The Miami Dolphins were one of the hottest teams for the majority of the 2023 season, but an 8-3 record turned into 8-8 quicker than you could say "Tua." Fins fans had high hopes for a team that boasted a Top 5 offense in the NFL and a defense that was coming together. Unfortunately, injuries to the defense, including Xavien Howard and all of their edge rushers, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Andrew Van Ginkel, helped stifle any hope of the Fins knocking off the Bills, winning the division, and hosting a playoff home game.
Despite the injuries, the defense that stepped up, suffocating the Bills' offense in Week 18, and holding the Chiefs to three field goals in the red zone. One of the major issues with the Fins wasn't recorded in the box score, nor could you find it on the injury report, and that's an a grimy, gritty attitude. The Fins don't enough blue collar hard-nosed tough guys on the roster. Getting more of those guys is one move they need to make, but it's not the boldest.
Mike McDaniel Gives Up Playcalling
Okay, so this is more of an in-season thing, but there have been issues with Mike McDaniel play-calling over the past two seasons. Last season, it was his complex game planning and dense playbook that he refused to alter or simplify when Skylar Thompson entered the starting lineup. Fast forward to the 2023 season, where the Fins had three different interior offensive linemen playing against the Chiefs; Mike McDaniel couldn't get out of his own way in terms of simplifying things for the players who were not getting reps in practice.
McDaniel is a smart coach who will see the error of his ways. He will give up play-calling and focus more on installation and leading his team. Frank Smith is a guy who deserves a chance to call more plays if he isn't snatched up by a team that sees the potential he has as a head coach. If they don't have Smith, the Fins could hire a long-time offensive coordinator like Pete Carmichael or Eric Bieniemy, who could reshape the attitude of the offense. Other experienced playcallers the Fins could look at are Jim Caldwell, former Lions head coach, or someone young, like Byron Leftwich.
Bring in a toolsy quarterback
Tua has quickly become one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the NFL. He's essentially become to the Miami Dolphins what Jared Goff was to the L.A. Rams. Not a "toolsy" quarterback, Tua's limitations show when it comes to making off-platform plays. He lacks the athleticism to make plays with his legs, and while he has good arm strength, he's no Matthew Stafford.
The Rams' journey to the Super Bowl with Jared Goff, only to lose and subsequently engage in a blockbuster trade, is reminiscent. While the Dolphins were one and done, it's clear to see that Tua is a quarterback a team can win with. He's a guy who can win a playoff game or two, but he has limits.
The end of the 2023 season saw a collapse, and Tua was partly to blame. With Tua due for a contract, rumors have the Fins offering him a 4-year deal worth $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed. That likely means there's a two-year out, where he could receive the Jared Goff treatment – traded while his value is high. Alternatively, the Fins could draft a developmental quarterback who can do things Tua can't: a player with a big arm and athleticism, ready to spark the team in case of an injury to Tua.
It's a win/win situation for a team that may not look to keep Tua beyond two or three more seasons. Having a capable, dynamic backup quarterback doesn't hurt. The Cowboys' trade for Trey Lance, whether as an insurance policy or for the long term, and the Jordan Love story are notable examples. If the draft isn't where the Fins go, perhaps signing someone like Malik Willis, a young guy with a dynamic skill-set in need of development, would be a viable option. No matter what, the Fins are poised to boost their quarterback room, whether they re-sign Tua or not.
Cut or Trade Xavien Howard
Over the last two seasons, there have been questions surrounding whether Xavien Howard has lost a step. There have also been trade rumors involving Howard for some time. With a potential out as a post-June 1st cut, Chris Grier could be thinking about the long-term future of the Miami Dolphins by moving on from a player who hasn’t quite lived up to his contract. With his looming contract and dwindling plat, the All Pro corner is preparing for life after the Miami Dolphins.. If that is the case, the Fins could look to move on for more draft picks.
Howard is still a solid corner who does his best work with a safety over the top, and he’s asked to play man press in a blitz-heavy scheme. The Vikings are a great candidate for a player like Howard, given his success under his former head coach, Brian Flores. Wherever Bill Belichick lands, he’ll need a player like Howard, a veteran who can contribute to a winning team in the right scheme.
Meanwhile, Cam Smith was taken in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft as an insurance policy. The 6’1”, 180-pound corner took a bit of a redshirt year as a special teams player who learned from two of the best in the NFL: Howard and Jalen Ramsey. Vic Fangio’s defense is the ideal fit for the long, athletic press corner who excels in man coverage, but he can also play zone. His time as a starter will likely happen at the expense of Xavien Howard being traded or cut.
Christian Wilkins played his last game as Dolphin
This decision won't sit well with fans, considering Wilkins has been the backbone and spirit of the defense. He's proven to be a player around whom a team can build. Under Brian Flores, Wilkins was the linchpin in the blitz-heavy press scheme of the former head coach, earning All-Pro honors. Under rookie defensive coordinator Josh Boyer, who retained Flores' system, Wilkins tallied 98 tackles from the interior. Grier chose to franchise tag him, and Wilkins dominated alongside Zach Sieler, achieving a career-high 9.5 sacks.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins lack the cap space to offer him a suitable contract. He deserves a deal the Fins can't afford. In seeking a replacement, Chris Jones emerges as an option, likely departing Kansas City, and could be offered a one-year deal by a playoff-ready team. Fletcher Cox is another one-year deal possibility if he doesn't re-sign with the Eagles. Other names to consider include Greg Gaines, DaQuan Jones, and Javon Kinlaw.
As much as the Fins need players like Wilkins, he's likely to be the one that got away. Despite the success of Sieler and the prospects of the upcoming free agents and the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilkins is set to leave Miami.