2025 Miami Dolphins - Minkah is coming back to South Florida (3 Viewers)

[Todem]

Ok I am as disappointed as anyone and in the burn it down, work and injury settlement with Tue, trade Hill, Phillips and whoever else for whatever you can get and start over at QB again camp. And I thought the game plan was awful Monday night given you had all week to know Huntely was starting, that is 100% on the head coach. That said I have some points and questions for @Ministry of Pain @Todem and the others wanting to run McDaniel out of town.

• Who made the final decision that Thompson was the answer at backup? Was it McDaniel or did that come from Grier as a cost saving move? I said this in the game thread but how you don't back Tua up with as close to a like QB as you can given his history is baffling. Mac Jones was out there as a free agent. The draft book on him was quick release, processes well, accurate, good anticipation. He came through the same college system as Tua. Would seem like a perfect guy to have behind Tua instead of the mobile, slow throwing motion, not overly accurate Thompson whom you need to change the entire offense for. If the decision was McDaniel's then he needs to answer did he think Thompson could run the same offense or what the plan was? If it was a cost move from Grier it was a stupid one.
• Let's say you guys get your dream and Tua retires. What is the plan going forward? This next draft doesn't look to my untrained eye to have a sure fire miss at QB even if we somehow end up with the top pick. Justin Fields is probably the top slated free agent for next year or Sam Darnold.
• What would you dream plan be going forward at coach? Belicheck isn't coming here especially give the QB issue. We tried for the Sean Payton and Brady, coach lawsuit made sure that didn't happen and while Ross has issues, I maintain he is far from the only owner to make that type of move. Want an experienced coach? Good chance Mike McCarthy could be available after this season, does that excite you? A different hot coordinator? Bobby Slowik? Who? And you are going to pair them with either a rookie QB from a so-so class of QB's or a retread.

Ok....as far as QB's

Here are my current rankings

1. Cam Ward
2. Jalen Milroe
3. Carson Beck
4. Sanders

Ward - only watched him for the first time last week vs GA Tech so probably not a totally fair review. Looks like he can make all the throws for sure but when the game was on the line looked a little like a deer in headlights at the end. I know they do have some other comeback wins so not closing the book on him. Will see more when they get to the playoffs and have to play better teams then the ACC.

Milroe - Still no thanks, I haven't been impressed. Just another Alabama QB that does less with more then every other team. I don't see him as a franchise guy if we are looking for the next Mahomes, Allen, etc he isn't it.

Beck - This was the guy I was high on, man he can sling it but is making way too many mistakes and bad turn overs. That isn't going to fly at the next level.

Sanders - Actually moving up my board. He has continued to look good and might be the best QB in this draft.

Allar - Throwing him out there as a guy we might be able to get later first, early second round that if McDaniel is still here could fit into his system. Very accurate (70%), doesn't turn the ball over (had the one 3 INT game against USC other then that only 2 other INT), can move around in the pocket. Plus he's a big kid and not fragile. I think his numbers could be a lot better better but Franklin is a horrible game day coach and their new OC has not been impressive calling plays.

But over all I still don't think it is a great QB draft, I don't think there is a Jayden Daniels or Caleb Williams in it.

Yeah, you didn’t watch Ward bring this team back versus Virginia Tech or versus California. The guy has ice in his veins. Definitely needs to mature a little bit more but he’s got every tool you can want and he’s very calm cool and collected in the pocket.

He has shown me a lot in all his games. Vs GA Tech…wasn’t his finest moment but every single Canes fans had hope we could pull it out….I never have that hope with Tua at QB.

Carson Beck has not been nearly as good as his Junior season….very true….but his receivers have stunk dropping countless on the money balls and Beck is forcing some things and I think it’s a combination of frustration and just trying to make things happen. He is another kid who has all the tools.

Milroe is a highly athletic and even stronger version of a guy like Lamar Jackson coming out of college. Lamar was a twig and now is far more physically mature compared to
His first two seasons in the NFL. Milroe has a chance to develop quicker than Lamar because of his already better physicality.

 

[Big Nate]

All these "great" rookies coming in and most won't be better than Tua. Will be lucky if 1 is even as good as Tua.

I do wish them all luck, the more good QBs the better the NFL is but people just crap on Tua but to find one as good as him is rare. Most rookies don't work out for quite some time. Hopefully the next QB can sit and learn behind Tua for a few years before throwing him to the wolves.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

C- Connor Williams retires from the Seahawks this week
He was by all accounts having a terrific season overcoming an ACL injury late last season
No word has been given on the reasons why he retired mid ship

Strange ending, he was one of the most incredible Centers I have ever seen in a Miami Dolphins uniform since Dwight Stephenson, the guy just moved people out of the way for Tua
I would watch Tua in '22 and '23, especially early to mid '23 Tua was stepping up into a pocket and had clear lines to throw the football thru the middle of the field
Those plays don't exist any more

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Miami wins and covers the spread
Every drive was 7-8 minutes, several ended in Touchdowns

4-6, moving on to New England and a chance to pull within 1 game of .500 before a road trip on Thanksgiving to Green Bay, I watch the Packers and they ain't on all cylinders
Can Miami get to 6-6?

 

[SwampDawg]

Yea it was just the Raiders but offense continues to look good with Tua back. Doing it much different then last year using short passes instead of big plays. Smart move to keep Tua out of harms way. Unfortunately going to be too little to late and just mess up the draft pick. I think they'll beat the Patriots and Browns, should at least split with the Jets, winning both wouldn't be a reach. so looking at 7 or 8 wins so probably picking about 12th to 17th range.

I know @Todem wants a complete rebuild, it's not going to happen barring a Tua injury that forces his retirement. I think the best hope might be a change at GM and not really sure that happens unless they do fall apart here at the end and they need to make some change. That said I thought it would be interesting to look at the rest of the AFC and see who is in better/worse shape going forward at QB,Coach,GM/Owner, please give your opinion.

AFC East
Bills - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Patriots - QB TBD (but at this exact moment for one game I take Tua), Coach TBD (hasn't made any amazing turn around but not working with much), GM/Owner Better
Jets = QB Worse, Coach Unknown, GM/Owner Worse

AFC Central
Ravens - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Steelers - QB Equal (Russ is playing decent but no one signed passed this year and are you going to pay Russ $40 million next year), Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Bengals - QB Better, Coach Better (but not by as much as you would have said 2 years ago), GM/Owner Worse
Browns - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Worse

AFC South
Texans - QB Better, Coach Better (although we will see if he is able to maintain as well), GM/Owner Better
Colts - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Same
Titans - QB Worse, GM Same to Worse, Owner Worse (not as deep of pockets)
Jags - QB Better (I still believe he can be fixed), Coach Worse, Owner/GM Same to Worse.

AFC West
Chiefs - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Chargers - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Broncos - QB Worse (I don't believe in Nix), Coach Better, GM/Owner Same (Owner is better, GM is worse, will have to see if they replace or hang on)
Raiders - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Worse

So while I get the idea of tear it down and start over because this group isn't going to win a super bowl if you look around the league there is a 50/50 chance it actually gets worse if you do that. I think the Ravens and Eagles are the best run franchises in football, if you are tearing it down you better be getting that back. Patriots were great for a long time because of the QB and Coach combo, that is so very rare to not only have that but have it last.

 

[Todem]

Yea it was just the Raiders but offense continues to look good with Tua back. Doing it much different then last year using short passes instead of big plays. Smart move to keep Tua out of harms way. Unfortunately going to be too little to late and just mess up the draft pick. I think they'll beat the Patriots and Browns, should at least split with the Jets, winning both wouldn't be a reach. so looking at 7 or 8 wins so probably picking about 12th to 17th range.

I know @Todem wants a complete rebuild, it's not going to happen barring a Tua injury that forces his retirement. I think the best hope might be a change at GM and not really sure that happens unless they do fall apart here at the end and they need to make some change. That said I thought it would be interesting to look at the rest of the AFC and see who is in better/worse shape going forward at QB,Coach,GM/Owner, please give your opinion.

AFC East
Bills - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Patriots - QB TBD (but at this exact moment for one game I take Tua), Coach TBD (hasn't made any amazing turn around but not working with much), GM/Owner Better
Jets = QB Worse, Coach Unknown, GM/Owner Worse

AFC Central
Ravens - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Steelers - QB Equal (Russ is playing decent but no one signed passed this year and are you going to pay Russ $40 million next year), Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Bengals - QB Better, Coach Better (but not by as much as you would have said 2 years ago), GM/Owner Worse
Browns - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Worse

AFC South
Texans - QB Better, Coach Better (although we will see if he is able to maintain as well), GM/Owner Better
Colts - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Same
Titans - QB Worse, GM Same to Worse, Owner Worse (not as deep of pockets)
Jags - QB Better (I still believe he can be fixed), Coach Worse, Owner/GM Same to Worse.

AFC West
Chiefs - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Chargers - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Broncos - QB Worse (I don't believe in Nix), Coach Better, GM/Owner Same (Owner is better, GM is worse, will have to see if they replace or hang on)
Raiders - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Worse

So while I get the idea of tear it down and start over because this group isn't going to win a super bowl if you look around the league there is a 50/50 chance it actually gets worse if you do that. I think the Ravens and Eagles are the best run franchises in football, if you are tearing it down you better be getting that back. Patriots were great for a long time because of the QB and Coach combo, that is so very rare to not only have that but have it last.

Good post.

I think I am sitting tight and waiting for 2026. I fully believe the Dolphins will opt out of Tua’s deal and part ways there.

We will have one more year under this current regime.

 

[Todem]

All these "great" rookies coming in and most won't be better than Tua. Will be lucky if 1 is even as good as Tua.

I do wish them all luck, the more good QBs the better the NFL is but people just crap on Tua but to find one as good as him is rare. Most rookies don't work out for quite some time. Hopefully the next QB can sit and learn behind Tua for a few years before throwing him to the wolves.

Yeah it’s really hard to gauge if a better option is coming out in the 2025 NFL draft.

But we blew the pick not taking Herbert and I was a huge Herbert supporter and was being chided by a few of my Dolphin fan friends….they all have apologized to me lol. That 2020 draft is a killer.

Anyway Tua does some good things but he is so limited and also fragile.

2026 is when things will drastically change imo. McDaniel, Grier and Tua have this season and next to turn it all around.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Yea it was just the Raiders but offense continues to look good with Tua back. Doing it much different then last year using short passes instead of big plays. Smart move to keep Tua out of harms way. Unfortunately going to be too little to late and just mess up the draft pick. I think they'll beat the Patriots and Browns, should at least split with the Jets, winning both wouldn't be a reach. so looking at 7 or 8 wins so probably picking about 12th to 17th range.

I know @Todem wants a complete rebuild, it's not going to happen barring a Tua injury that forces his retirement. I think the best hope might be a change at GM and not really sure that happens unless they do fall apart here at the end and they need to make some change. That said I thought it would be interesting to look at the rest of the AFC and see who is in better/worse shape going forward at QB,Coach,GM/Owner, please give your opinion.

AFC East
Bills - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Patriots - QB TBD (but at this exact moment for one game I take Tua), Coach TBD (hasn't made any amazing turn around but not working with much), GM/Owner Better
Jets = QB Worse, Coach Unknown, GM/Owner Worse

AFC Central
Ravens - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Steelers - QB Equal (Russ is playing decent but no one signed passed this year and are you going to pay Russ $40 million next year), Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Bengals - QB Better, Coach Better (but not by as much as you would have said 2 years ago), GM/Owner Worse
Browns - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Worse

AFC South
Texans - QB Better, Coach Better (although we will see if he is able to maintain as well), GM/Owner Better
Colts - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Same
Titans - QB Worse, GM Same to Worse, Owner Worse (not as deep of pockets)
Jags - QB Better (I still believe he can be fixed), Coach Worse, Owner/GM Same to Worse.

AFC West
Chiefs - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Chargers - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Broncos - QB Worse (I don't believe in Nix), Coach Better, GM/Owner Same (Owner is better, GM is worse, will have to see if they replace or hang on)
Raiders - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Worse

So while I get the idea of tear it down and start over because this group isn't going to win a super bowl if you look around the league there is a 50/50 chance it actually gets worse if you do that. I think the Ravens and Eagles are the best run franchises in football, if you are tearing it down you better be getting that back. Patriots were great for a long time because of the QB and Coach combo, that is so very rare to not only have that but have it last.

Excellent post, agree with many of your ratings or assessments, few minor differences
Points taken

 

[SwampDawg]

Yea it was just the Raiders but offense continues to look good with Tua back. Doing it much different then last year using short passes instead of big plays. Smart move to keep Tua out of harms way. Unfortunately going to be too little to late and just mess up the draft pick. I think they'll beat the Patriots and Browns, should at least split with the Jets, winning both wouldn't be a reach. so looking at 7 or 8 wins so probably picking about 12th to 17th range.

I know @Todem wants a complete rebuild, it's not going to happen barring a Tua injury that forces his retirement. I think the best hope might be a change at GM and not really sure that happens unless they do fall apart here at the end and they need to make some change. That said I thought it would be interesting to look at the rest of the AFC and see who is in better/worse shape going forward at QB,Coach,GM/Owner, please give your opinion.

AFC East
Bills - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Patriots - QB TBD (but at this exact moment for one game I take Tua), Coach TBD (hasn't made any amazing turn around but not working with much), GM/Owner Better
Jets = QB Worse, Coach Unknown, GM/Owner Worse

AFC Central
Ravens - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Steelers - QB Equal (Russ is playing decent but no one signed passed this year and are you going to pay Russ $40 million next year), Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Bengals - QB Better, Coach Better (but not by as much as you would have said 2 years ago), GM/Owner Worse
Browns - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Worse

AFC South
Texans - QB Better, Coach Better (although we will see if he is able to maintain as well), GM/Owner Better
Colts - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Same
Titans - QB Worse, GM Same to Worse, Owner Worse (not as deep of pockets)
Jags - QB Better (I still believe he can be fixed), Coach Worse, Owner/GM Same to Worse.

AFC West
Chiefs - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Chargers - QB Better, Coach Better, GM/Owner Better
Broncos - QB Worse (I don't believe in Nix), Coach Better, GM/Owner Same (Owner is better, GM is worse, will have to see if they replace or hang on)
Raiders - QB Worse, Coach Worse, GM/Owner Worse

So while I get the idea of tear it down and start over because this group isn't going to win a super bowl if you look around the league there is a 50/50 chance it actually gets worse if you do that. I think the Ravens and Eagles are the best run franchises in football, if you are tearing it down you better be getting that back. Patriots were great for a long time because of the QB and Coach combo, that is so very rare to not only have that but have it last.

Good post.

I think I am sitting tight and waiting for 2026. I fully believe the Dolphins will opt out of Tua’s deal and part ways there.

We will have one more year under this current regime.

I think this is a reasonable plan.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

For @SwampDawg I'll set mine differently and go off Tankathon and work thru the teams likely to pick high

1. Jacksonville 2-9, TLaw is not as good as Tua right now, Doug P has a SB ring but he's not doing well, Owner/GM, I don't rank many owners worse than Ross, this could be an exception
2. Tennessee 2-8, QB - Much worse, HC - not good, Owner/GM, poor
3. Cleveland 2-8, QB - I'm sure they would love to have Tua, HC - Stefanski regarded highly, Owner/GM stink
4. Las Vegas 2-9, QB -They would love to have our Tua, HC - Awful, Owner - Awful, GM- Poor
5. New York G 2-8, QB - They just benched Jones, HC - Daboll is pretty good but not better, Owner and GM...owner has a couple trophies so better

 

[SwampDawg]

But we blew the pick not taking Herbert

But by all accounts Miami went hard at the Bengals to try and trade up and get Burrow, which had they pulled off I think everyone would be overjoyed. Of course no guarantee coach lawsuit wouldn't have destroyed Burrow or Herbert. I think the biggest mistake might be Ross not being willing to go after Harbaugh because he was at Michigan if the rumor of that is true. Could've, would've, should've as they say.

 

[Desert_Power]

2026 is when things will drastically change imo. McDaniel, Grier and Tua have this season and next to turn it all around.

Grier doesn't deserve another second.

 

[Todem]

2026 is when things will drastically change imo. McDaniel, Grier and Tua have this season and next to turn it all around.

Grier doesn't deserve another second.

Oh I agree…..but Ross is not firing him.

2026 is the purge year.

 

[Desert_Power]

2026 is when things will drastically change imo. McDaniel, Grier and Tua have this season and next to turn it all around.

Grier doesn't deserve another second.

Oh I agree…..but Ross is not firing him.

2026 is the purge year.

Doesn't make sense to be patient at this age. I generally agree that it makes more sense to hire the GM-HC together too, but we have just seen so much more than enough from Grier.

 

[Todem]

2026 is when things will drastically change imo. McDaniel, Grier and Tua have this season and next to turn it all around.

Grier doesn't deserve another second.

Oh I agree…..but Ross is not firing him.

2026 is the purge year.

Doesn't make sense to be patient at this age. I generally agree that it makes more sense to hire the GM-HC together too, but we have just seen so much more than enough from Grier.

When has Stephen Ross made a lot of sense with his decisions?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Got up on New England 31-0 before they gave up a couple scores?
Tua 4 TD passes and 300+ yds and yet we still don't see Hill much in this offense

Phins improve to 5-6, big game Thursday night vs Green Bay, a win would give Miami a 4game win streak
at GB, NYJ, at Hou, SF...they have to find a way from 5-6 to 8-7 and then they close with the Browns and Jets, they'd have a legit chance to make the Playoffs
That 1 pt loss to AZ is hurting them and also the inability to win against easy teams when Tua was out 4 games, just haunting this team right now
They easily would be in the Playoff hunt is you think Tua all season would have them at say 7-4 vs 5-6? That's where we would be going to Green Bay

 

[King of the Jungle]

Got up on New England 31-0 before they gave up a couple scores?
Tua 4 TD passes and 300+ yds and yet we still don't see Hill much in this offense

Phins improve to 5-6, big game Thursday night vs Green Bay, a win would give Miami a 4game win streak
at GB, NYJ, at Hou, SF...they have to find a way from 5-6 to 8-7 and then they close with the Browns and Jets, they'd have a legit chance to make the Playoffs
That 1 pt loss to AZ is hurting them and also the inability to win against easy teams when Tua was out 4 games, just haunting this team right now
They easily would be in the Playoff hunt is you think Tua all season would have them at say 7-4 vs 5-6? That's where we would be going to Green Bay

How is Tua when it is chilly?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Got up on New England 31-0 before they gave up a couple scores?
Tua 4 TD passes and 300+ yds and yet we still don't see Hill much in this offense

Phins improve to 5-6, big game Thursday night vs Green Bay, a win would give Miami a 4game win streak
at GB, NYJ, at Hou, SF...they have to find a way from 5-6 to 8-7 and then they close with the Browns and Jets, they'd have a legit chance to make the Playoffs
That 1 pt loss to AZ is hurting them and also the inability to win against easy teams when Tua was out 4 games, just haunting this team right now
They easily would be in the Playoff hunt is you think Tua all season would have them at say 7-4 vs 5-6? That's where we would be going to Green Bay

How is Tua when it is chilly?

How is Jordan Love these days protecting the football?
Miami has created 4 turnovers on just the QB last 3 games, 2 other fumbles they didn't recover on strip sacks so it could have been 6.
I'm not worried about Tua on Thursday
I am worried about Jacobs although he had a lot of touches Sunday, could be a little worn down.
I think it should be highly competitive, depending on the weather, 24-21 either way

 

[King of the Jungle]

Got up on New England 31-0 before they gave up a couple scores?
Tua 4 TD passes and 300+ yds and yet we still don't see Hill much in this offense

Phins improve to 5-6, big game Thursday night vs Green Bay, a win would give Miami a 4game win streak
at GB, NYJ, at Hou, SF...they have to find a way from 5-6 to 8-7 and then they close with the Browns and Jets, they'd have a legit chance to make the Playoffs
That 1 pt loss to AZ is hurting them and also the inability to win against easy teams when Tua was out 4 games, just haunting this team right now
They easily would be in the Playoff hunt is you think Tua all season would have them at say 7-4 vs 5-6? That's where we would be going to Green Bay

How is Tua when it is chilly?

How is Jordan Love these days protecting the football?
Miami has created 4 turnovers on just the QB last 3 games, 2 other fumbles they didn't recover on strip sacks so it could have been 6.
I'm not worried about Tua on Thursday
I am worried about Jacobs although he had a lot of touches Sunday, could be a little worn down.
I think it should be highly competitive, depending on the weather, 24-21 either way

I thought I remember him struggling outdoors in the cold which is why I asked. Really has nothing to do with Love. You guys are playing better ball and have a chance to sneak back into the playoff picture with a win on Thursday. Good luck

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Got up on New England 31-0 before they gave up a couple scores?
Tua 4 TD passes and 300+ yds and yet we still don't see Hill much in this offense

Phins improve to 5-6, big game Thursday night vs Green Bay, a win would give Miami a 4game win streak
at GB, NYJ, at Hou, SF...they have to find a way from 5-6 to 8-7 and then they close with the Browns and Jets, they'd have a legit chance to make the Playoffs
That 1 pt loss to AZ is hurting them and also the inability to win against easy teams when Tua was out 4 games, just haunting this team right now
They easily would be in the Playoff hunt is you think Tua all season would have them at say 7-4 vs 5-6? That's where we would be going to Green Bay

How is Tua when it is chilly?

How is Jordan Love these days protecting the football?
Miami has created 4 turnovers on just the QB last 3 games, 2 other fumbles they didn't recover on strip sacks so it could have been 6.
I'm not worried about Tua on Thursday
I am worried about Jacobs although he had a lot of touches Sunday, could be a little worn down.
I think it should be highly competitive, depending on the weather, 24-21 either way

I thought I remember him struggling outdoors in the cold which is why I asked. Really has nothing to do with Love. You guys are playing better ball and have a chance to sneak back into the playoff picture with a win on Thursday. Good luck

The Miami Dolphins in general stink in cold weather games, always been this way as long as I can remember
Marino would get clocked in Buffalo, cold games in December w/THill vs the Patriots when we needed a win and get blasted.
Mid to lower 20s, overnight temperature bottoms out at 19.
Not a huge blast of wind about 5-10, no doubt it will be cold.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Patrick Paul played 67 snaps, allowed 2 QB pressures and zero sacks, That's promising.
Chop on the Edge has looked pretty good when he's on the field, could see him getting better over the next couple seasons

Left Tackle and Edge are positions that are hard to fill. We have a couple of decent Corners under contract right now
For better or worse, Tua Tags has put up decent numbers 4 games in a row, had some issues at Green Bay...actually that's not really true
He completed 80% of his passes, 365/2TDs and no interceptions with a 114 QBR, I promise you Carolina would give their eye teeth for Tua right now, Indy would be No 2
We gotta have a reality talk because even winning and pulling close to .500, no chance they make the Playoffs even if they win out

The team needs to be thinking a lot more about what they need to get over the hump in '25. Still 2 or 3 open spots I would say on the OL going into '25
That's not good, that needs to solidify and become a cohesive unit that will be the same for several years, Miami never gets this part right

Weapons at the skill positions to help Tua...15 TDs and 1 Int since he returned from injured reserve

 

[Yogibear]

The Dolphins better hope the Chiefs play their starters next week in Denver. If not, I don't see them making the playoffs.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Tua Tags M-I-A end of '22 under McD's 1st Year as HC 9-9 w/ Playoff loss and Skylar starting that game
Tua Tags M-I-A 2 stints in '24 under McD's 3rd Year as HC 8-8 w/Playoffs in the balance and Tua nowhere to be seen again

Snoop in at QB, that's his name

 

[Wingnut]

Head coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier aren't going anywhere.

Statement from Stephen M. Ross:

Link

 

[Desert_Power]

On it's face, the team doesn't look in dire need of a refresh. 28-23 over the last three seasons with two playoff appearances and just missing another. But watching the games tells a different story. This team feasts on weak defenses but embarrasses itself against good teams. Indeed, they are 3-13 against teams with a winning record in that span PLUS the two playoff losses.

If this season isn't enough to get Chris Grier fired, I don't know what is. This mismanagement of this roster including gobs of dead money and large commitments to oft injured players are bad enough. You have a concussion prone quarterback and you don't prioritize the OL? Don't have a competent backup?

He's been a key part of the front office for about two decades, it's just pretty clear he cannot build a championship roster. He can spend Ross' money though. That's his problem, he's a people pleaser. A lot of times that is Ross, but he also enables the coaches when they want toys instead of things they need.

Mcdaniel has also done enough to get shown the door too. He needs more maturity to bring in different ideas and try different approaches on offense. Instead, he seems to be stubborn to a fault while the only different approach he seems to be taking is to wardrobe and tanning.

I don't think it makes sense to keep Grier and remove Mcdaniel though. Just rearranging the deck chairs. Need a new GM who needs to find his coach (or be both...)

 

[Todem]

Head coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier aren't going anywhere.

Statement from Stephen M. Ross:

Link

I totally expected that.

2026 is when a complete house cleaning will happen.

Grier, McD and Tua all will be gone before the 2026 season.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Head coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier aren't going anywhere.

Statement from Stephen M. Ross:

Link

I totally expected that.

2026 is when a complete house cleaning will happen.

Grier, McD and Tua all will be gone before the 2026 season.

Didn’t Tua just sign a long term contract?

 

[Todem]

Head coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier aren't going anywhere.

Statement from Stephen M. Ross:

Link

I totally expected that.

2026 is when a complete house cleaning will happen.

Grier, McD and Tua all will be gone before the 2026 season.

Didn’t Tua just sign a long term contract?

We can cut (release) Tua before the 2026 season with no cap ramifications.

 

[Desert_Power]

Honestly, Tua should be the one opting out.

 

[Hankmoody]

We can cut (release) Tua before the 2026 season with no cap ramifications.

Tua has $56M in dead money in 2026 (more if they re-work 2025) and in March of 2025 his entire 2026 $54M compensation becomes guaranteed.

 

[Todem]

We can cut (release) Tua before the 2026 season with no cap ramifications.

Tua has $56M in dead money in 2026 (more if they re-work 2025) and in March of 2025 his entire 2026 $54M compensation becomes guaranteed.

Honestly….I don’t care….after 2025 he won’t be here and we will eat whatever it is. They better not restructure next season. I don’t see that.

Also I think there are certain kickers wjere it will be 36MM in dead money as opposed to 54MM.

Bottom line is he was under our control for 25MM this year and these idiots extend a guy who has had one healthy season.

Waddles extension…..smh.

Hill…..see ya man. And thanks for nosediving your trade value for us.

This front office is a ****ing disaster.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

We can cut (release) Tua before the 2026 season with no cap ramifications.

Tua has $56M in dead money in 2026 (more if they re-work 2025) and in March of 2025 his entire 2026 $54M compensation becomes guaranteed.

He has a cap hit of $56M, no guaranteed money AND...as we read the fine print, Miami can cut him post June 1st while only absorbing $8.4M in dead cap and save almost $48M

 

[Todem]

We can cut (release) Tua before the 2026 season with no cap ramifications.

Tua has $56M in dead money in 2026 (more if they re-work 2025) and in March of 2025 his entire 2026 $54M compensation becomes guaranteed.

He has a cap hit of $56M, no guaranteed money BUT...as we read the fine print, Miami can cut him post June 1st and absorb $8.4M in dead cap and save almost $48M

Yep….gone after 2025.

 

[Desert_Power]

Tyreek suggesting he wants to leave. Trade him if someone is willing to send decent picks, for sure.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Tyreek suggesting he wants to leave. Trade him if someone is willing to send decent picks, for sure.

4th if the Phins are lucky

 

[Gr00vus]

Tyreek suggesting he wants to leave. Trade him if someone is willing to send decent picks, for sure.

4th if the Phins are lucky

They'd probably have to pay some of his contract too right? Isn't he due an obscene amount of money?

 

[The Duff Man]

Zero chance Tyreek is able to pull out.

 

[Desert_Power]

Zero chance Tyreek is able to pull out.

Thanks for making me google how many kids this dude has.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Tyreek suggesting he wants to leave. Trade him if someone is willing to send decent picks, for sure.

4th if the Phins are lucky

They'd probably have to pay some of his contract too right? Isn't he due an obscene amount of money?

Sounds like frustration. Doubt he'll be moved, though a team like Pittsburgh could really use some offensive weapons.

 

[Shankopotamus]

I don't think it makes sense to keep Grier and remove Mcdaniel though. Just rearranging the deck chairs. Need a new GM who needs to find his coach (or be both...)

Grier has been GM for the Gase hire, the Flores hire, and the McDaniel hire. I can't see any way (outside of some illicit photos of Ross) that he can stay for a 4th coach hire (whenever that may be).

 

[Desert_Power]

Tyreek suggesting he wants to leave. Trade him if someone is willing to send decent picks, for sure.

4th if the Phins are lucky

They'd probably have to pay some of his contract too right? Isn't he due an obscene amount of money?

Sounds like frustration. Doubt he'll be moved, though a team like Pittsburgh could really use some offensive weapons.

Steelers MO is to get the receivers before they go crazy. Not afterwards.

 

[FarFromHome]

I remember that brief window when some people thought McDaniel was the template for future coaches.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Tyreek suggesting he wants to leave. Trade him if someone is willing to send decent picks, for sure.

4th if the Phins are lucky

They'd probably have to pay some of his contract too right? Isn't he due an obscene amount of money?

Sounds like frustration. Doubt he'll be moved, though a team like Pittsburgh could really use some offensive weapons.

Steelers MO is to get the receivers before they go crazy. Not afterwards.

I always thought living in Pittsburgh is what drove them crazy.

 

[Hankmoody]

He has a cap hit of $56M, no guaranteed money AND...as we read the fine print, Miami can cut him post June 1st while only absorbing $8.4M in dead cap and save almost $48M

There's a little more to it though, he does have guaranteed money activating soon - his entire 2026 compensation guarantees on pi day of this year for $54M. He already has $45M in dead money racked up before that. If you're using the online tools at OTC or Spotrac, those don't take into account the $54M yet because as of this moment it's not guaranteed but it will be in there by the time 2026 rolls around and will have to be paid/accounted for.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/47598/tua-tagovailoa

Contract Notes

• $93.171M guaranteed at signing (signing bonus + 2024 salary + 2025 salary + 2025 option bonus)
• 2025 Option Bonus: $25M (guaranteed, exercised between March 12-14, 2025)
• $54M 2026 compensation fully guarantees March 14, 2025 (injury guaranteed at sign)
• 2026 Option Bonus: $15M (exercised between the 1st-3rd league days of 2026)
• etc
• etc

Now they do have a different out - if they insured his contract (I don't know, but it's likely) then they get credited for any money paid out by that policy. So if he were to get hurt and not pass a physical then they'd be off the cap hook for a whole ton of this money. I believe that it would be the same if he doesn't pass a physical and they release him with an injury settlement. He'd still get a huge check but it would come from the insurance company and the team would get cap relief/credit. That dead money has to be accounted for either way though but to your point, that's quite manageable to deal with.

 

[fabian]

That was an awful season. Dolphins fans would be glad that it is over now.

 

[Hankmoody]

Also I think there are certain kickers wjere it will be 36MM in dead money as opposed to 54MM.

See above but yes, it can be only $38M this year but a large chuck rolls to 2026 too. But we saw DEN eat big money on Russ and move on and that paid off so I'm not saying MIA shouldn't or won't, they may very well decide it's worth the price.

 

[SwampDawg]

QB A - 14 of 32, 242 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs - Scored 12 points in a must win game
QB B - 29 of 40, 196 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTS - Scored 12 points in a must win game
Must win games against the same opponent a few weeks apart.

Spoiler: Who we talkin about....

I'm firmly in the Tua is done here camp, but not sure San Diego paying Herbert what they did is turning out to be a great deal either. 0-2 in the playoffs, can't beat the Chiefs, stats look wonderful but much like Tua can't beat good teams. Lost to the Chiefs (2), Bucs, Ravens, Cardinals, Steelers. did beat the Broncos but they were smoke and mirrors. As much as I poo poo'd the idea of signing Lamar to an offer sheet when he was a free agent the truth is he is a better big game QB then Tua or Herbert

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Tua Tags $39M Cap hit and there isn't much the Phins or Tua can do about it.
You can spread a little bit around other years but it's probably best not to.

Bradley Chubb $26M Cap hit, Phins could eat about $9M in dead cap money but save almost $20M with a post June 1st cut date...zero guaranteed money so he could be restructured

-Take a moment to see that Miami has $65M+ locked up in 2 players that were not on the field the last several games of the season, Chubb missed ALL of '24
Can anyone see a problem here?

Tyreek Hill $27M cap hit and rumors are running rampant the Patriots want to trade for him, Miami needs to get him off the books so i can see it happening.
A Post June 1st-trade which this clearly would not be but something like that would save Miami over $12M and that's about what they are over the cap right now

Terron Armstead $23M cap hit and no guaranteed money, look for a restructure
And that's if Miami doesn't decide to trade Armstead and get something for him while he still has 2 years left on his deal
He also is a very good Left Tackle that still rates pretty high and did manage to start a lot of games for Miami last season

-Here is another $50M in cap hits, $115M total tied up in 4 players, would seem likely that Hill trade offers will be considered and Chubb/Armstead need restructured to stay or else Miami needs to find a potential trade partner, not sure what Chubb would even bring on the market right now.

Jalen Ramsey $16M cap hit, lot of guuranteed money, I doubt Miami starting Corners are gonna go anywhere
AJax and Jaelen Phillips are both likely to remain on their current deals, Jackson could be cut Post June 1st and save Miami $8M+ but again I don't see him going anywhere in '25.

Sieler and Fuller have no guaranteed money left and about $20M total in cap hits, I could see them being extended or possibly restructured but their contracts are more than fair for what they produce on the field. Fuller was terrific prior to him missing time 2nd Half of the season, I would keep him as is.

Next are some softer targets for Miami to try and find some cap relief.

Jordyn Brooks $11M cap hit and Miami can save almost $9.5M with a June 1st cut date, I think he's as good as gone,

Durham Smythe, Jason Sanders and Raheem Mostert are all fairly cheap to cut and add up to another $6m-$7m in cap relief.

Miami is like $12M OTC right now but Chubb alone can bring them down under. Hill trade and Miami is likely $20M UTC and then Armstead will be dealt with, I see an easy $30M under they can comfortably get to and maybe that means a franchise tag on Holland and then hammer out an extension.

I'll discuss more about what this means in the Draft in my next posts. This is just a brief outline of what I expect the game plan to be in the coming weeks.
I don't see Miami being a big player in free agency

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Kind of went unnoticed or nobody seemed to care much but...
Jan 14th, 2025 - Steelers signed Skylar Thompson to a deal from the practice squad and I have no idea what that means but he is now w/Pittsburgh in case you didn't know

Who is Miami's 2nd string QB? A position that will eventually morph into the 1st string QB come Dec/Jan when Tua is usually injured and unable to suit up. I'm not trying to pile on Tua but we need to think about our future and the reality is Tua simply does not hold up well over a 17 game season and had another concussion where he missed a big chunk of the season. He also was OUT the last 2-3 weeks of the season and many are wondering if he didn't have another concussion that went unreported which Miami may have pulled off already in Tua's career

The answer to this mystery and a complete overhaul of the OL and IDL is a MUST this off season

 

[travdogg]

Tua Tags $39M Cap hit and there isn't much the Phins or Tua can do about it.
You can spread a little bit around other years but it's probably best not to.

Bradley Chubb $26M Cap hit, Phins could eat about $9M in dead cap money but save almost $20M with a post June 1st cut date...zero guaranteed money so he could be restructured

-Take a moment to see that Miami has $65M+ locked up in 2 players that were not on the field the last several games of the season, Chubb missed ALL of '24
Can anyone see a problem here?

Tyreek Hill $27M cap hit and rumors are running rampant the Patriots want to trade for him, Miami needs to get him off the books so i can see it happening.
A Post June 1st-trade which this clearly would not be but something like that would save Miami over $12M and that's about what they are over the cap right now

Terron Armstead $23M cap hit and no guaranteed money, look for a restructure
And that's if Miami doesn't decide to trade Armstead and get something for him while he still has 2 years left on his deal
He also is a very good Left Tackle that still rates pretty high and did manage to start a lot of games for Miami last season

-Here is another $50M in cap hits, $115M total tied up in 4 players, would seem likely that Hill trade offers will be considered and Chubb/Armstead need restructured to stay or else Miami needs to find a potential trade partner, not sure what Chubb would even bring on the market right now.

Jalen Ramsey $16M cap hit, lot of guuranteed money, I doubt Miami starting Corners are gonna go anywhere
AJax and Jaelen Phillips are both likely to remain on their current deals, Jackson could be cut Post June 1st and save Miami $8M+ but again I don't see him going anywhere in '25.

Sieler and Fuller have no guaranteed money left and about $20M total in cap hits, I could see them being extended or possibly restructured but their contracts are more than fair for what they produce on the field. Fuller was terrific prior to him missing time 2nd Half of the season, I would keep him as is.

Next are some softer targets for Miami to try and find some cap relief.

Jordyn Brooks $11M cap hit and Miami can save almost $9.5M with a June 1st cut date, I think he's as good as gone,

Durham Smythe, Jason Sanders and Raheem Mostert are all fairly cheap to cut and add up to another $6m-$7m in cap relief.

Miami is like $12M OTC right now but Chubb alone can bring them down under. Hill trade and Miami is likely $20M UTC and then Armstead will be dealt with, I see an easy $30M under they can comfortably get to and maybe that means a franchise tag on Holland and then hammer out an extension.

I'll discuss more about what this means in the Draft in my next posts. This is just a brief outline of what I expect the game plan to be in the coming weeks.
I don't see Miami being a big player in free agency

I think Chubb and Brooks (both of whom were highly questionable moves at the time) are easy guys to dump. I don't see any chance of a hard reset, especially as its very arguable that if Tua doesn't get hurt (I know, I know) that Miami makes the playoffs this season. Other than SF and Dallas, I'm not sure any other team had worse injury luck than Miami.

Armstead is tough, but he's still probably one of the top-10 OTs in the NFL, when he's healthy. I think they'd like to keep Sanders as he's a solid kicker. Mostert is still pretty solid, but expendable.

I'm still a Tua supporter. He just needs more protection and better playcalling. Put him in Detroit and I truly think he'd be as good or better than Goff. Tua is like a B- level QB, not gonna carry you, but certainly capable of keeping the offense humming better than most.

I think they'd be nuts to deal Tyreek. I agree, you'd wanna keep Ramsey and Fuller at CB, you'd just be creating a huge hole, that would VERY hard to replace. Same with Sieler.

I never understood the Jackson extension in the 1st place. In my eyes, they doubled down on re-signing a bad draft pick. I honestly thought Kendall Lamb was a better player.

The Phillips stuff sucks, he was ascending to one of the better EDGE players in the NFL, and now, its tough to know if he'll even contribute. An Achilles followed by an ACL makes it hard to trust he'll be anywhere near as explosive as he was back in 2022. That said, I think they will (and should) hang onto him and be hopeful he's young enough to recover.

How much cap space is cleared if they dump Chubb, Brooks, Jackson, Smythe, and Mostert?