This Free Agency feels like splitting the difference between 2019 & 2020
The Miami Dolphins haven’t made any splash offseason moves in Free Agency so far, which is good because they usually end in disaster. Chris Grier also has held back on his wheeling and dealing mentality without a single flashy trade. While these are wise ways of operating, it isn’t the mode of operation for a regime supposed to be on the ‘hotseat’ and needing to win big.
The more this offseason plays out, the more I realize like or not, Chris Grier is going to run the Dolphins show for at least two more seasons, if not longer. So, while the thought leaves a bad taste in my mouth, I’m going to evaluate this Free Agency based on it being a rebuilding effort and not ‘playoff or bust’.
Grier has grown some & also doubled down
There’s a lot to like about this Free Agency in its small ball approach.
- Tyrel Dodson (ILB): Signed a 2-year $8.25 million contract. Good pick up, played well for us other than a dumb penalty. We need LB help with only Brooks on the roster… besides Tindall.
- Nick Westbrook (WR): Signed a 2-year $6.5 million contract. Big receiver at 6’2” and overperformed with the Titans. Has shown the ability to run block. Assest of size needed to be added to our Smurf receivers and Westbrook fits the bill.
- Ashtyn Davis (S): Signed a 1 year $2.5 million contract. In limited duties, Davis has produced more than old man, high priced Poyer or young man, not so interested Holland, for less. We needed safety help, and Davis brings help.
- Quinton Bell (OLB): Signed a 1 year $1.5 million contract. Bell’s return made it clear Bosa wasn’t on the menu, which is good because we had enough injury riddled edges. Bell showed some pop in 2024. I’m glad he’s back.
- Elijah Campbell (S): Signed a 1 year $1.9 million contract. We have history with Campbell and he’s shown to be a little something. Just like Davis, he’ll bring as much or near as much for a lot less than the starters of 2024.
- Ifeatu Melifonwu (CB): Signed a 1 year $3.01 million contract. Big kid who can play safety or corner if managed in his duties. We need defensive back big time. Only problem is he is coming off a season ending injury. Good price for a roll of the dice to hit Yatzee.
- James Daniels (G): Signed a 3-year $24 million contract. Daniels is a HUGE upgrade over Eichenberg and Jones and fits perfectly in McDaniel’s finesse offense. On the downside, he’s coming off an Achilles tear and even preinjury wasn’t great in drive blocking. Certainly, an upgrade, whenever he is healthy enough to start.
- Zach Wilson (QB): Signed a 1 year $6 million contract. This was a little bit of a head scratcher, but he has arm talent, and his movement skills fits the Shanahan system.
This looks more like setting the foundation than adding skylights
Overall, you can’t fault these signings because they are mostly cap conscientious and take some whacks at homeruns without much at stake. You can bet with the best pay per head that I wished our two best signings didn’t have injury issues. It’s so Grier. So far, the ‘injured player’ has never played out well for us to the upside. Maybe the10th time the charm?
This type of Free Agency will force Grier to totally nail his 2025 draft selections to keep this team to reach the postseason. If Grier misses big in this draft, the 2025 Dolphins could tumble into the cellar because we need so many backups and starters. Grier’s history doesn’t goose me with good tidings that he will pull it off… But I’ll sniff the ‘hopium’ here and say, ‘you never know’. Go Phins!!!