Dolphins typical manager Chris Grier has remained self-confident about Miami’s trajectory considering that a rebuild that started off in 2019.
Just after Saturday’s wild-card playoff reduction to Kansas Metropolis — yet another early postseason exit for the Dolphins — Grier was hesitant to declare his attempts a accomplishment.
The Dolphins have place with each other 4 straight winning seasons, but have no playoff victories to display for it. Miami has absent 23 many years considering the fact that its previous postseason acquire, which is now the longest drought in the NFL immediately after Detroit defeat the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night time.
“It truly is a small combined,” Grier said Monday. “I only indicate that because this is now Calendar year 2 of (coach) Mike (McDaniel). We received nine online games a calendar year in the past, 11 this 12 months. We’ve taken steps. I think we have a excellent roster. No matter whether a good results, failure, I leave that to you men to choose.”
Grier was far more distinct on no matter if the Dolphins intend to request a deal extension for fourth-yr quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
“The purpose is to have him listed here extensive-time period enjoying at a higher amount,” Grier mentioned, including that the crew didn’t communicate funds with Tagovailoa through the period but communicated with his agent all over the year.
Other starters from Tagovailoa’s 2020 draft course have reset the quarterback current market with their contracts, together with Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert past offseason.
The 25-calendar year-old Tagovailoa is set to make $23.2 million in 2024 on the fifth-calendar year selection of his rookie deal. He led the NFL in passing with a profession-large 4,624 yards and established profession highs in completion charge (69.3) and passing touchdowns (29). He was named to his 1st Professional Bowl.
Tagovailoa also answered questions about his sturdiness, which Grier explained final offseason was a issue. He started off each individual recreation for the initially time in his job — 1 year just after being identified with two head injuries that manufactured him briefly take into account retirement and prompted the NFL to alter its concussion policy.
Tagovailoa has improved in two seasons beneath the creative perform-calling and guidance of McDaniel, but he has struggled in Miami’s greatest video games. He was 10-1 from opponents with losing data whilst likely 1-6 versus profitable teams.
Tagovailoa’s a few cheapest passer rankings of 2023 ended up in Miami’s a few losses to close the time. He was intercepted twice in a blowout loss at Baltimore. He handed for a period-lower 173 yards with two interceptions in the common-year finale in opposition to Buffalo. And he was 20 of 39 with one particular landing and an interception against Kansas Town.
Tagovailoa said following the playoff game that he wasn’t apprehensive about an extension.
“I never experience any strain at all,” Tagovailoa stated. “I have complete have faith in in myself. I have whole rely on in what I’m capable of performing for our firm.”
BALANCING ACT
Tagovailoa’s offseason jujitsu lessons served him better safeguard himself on the subject to keep away from head accidents, but his late-time struggles led to questions about his ability to make plays when the planned a person breaks down.
“He’s as very good of a learner as I’ve ever witnessed,” McDaniel explained. “I consider that is what I want to see, is that ongoing thirst to find different means, although sustaining and expanding your self-confidence, to generally develop new edges in your video game. Is Tua going to be a zone-read-possibility quarterback? No. But I think he has developed in some — like acquiring additional time when important. I think that will carry on to enhance where you can just maybe transfer off the place a minimal bit and not always operate for a to start with down, but you can extend the engage in.”
O-LINE UNCERTAINTY
Veteran remaining deal with Terron Armstead stated he has not still resolved if he will return for a 12th period. Injuries constrained Armstead to 10 video games this season and retained him out many a lot more very last year.
3 other starters on Miami’s offensive line will enter cost-free company: guards Robert Hunt and Isaiah Wynn and centre Connor Williams.
Williams, who signed a two-yr offer ahead of the 2022 season, experienced a torn anterior cruciate ligament from Tennessee in 7 days 14. He was rated the No. 2 center in 2023 by Pro Football Emphasis. Wynn, who signed a a person-12 months deal very last summer, experienced his time was minimize limited by a quad injury in Week 7.
Hunt, who skipped time with a hamstring injury, has used his entire four-year career with Miami and was rated a major-10 guard by PFF this season.
Following Steps
Miami will enter the offseason $40 million more than the income cap with several crucial contributors set to hit absolutely free company, including defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
Grier indicated he is self-confident in the roster and is hoping to keep as lots of players as possible.
