Many thought the Phins would move a few players before the trade deadline closed
When the NFL’s trade deadline came and went, plenty of teams were in motion. Big names changed uniforms. Picks were swapped. But the Dolphins remained conspicuously light players. Other than trading Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 third-round pick, Miami made no major moves.
Given that the Dolphins sit at 2-7, recently parted ways with GM Chris Grier and appear primed for some type of reset, the lack of activity is notable — and unsettling for fans hoping for aggressive change.
Clearly, the Dolphins focus has to be about the long-term vision, but we won’t know what their real vision is until the offseason.
Will they foolishly try to retool the team or wisely rebuild from the ground floor?
When we see what Steven Ross plans are for Champ Kelly and Mike McDaniel, we’ll know the answers. But this lack of action really makes me feel like they plan to retool the team and run with Kelly and McDaniel for at least the 2026 Season.
The Context & Expectations
Going into the deadline week, Miami was widely viewed as a seller: underperforming, facing a difficult division, and in need of accumulating draft capital. Rumors swirled that veterans like Bradley Chubb, Jaylen Waddle, and others could be moved. I never thought Waddle was going, but it was a serious talking point… and I guess a possibility.
Instead, the Dolphins stood firm on valuation. They reportedly asked for a first-round pick for Waddle and apparently refused offers for Chubb. The result: virtually no change. Their roster — with much of the same cast that led to the 2-7 record — remains intact.
Why They Didn’t Move
Several factors appear to explain the caution:
- Valuation Discrepancy: Miami wanted high returns, and no deal hit their mark. The reports ranged from the Dolphins wanted too much to Dolphins never received fair offers.
- Coaching Stability: With head coach Mike McDaniel still in place and his fate tied to how this season plays out, a full teardown may not have been aligned with the current front office plan.
- In-Between Mode: The Dolphins appear caught in transition — neither full rebuild nor full contender — which may have hampered decisive action.
The Future and What’s at Stake
Miami heads into the remainder of the 2025 season with most of its roster unchanged. If the roster remains the same and results don’t improve, the cost of standing still may become steeper. And even if they do improve, is this squad good enough to build on next season to make real hay?
The Dolphins’ approach at the trade deadline was not bold — it was still… and maybe foolish if they believe that this roster just needs a little tweaking. I think most would bet with the best pay per head that this team needs to be stripped down to the foundation and rebuilt with real leaders.
Sadly, I think Ross believes the exact opposite and has his mind set on Kelly and McDaniel leading this team in 2026.
Why am I suddenly picturing Charlie Brown trying to kick the football with Lucy holding?
Go Phins!!!