Miami Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier is facing significant challenges as he works to reshape the team’s roster. His top priority is to address the Dolphins’ salary cap situation before free agency begins in March. The team is currently projected to be $2 million over the cap, which could change depending on TV revenue. While being $2 million over isn’t ideal, the situation is complicated by the large contracts Grier signed last year. He extended quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which increased his cap hit from $9 million to over $30 million, and gave new deals to veterans Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey, both of which weren’t urgently needed. These moves have made it difficult to part ways with players like Hill, who has shown interest in leaving, especially after his behavior during the final game of the season.
Grier also extended the contracts of Terron Armstead and Bradley Chubb in 2022. Armstead has performed well but has injury concerns, and his restructured contract could complicate matters further. Releasing him after June 1st might be the best course of action, though it would still count against the cap. Chubb is coming off an injury but could still contribute, making it less desirable to release him.
The Dolphins also have some options to generate cap space by cutting players like Raheem Mostert and Durham Smythe, whose performances have been underwhelming. Grier has been criticized for holding onto players like Tanner Conner and Skylar Thompson, who have regressed. His failure to move on from underperforming players, or at least trade them, has been a point of frustration.
A key issue for the Dolphins is the lack of young talent from recent draft classes, as their 2022 and 2023 drafts largely failed to produce impactful players outside of De’Von Achane. This has left the roster thin, especially as free agency and contract negotiations with key players have taken their toll.
Grier has also been criticized for failing to secure contract extensions with key players whose deals were expiring, such as Christian Wilkins and Robert Hunt, allowing them to walk. His failure to address the backup quarterback situation earlier also proved costly. Though Grier made aggressive moves to acquire players like Hill, Ramsey, and Chubb, the lack of draft picks in 2022 and 2023 has hindered the team’s long-term development.
This year’s draft is crucial for Grier, as he potentially has 10 picks and must use them wisely to fill the team’s many roster needs. The Dolphins need to invest in the offensive line, where several key players are uncertain, and bolster their defensive line, especially opposite Zach Sieler. With limited cap space due to large contracts, the draft is the best way to add affordable, talented players. Grier’s decisions will be critical in shaping the future of the team, but many fans are skeptical of his ability to turn things Around.
