Miami Dolphins: New foundation has future looking bright
By Larry Brake
In recent months, the Miami Dolphins have laid a new foundation for the franchise and the future is looking as bright as the Florida sun.
The Miami Dolphins have two Lombardi Trophies in five tries. They have not played for the championship since 1985. The long drought might be coming to a close relatively soon because the future looks bright.
Miami has had the misfortune of being in the AFC East with the New England Patriots. You do not have to be reminded of the success in New England lately. There might be a new divisional champion on the horizon.
The Dolphins a winning record as a franchise. Since 1966, the Dolphins have a record of 452 wins, 360 losses and four ties. They are 20-21 in the playoffs. There are many teams who would love to have a winning record in their franchise history.
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In the 2019 offseason, Miami has been making moves to right the course and lay a new foundation. Brian Flores is the new head coach. Josh Rosen was obtained via a draft day trade to become the franchise quarterback going forward — unless Ryan Fitzpatrick has different plans.
The Dolphins have also begun stockpiling picks for the 2020 NFL Draft. Currently, through a few deals that they made, the Dolphins have 12 selections. There is a very real chance that Miami could be awarded two compensatory picks due to the losses of Ja’Wuan James and Cameron Wake, which would be a third- and fifth-round pick, respectively.
Greg Cote of the Miami Herald does not hide his enthusiasm concerning the Dolphins future after the draft in April. He reported the following:
"I believe what we have just seen the past few days has the potential to have been Miami’s most important and impactful NFL Draft in more than 20 years."
The foundation has been put into place with moves this year. Next year, more improvements will be added. As long as the injury bug stays away, things are looking good.
Miami has over $26 million in salary cap space, according to Over the Cap. The cap significantly rises to just over $62 million in 2020. However, they will have to make needed cuts in 2021 to gain some cap space.
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They will benefit by having so many players, contributing players, under rookie contracts. They will get younger but will be better in the long haul.