Three Presents Dolphins Fans Should Want To Unwrap This Offseason
Credit: Adam Caims via Imagn Images
It’s almost Christmas time, and Santa is going to come down the chimney, blessing all of Miami Dolphins fans with gifts. That is, as long as we’ve been good, which might have been hard this season, given what the Dolphins have put us through.
Coming into the season, the expectation was that Miami would become bonafide Super Bowl contenders, but because of injuries and poor performance, there is no other choice than to look ahead. Instead of asking Santa for a Lombardi Trophy under the tree, let’s look at some things we can hope to unwrap so that 2025 can be the big year we’ve been hoping for.
A Real Backup Quarterback
Looking back, it was foolish for the Dolphins to go into the season with Skylar Thompson as the backup quarterback. Deciding to trade for Tyler Huntley after Tua Tagovailoa got injured didn’t work out much better.
Tua is healthy again, but what happens if he suffers another injury next season? They need someone reliable waiting in the wings, something like Sam Darnold was in Minnesota. Though, given that Darnold is probably going to make something close to Tua money next year, he’s out.
But what about someone like Justin Fields? He might not be someone who will lead the team to a Super Bowl, but the Dolphins should feel a whole lot more comfortable running him out there for an extended period instead of Huntley. Fields started the season 3-0 for the Steelers, and he has shown at worst he is an average-to-good quarterback. If they’re looking for a Darnold-type upside play, he’s a good choice.
If not Fields, someone like Mac Jones could work, as he’s showing some signs of life with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Dolphins can’t take a Stars and Scrubs (Or, Tua and Trash?) approach at quarterback again. They’ll need to invest in a quality backup, even if it costs $8-10 million.
The Dolphins should also take a flyer on a quarterback in the draft. Obviously, they shouldn’t use a high pick, but someone like Kyle McCord on Day 3, after his huge year at Syracuse? Now we’re talking.
An Offensive Lineman At the Draft
It’s never sexy to take a lineman in the first round, but the Dolphins need to improve the O-line, and 2025 is a good draft to do just that. Terron Armstead is still one of the best tackles in the NFL, but Father Time is going to catch up with him at some point, as he is almost 34 years old. The right tackle spot has been a rotating door and could also use a big upgrade. Ohio State Buckeyes tackle Josh Simmons is someone who makes a whole lot of sense, and his elite quickness could solve a whole lot of problems.
With Tua’s history, it’s more important to Miami than most teams to avoid their QB taking unnecessary hits. If not Simmons, then Will Campbell, Kelvin Banks Jr., or Aireontae Ersery would look great in Miami Gardens.
A Safety Splash
According to Spotrac, the Dolphins only have a little over $12 million in cap space heading into the 2025 offseason, but with some moves, there will be more space opened. Whatever money is freed up, they’ll need to invest some in the safety position. Rookie Patrick McMorris is the only safety who is under contract for next season and he’s played just three games and entirely on special teams. The Dolphins’ pass defense is ranked in the top 10 in the NFL, but when a secondary could be losing players like Jevon Holland, they need to be replaced. Budda Baker from the Arizona Cardinals or Cam Bynum from the Minnesota Vikings would make a whole lot of sense.
Bynum might be best known for his touchdown celebrations, but he is also above-average in coverage. He has an overall grade of 62.4, according to PFF, and an even higher grade of 73.3 against the run.
The Dolphins’ roster is too talented to be missing the playoffs. As long as Santa gifts Miami some improvements at key positions, Dolphins fans should be very happy with the presents they have unwrapped!
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