With both Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis hitting the market this offseason, the Miami Dolphins needed to put forth a concerted effort to bring in veterans to play along the defensive line.
One of the moves that general manager Chris Grier made in the first week of free agency was re-signing defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand.
Hand, 28, agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.29 million to rejoin the Dolphins for his second season with the team.
According to Over the Cap, he will receive a $1.13 million base salary and a $167,500 signing bonus. His cap number for the 2024 season is currently set at $1.15 million.
This contract far from guarantees Hand a spot on the roster, as releasing him would save $985,000 while the team would incur a dead-cap hit of just $167,500 (the signing bonus).
Miami appears to be holding a competition for snaps next to and behind Zach Sieler for this upcoming season. Hand will have to beat out Benito Jones, Brandon Pili, Jonathan Harris, Isaiah Mack, Neville Gallimore and Daviyon Nixon to earn playing time.
It’s not impossible because he’s been here for a year, but he’s also playing in a new scheme after the team replaced defensive coordinator Vic Fangio with Anthony Weaver.
