Miami Dolphins Face Leadership Challenge: Navigating Post-Armstead/Campbell Era in 2025 Season

Leadership Void in Miami's Locker Room

The Miami Dolphins enter 2025 facing their most significant leadership challenge in recent memory. The simultaneous exits of Terron Armstead (retirement) and Calais Campbell (Arizona Cardinals signing) strip the team of 29 combined NFL seasons' worth of experience. Both 2024 team captains leave behind a leadership vacuum that head coach Mike McDaniel calls "our most critical offseason project."

Emerging Leadership Candidates

Offensive Line Transition

• Austin Jackson: The 26-year-old right tackle becomes Miami's longest-tenured OL after signing a $36M extension. Despite missing 9 games in 2024, Jackson has shown vocal leadership during offseason workouts.
• Patrick Paul: The 2024 second-round pick inherits Armstead's left tackle spot. Paul shadowed Armstead throughout 2024, with the veteran noting: "He absorbed our work ethic like a sponge. The kid lives in the film room."

Defensive Leadership Battle

• Zach Sieler: The defensive tackle enters his 7th season coming off back-to-back 10-sack campaigns. Teammates voted him captain in 2024 after he played through a torn labrum.
• Jalen Ramsey: The 30-year-old cornerback could see increased leadership duties despite recent trade rumors. His film study sessions with younger DBs have become team legend.

Culture Reset Opportunities

The Dolphins plan to address leadership through:

1. Draft Strategy: With 10 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, Miami targets high-character prospects. Scouts emphasize "captain experience" in evaluations.
2. Accountability Measures: After 2024's discipline issues (multiple late-meeting fines), McDaniel implemented:
   • Leadership council meetings
   • Peer-enforced accountability partners
   • Rookie mentorship program
3. Tyreek Hill's Redemption Arc: Despite offseason controversies, coaches believe the All-Pro WR could evolve into an emotional leader. Hill recently organized player-led 7-on-7 drills in South Florida.

Critical Dates Ahead

• April 21: Offseason program begins
• April 24-26: NFL Draft (Miami holds picks 27, 59, 86)
• June 10-12: Mandatory minicamp

Analysts suggest Miami's leadership test could define their season: "Great teams reload leadership," NFL Network's Rich Eisen noted. "The Dolphins must prove they can cultivate captains, not just collect talent."