Players in their contract year give everything… and more
Most in the media have given the Miami Dolphins modest expectations of success for the 2020 Season. But, Brian Flores and the ‘hopeful’ among the Phins fans have loftier expectations. Since we haven’t even had a snap of practice yet, everything is just a guess at this point. But, one fact certain to give Miami a slight edge this year is that plenty of key players are in their contract year.
Every football fan knows how motivated players get when they are playing for a new contract… and how unmotivated a player can be when they have little financial motivation. See Reshad Jones as the poster boy for the latter.
Yes, NFL players are paid professionals and all-out effort is expected. The reality is though that hurt and injured players make business decisions all the time on whether to sacrifice their body on a play or not. This is one reason why the final year of a contract more often than not ends up being a good one for players.
Now, this won’t be a good thing in the offseason. Miami will wave goodbye to most of these players because they will command bloated salaries in Free Agency. But, for this season, the urgency to ‘get paid’ will certainly boost the Phins chances for success.Best pay per head software like www.AcePerHead.com.
Here is the long list of players in their contract year:
New Phins in the final year of their contract
Matt Breida was traded for a 5th round pick in the 2020 draft. He will have to perform, show he can stay healthy, and take a reasonable contract to be back in 2021. Brieda is most likely a 1-year rent.
Ted Karras is a Free Agent signed to a 1-contract. Karras is a strong run blocker who needs to elevate his pass protection to get an extension. Most likely another 1-year rent.
Kamu Grugier-Hill was signed to a 1-Year deal and it would cost Miami $2 million to cut him. While his chances to stick are good, beyond that, the odds are low with the pay per head sites that he’s on the 2021 roster.
Seasoned vets in their final year
Albert Wilson restructured his contract and is now a FA after this season. Albert must show more consistent hands, stay healthy, and take a team-friendly deal to have a shot at sticking. If other receivers step up, Albert will play somewhere else in 2021, regardless.
Raekwon McMillan must show something more in coverage this season or take a deal in line with a 2-down LB. For a deeper dive in both his and Baker’s situation check out this previous article.
Julién Davenport came to the Phins in the Stills / Tunsil trade with Houston. He appears a solid back up, but not much more, but could prove otherwise this season. If not, he’ll play elsewhere in 2021.
Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t be with the Phins in 2021. But, if he plays most of this season and walks, Miami will pick up a 3rd Round compensatory pick. I like that scenario.
Davon Godchaux has played well against the run but has generated sub-par pressure on quarterbacks. This could be because he has been asked to be a two-gap defender. But, rookie Christian Wilkens proved his equal in run defense and superior pass rush. Miami would be best served to get a compensatory pick for a 2 Down D-linemen and draft his replacement in 2021.
‘Greenish’ Vets who are in the final year of their contract
Vince Biegel came in a trade for Kiko Alonso and had a good year. Beigel proved he can play in this scheme as an ‘outside LB’ with his PFF grade of 69.8. The question is will he take a home town discount after this season? Miami won’t overpay and that might be what he’s looking for.
Cordrea Tankersley hasn’t played football since early 2018. Where is he physically and mentally? Who knows. He has outstanding physical talent and Miami now plays to his strength of man-press. Can he finally put it all together?
Nik Needham had an excellent start to his rookie campaign, but his play fell off as the season progressed. Cornerback is a tough position to transition from college to the pros, especially when you are thrust into the starting role. Needham showed a ton last year, so I wouldn’t count him out. Byron, Howard, and rookie Noah Igbinoghene could make it tough for him to return in 2021… if he plays well and doesn’t take a hometown discount.
Zach Sieler flashed last season after he was picked up late last year off the waiver wire. Over 118 snaps he had 5 tackles and 1 sack with a PFF grade of 76.2. Miami signed Seiler to a pretty sweet contract, so I think they see something they like. I can see him playing well this season and getting a new contract with Miami.
Brian Flores has a team busting with ‘peak ugency’
Instilling a sense of deep urgency on the players has been a key component to the Grier / Flores team-building philosophy. Competition, discipline, ‘prove it’ contracts, shipping off marque talent, and a constant flow of new bodies have created ‘peak urgency’ for the players. This is a very useful motivational tool for Brian Flores to get his player ‘fully’ invested. And a roster full of highly disciplined and highly committed players is an X-factor that could create some good surprises for Phins fans in 2020. Go Phins!!!
