The Dolphins’ cornerback picture is already looking shaky, and a cheap trade option from Green Bay could line up neatly with what Miami needs.
That concern got louder after the reports from Miami’s joint practice with the Washington Commanders. The Dolphins’ secondary was reportedly picked apart by Washington’s quarterbacks throughout the session, and while Miami was missing Darrell Baker Jr., Storm Duck, JuJu Brents, Chris Johnson, and safety Dante Trader Jr., that only explains so much.
Baker Jr. and Duck remain unknowns. Brents has flashed, but injuries keep interrupting his run, and Johnson still carries big expectations as the team’s second first-round pick while needing help around him.
The wider roster has its own issues, but the secondary is the part that stands out most sharply right now. Wide receiver has at least gotten some help from third-rounder Caleb Douglas and Malik Washington. Cornerback hasn’t enjoyed that kind of relief.
That’s why Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox pointed to Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine as a possible trade candidate, and why the fit with Miami is easy to see. Valentine entered the league as a seventh-round pick in 2023 and quickly carved out a major role.
He has played at least 57% of Green Bay’s defensive snaps over the last three seasons, and his first two years were productive, with passer ratings allowed of 84.8 and 80.1 in 2023 and 2024. Last season was a rougher stretch, though, as that number jumped to 121.2.
Green Bay has also added plenty at the position. The Packers signed Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, then used the draft to bring in Brandon Cisse in the second round and Domani Jackson in the sixth. With that much new blood in the room, Valentine could be squeezed out.
For Miami, the appeal is obvious. Valentine is six feet tall, fits general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan’s prototype at cornerback, and Sullivan was part of the group that drafted him in the first place.
He also brings 49 games of experience, along with 107 tackles, two interceptions, 18 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one recovery. He has not even turned 25 yet.
There’s also the contract angle. Valentine has one year left, but if he works out in Miami, the Dolphins should have the cap room to keep him. If the price drops into the right range, Sullivan may not wait long to make the move.
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