Though we’re nonetheless every week away from the Tremendous Bowl, 30 different groups are in offseason mode. They’re doing homework on the upcoming free agent and draft lessons and making an attempt to retain their gamers of worth.
The Miami Dolphins aren’t any exception and have extra work to do than different groups. As they stand, they’re virtually $12 million over the cap per OTC and are feeling the results of “kicking the can down the highway.”
In yr 4 of the Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa period, it seems like they’ll take another large swing and kick the can down the highway even additional as a result of that’s what all-in groups do. If we see one other injury-plagued yr for Tagovailoa or one other failed season, 2026 could possibly be the time to blow all of it up, however we’re not there simply but.
As for now, the Dolphins have holes that want filling and a tradition that must be modified, each on the sphere and off.
Hitting the Nail On the Head
Professional Soccer Focus is the darling of the NFL, and also you’ll see their rankings each sport throughout participant introductions. I strive to not care as a lot about them as a result of grading is subjective and might be simply swayed by agendas, good or dangerous.
Although the Dolphins’ wants in 2025 aren’t rocket science, they completely nailed it on this article. They contact on each staff and might be discovered right here.
The article additionally provides a participant the Dolphins may draft, and I’m in settlement. Jevon Holland is out the door, and Jordan Poyer is probably not being introduced again. There could possibly be two new safeties on the Dolphins, and not less than one must be a dynamic playmaker.
“Watts had the most effective season of his school profession in 2024 and will discover himself within the late first-round dialog by the point the draft comes round. Ought to he be out there within the second spherical although, the Dolphins can be smart so as to add him, coming off a season the place he earned an 88.9 PFF protection grade.”
Trying on the issues the Dolphins had this yr, all of it begins within the trenches, either side. If Calais Campbell comes again, I’d maintain off on drafting an inside defensive lineman exterior of depth later, however the edges may use one other younger man in the event that they drop to the Dolphins.
Miami can’t guess on Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb’s well being, and I don’t see Chubb making the 2025 roster. If something, that’s one thing the Dolphins can tackle with an affordable veteran to again up Chop Robinson and Phillips.
The offensive line is one other story. As they stand now, I see three starters. Austin Jackson, Aaron Brewer, and Patrick Paul if Terron Armstead retires. The Dolphins must give attention to guard and get not less than one high-quality one, whether or not it’s in free company or the draft.
Beating a pocket quarterback like Tagovailoa begins with stress, and inside stress is the simplest. The Dolphins have had issues with inside stress for years, and it’s time to take a position closely in stopping it. They want reinforcements in starters and depth. No extra having to throw the ball inside 2.5 seconds to offset a nasty pass-blocking unit.
Re-Software Start
We don’t know who might be reduce or introduced again to save cash, so we will solely speculate. A number of work will have to be achieved between roster cuts, resigning gamers, free company, and the draft, however the consensus amongst followers and media is that nonetheless it must be achieved, the Dolphins should go all in on the offensive line.
It’s a part of each playoff staff’s blueprint, and it’s time for Chris Grier to throw every little thing however the kitchen sink at it.