How should Miami realistically approach free agency? | Page 2 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

How should Miami realistically approach free agency?

Miami4471 said:
Are we happy with Paul & AJ at OT with Armstead after a restructure as swing T, Brewer at C had a decent and competent 1st season then we'll need 2 dominant guards be it through a trade, draft or free agency. Eichenberg can be released for me we need a new culture but I'm not saying he is the problem with how soft we are but we need better standard of play
Click to expand...

There are degrees of 'happy.' Paul AJ, and Brewer can be upgraded, but the cost would be high and none are the biggest problem. Those 3 and two above average OGs would improve the O dramatically.
 
Danny said:
doubt we get any of the top free agents. Our cap situation is not good. So I'm going to keep it realistic. We need to get a backup QB. After that we might be able to get one guard and one safety. I really don’t see much more happening unless gries screws up again by restructuring yet more deal which is part of the reason we're in this mess in the first place.
Click to expand...
I think Grier will clear up more cap than most people think this offseason by restructuring some deals.

Am I saying that’s a good thing? Not really.



We’re already in a financial jam because of all the restructures Grier has done in the past.

It’s pretty clear we’re gonna have to bite the bullet eventually and stay put in free agency instead of kicking the financial crisis can down the road.



All that being said, Grier and McDaniel’s jobs are on the line.

They’re likely heading into this offseason with an aggressive plan to retool the roster enough for us to win games next year.

They’re not gonna head into this offseason thinking about how certain moves could financially jam us up even more in the future.



Their jobs are on the line and need to win now. The future in Miami is irrelevant for them if they can’t put together a winning team next season.
 
Miami4471 said:
Are we happy with Paul & AJ at OT with Armstead after a restructure as swing T, Brewer at C had a decent and competent 1st season then we'll need 2 dominant guards be it through a trade, draft or free agency. Eichenberg can be released for me we need a new culture but I'm not saying he is the problem with how soft we are but we need better standard of play
Click to expand...
I’m happy with Austin Jackson when he’s healthy.

As for Paul. There’s no telling if he’ll pan out. I sure hope he does or else our line will even be worse
 
Fin_Frenzy_84 said:
I think Grier will clear up more cap than most people think this offseason by restructuring some deals.

Am I saying that’s a good thing? Not really.



We’re already in a financial jam because of all the restructures Grier has done in the past.

It’s pretty clear we’re gonna have to bite the bullet eventually and stay put in free agency instead of kicking the financial crisis can down the road.



All that being said, Grier and McDaniel’s jobs are on the line.

They’re likely heading into this offseason with an aggressive plan to retool the roster enough for us to win games next year.

They’re not gonna head into this offseason thinking about how certain moves could financially jam us up even more in the future.



Their jobs are on the line and need to win now. The future in Miami is irrelevant for them if they can’t put together a winning team next season.
Click to expand...
not many players left to restructure though
 
Agree with Danny. Backup QB, a solid Guard, and a decent Safety in FA. Then pray Grier hits on draft picks 😅
 
BahamaFinFan78 said:
What we should do or what will Grier do?
Click to expand...
Grier will look long and hard at the FA's available for positions of need. Once he has identified a few older, expensive, oft-injured players with a history of off-field clashes, he will select the one with the most problems. In the draft, he will look at players who are very good at their position, but with an injury history. He will select one of those, then change his position and make a "project" player out of him.
 
Last edited:
Grier did make some good free signings last year, Smith, Brooks and Campbell.

He has a lot more work to do this offseason.

We can't address everything in free agency or the draft. It has to be a combination of both.

We should sign at least 1 starting caliber OG, S, LB and DT maybe even a DB if we release Fuller and of course a quality backup QB.
 
Grier will probably waive Jason Sanders and sign Fairbairn to a long term $$$$ contract after watching the Texans tonight 🤣🤣🤣
 
If we can't make a deal with Holland, I would switch to Jason Pinnock from the NYG. Tommy Tremble for TE2, more athletic and can block on the move while still giving a receiving option. Noah Brown for a possession WR. If Campbell retires, maybe a Kinlaw or Jarran Reed rotational vet DT to pair with Seiler and a draft pick. Maybe look at Taylor Heinicke for backup qb. Also wouldn't mind re-signing Dodson and Isaiah Wynn.

​

AI Analytics Justification​

  • Free Agent Comprehensive Talent Analysis (FACTA)​

    Noah Brown (WR)​

    Expanded Analytics:
    • Catch Rate: 70.8% (Reliable target for quarterbacks, even in contested situations).
    • Yards After Catch (YAC): 5.3 yards/reception (Above average, effective in short-to-intermediate routes).
    • Drop Rate: 2.3% (Minimal drops, showing reliability).
    • Separation Rate: 2.5 yards on average (Moderate; excels in physical matchups rather than speed-based separation).
    • Red Zone Efficiency: 4 targets, 3 touchdowns in 2024 (High conversion rate in critical situations).
    • Explosive Play Rate: 12% of receptions resulted in 20+ yards.
      Team Fit:Noah Brown would complement Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle by offering a physical presence capable of contested catches and red-zone production. His reliability on short-to-intermediate routes adds a layer of security for Tua Tagovailoa, especially in third-down situations.

    Role: WR3/WR4 with situational use in red-zone packages and third-down conversions.

    Short-Term Impact: Provides depth and a reliable possession receiver.

    Long-Term Impact: Could evolve into a dependable rotational player and occasional starter.

    Jason Pinnock (DB)​

    Expanded Analytics:
    • Passer Rating Allowed: 78.9 (Effective in limiting quarterback success).
    • Run Stop Percentage: 4.6% (Good for a defensive back, effective in run support).
    • Tackle Success Rate: 89% (Reliable tackler in the open field).
    • Missed Tackle Rate: 5.2% (Low, consistent tackler).
    • Coverage Versatility: Played 60% snaps at free safety, 30% in slot, and 10% as box safety (Adaptable in multiple defensive roles).
      Team Fit:Pinnock’s versatility addresses Miami’s safety concerns by providing a dependable, adaptable player who can perform well in single-high coverage or slot roles. His ability to play the run complements a high-press defensive scheme.

    Role: Starting free safety with rotational flexibility.

    Short-Term Impact: Stabilizes the safety position immediately with versatility.

    Long-Term Impact: Offers consistent contributions and can mentor younger defensive backs.

    Jarran Reed (DL)​

    Expanded Analytics:
    • Pressure Rate: 9.4% (Consistent disruptor in the pass rush).
    • Run Stop Percentage: 8.8% (Reliable in clogging lanes and stopping rush attempts).
    • Tackle Success Rate: 92% (High success rate in solo and assisted tackles).
    • Hurries/Disruptions: 25 hurries in 2024 (Solid interior pass-rushing presence).
    • Forced Fumble Rate: 2 in 2024 (Adds turnover potential to the defensive line).
      Team Fit:Reed would pair well with Zach Sieler to provide an interior presence that balances run defense and pass-rush disruption. His experience and leadership would be invaluable for Miami’s young defensive linemen.

    Role: Starting defensive tackle in base and sub-packages.

    Short-Term Impact: Adds interior strength and pass-rushing ability.

    Long-Term Impact: Bridges the gap while younger players develop into larger roles.

    Tommy Tremble (TE)​

    Expanded Analytics:
    • Catch Rate: 66.7% (Reliable in short-yardage situations).
    • Yards After Catch (YAC): 4.8 yards/reception (Effective in creating additional yardage post-catch).
    • Drop Rate: 4.5% (Slightly above average, but not a liability).
    • Pass Block Win Rate: 88% (Excellent in pass protection roles).
    • Run Block Efficiency: 81% (Consistent blocker, excels in power schemes).
      Team Fit:Tremble’s blocking ability and reliable hands make him a perfect complement to Jonnu Smith. He provides depth and flexibility in two-TE sets, with the ability to line up as an H-back or inline blocker.

    Role: TE2 with a focus on blocking and situational receiving.

    Short-Term Impact: Improves the running game and adds versatility to the passing attack.

    Long-Term Impact: Develops into a key rotational player and potentially a starter.

    Taylor Heinicke (QB)​

    Expanded Analytics:
    • Completion Percentage: 64.3% (Accurate in short-to-midrange passing).
    • Turnover-Worthy Play Rate: 2.8% (Reasonably low, protects the ball well).
    • Explosive Play Rate: 10.2% of passes resulted in 20+ yards (Aggressive in downfield passing).
    • Third-Down Conversion Rate: 48% (Effective in critical situations).
    • Time to Throw: 2.68 seconds (Quick decision-maker).
      Team Fit:Heinicke offers a reliable backup quarterback option for Miami. His aggressive mindset complements Tua’s style, ensuring continuity in the offense if needed.

    Role: QB2 with potential to start in emergencies.

    Short-Term Impact: Provides stability and a safety net behind Tua.

    Long-Term Impact: Solidifies the backup role while mentoring younger quarterbacks.

    Tyrel Dodson (LB)​

    Expanded Analytics:
    • Tackle Success Rate: 88% (Reliable tackler with range).
    • Run Stop Percentage: 7.3% (Effective in filling gaps and stopping runs).
    • Passer Rating Allowed: 81.5 (Above average in coverage for a linebacker).
    • Missed Tackle Rate: 7.6% (Reasonable for his position).
    • Blitz Efficiency: Generated pressure on 18% of blitz attempts.
      Team Fit:Dodson would bring experience and leadership to Miami’s linebacker corps. His ability to cover and stop the run makes him an ideal partner for Jordyn Brooks.

    Role: Starting linebacker in base packages, with rotational flexibility in sub-packages.

    Short-Term Impact: Provides immediate leadership and stability.

    Long-Term Impact: Helps mentor younger players while maintaining high-level play.

    Isaiah Wynn (OL)​

    Expanded Analytics:
    • Pressures Allowed: 19 in 2024 (Effective in limiting pass-rush disruptions).
    • Run Lane Creation Rate: 72% (Strong in opening lanes for running backs).
    • Pass Block Efficiency: 92.3% (Consistent in protecting the quarterback).
    • Snap Count Consistency: 98.6% of snaps without penalties (Disciplined and dependable).
      Team Fit:Wynn’s versatility to play guard or tackle provides depth and flexibility for Miami’s offensive line. His ability to create run lanes fits well with Miami’s zone and power schemes.

    Role: Backup tackle/guard with potential to start as needed.

    Short-Term Impact: Enhances depth and provides a reliable option if injuries arise.

    Long-Term Impact: Offers value as a versatile lineman who can fill multiple roles effectively.
 
Last edited:
Danny said:
doubt we get any of the top free agents. Our cap situation is not good. So I'm going to keep it realistic. We need to get a backup QB. After that we might be able to get one guard and one safety. I really don’t see much more happening unless gries screws up again by restructuring yet more deal which is part of the reason we're in this mess in the first place.
Click to expand...

I suspect Ross will be okay with Grier restructuring and doing whatever else they can to free up money. By running it back again with the same crew, he seems to be putting all of his chips in for a last-gasp attempt at glory. Ross only cares about himself and what he can do before he kicks the bucket. He's probably thinking if it doesn't work out (again) they can always blow it up and start over. Screw the fans. What does it matter if we have a few crap years and tons of dead money while we rebuild? The idea of sustained playoff competitiveness for the Dolphins has long been gone.
 
Last edited:
SF Dolphin Fan said:
I know there's a lot of criticism of Grier on this site. Some is deserved. Some isn't. But if he can have the same type of success in free agency that he had last year, this team could rebound. His free agent signings last year were outstanding.

I'd be looking to, at the minimum, find an upgrade at one guard spot and safety. Maybe a quarterback like Dalton, who would be an upgrade there.

I hope Campbell comes back.

In the draft, I'd concentrate on defense. But you always want to be flexible and add transformative talent if you can. I think Warren, Pierce, Nolen, maybe Walker could be that in the 1st round range.
Click to expand...
I’ll stop criticizing Grier when he builds a team that can win a playoff game. Some people here have never had to fire a decent person who is OK at their job, but hasn’t accomplished what they were hired to do, and it shows. He’s had 9 seasons and we are no closer to a SB, or playoff win, than we were when he started. I wish him no ill will, but at some point you have to accept reality.
 
ThePeopleShow13 said:
I’ll stop criticizing Grier when he builds a team that can win a playoff game. Some people here have never had to fire a decent person who is OK at their job, but hasn’t accomplished what they were hired to do, and it shows. He’s had 9 seasons and we are no closer to a SB, or playoff win, than we were when he started. I wish him no ill will, but at some point you have to accept reality.
Click to expand...
That's fair. I get it. But we have too many fans who are saying he's bad, and that just isn't the case.

I do think a playoff win should be the expectation this year, though. Miami has to rebound or both Grier and McDaniel should be replaced.

Give Grier credit for an excellent free agent class last year, though. If he can duplicate that, and have a strong draft, the Dolphins could hopefully take another step.
 
According to Kyle Crabbs our caps situation is fine and depending on who we restructure or release could have anywhere from 20-40 mil. That also doesnt include the potential cap raising. With that said it's easy to say what positions we need to add in FA, but how many good free agents are actually going to hit the market and would they be scheme fits? Once we found out those questions the roadmap of what we should do will be come clearer. Ideally tho we need to come out of FA with at least 1 quality player who can start at each of these positions DT,OG, swing OT, TE, and S. Hopefully we can get some scheme fit guys on offense line so we can actually run the ball
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom