouseâs production declined a bit in 2024, averaging 50.6 yards per punt. In a forgettable year for the Titans, he also had two punts blocked for the first time in his career. Perhaps a move to Miami is what he needs to bounce back.
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Another Titans free agent joining Tagovailoaâs Dolphins
Stonehouse isnât the only player leaving Tennessee for Miami this offseason. Earlier in the week, the Dolphins had already landed a former Titans player in free agency by signing wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to a two-year, $6.5 million deal with $3.2 million guaranteed.
Another undrafted signing by the Titans in 2020, the Indiana product had a breakout season last year, recording a career-high nine receiving touchdowns. Needless to say, he might be an interesting addition for McDaniel and Tagovailoa.
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A reunion in Miami for two former Titans
With Stonehouse moving to South Florida, the Dolphins are expected to part ways with Jake Bailey. Mike Oliva of dolphinstalk.com notes that releasing the punter would create $1.975 million in cap space for Miami, with $550,000 of dead money.
Unlike Stonehouse, Bailey has yet to average 50 yards per punt in an NFL season. But this change could also be explained by Stonehouseâs connection with the Dolphinsâ new special teams coordinator.
Craig Aukerman, whoâs joining McDanielâs staff for 2025, was the Titansâ special teams coordinator from 2018 to 2023. Now, heâll reunite with a familiar face to try and do his job in the best possible way.
