The Miami Dolphins missed the NFL Playoffs once again, finishing 9-8 for third place in the AFC East. They started off the season 1-7, then went on a run, and narrowly missed the postseason. The Dolphins then shocked the world by firing coach Brian Flores who was having noticeable success with the team in the last two seasons.

The Dolphins now focus on the eventful offseason ahead. They have decisions to make not only in finding Flores' replacement but with their impending free agents as well. Resigning their key players will be crucial to their success next campaign.

Here are the two best players the Dolphins must re-sign in 2022 NFL free agency.

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Emmanuel Ogbah – Defensive end

Ogbah is an essential part of the defense and he needs to be re-signed. He is one of the Dolphins' best pass rushers, and without him, the defense will take a big hit. Ogbah had nine sacks this season.

Putting pressure on the quarterback helps the Dolphins' elite secondary make plays as guys like Ogbah have the QB under duress. While he may not be a household name, he is a great complimentary pass-rusher. His speed-rush makes him hard for some offensive tackles to block. Once he gets around the edge, he can get to the quarterback in a hurry.

Ogbah shouldn't be too expensive to bring back and would help the Dolphins' pass rush stay afloat next season.

Mike Gesicki – Tight end

The top priority for the Dolphins needs to be re-signing Gesicki. He is emerging as a good tight end in the league and one of Tua Tagovailoa's favorite targets. This season, Gesicki had 73 receptions for 780 yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins are expected to keep Tagovailoa, and bringing back one of his top targets will be vital for his success.

The Dolphins drafted Tagovailoa to be their franchise quarterback with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. It hasn't panned out so far as he has struggled to stay healthy. However, when healthy, Tagovailoa is 13-8 as a starter. In tough situations, he seems to throw towards Gesicki as he has a ton of trust in his tight end. Allowing him to walk could spell trouble for the Tagovailoa era with the Dolphins.

Letting go of Gesicki would also leave Miami with a lack of depth at the tight end position. It would be an essential void to fill with not many options, if any, who are better than Gesicki. His route running ability separates him from other tight ends in the NFL. While he isn't in the same tier as Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Darren Waller, and Mark Andrews, he is making a name for himself. Gesicki also has great hands, which is why he rarely drops passes.

The Dolphins have many decisions ahead that will be important for the direction of their franchise. Firing Flores as coach was a questionable choice that they may regret, but they have to move forward. Bringin back Ogbah and Gesicki will be crucial in building upon their strong finish to the season. They may not seem like important pieces to many, but they are two quality players who are hard to replace.

Dolphins fans should feel good about their finish to the campaign but need to be wary of how their team handles the offseason.