Dolphins Season In Review/Offseason Preview

By: Mike Rifkin

For the first time in six years, the 2022 Miami Dolphins made the playoffs. The Dolphins’ season was streaky. They won their first three games, then lost three, then won five, then lost five before winning their season finale to make the playoffs. 

The biggest question going into the 2022 season was Tua Tagovailoa’s development. The Dolphins brought a pro-Left Tackle, Terron Armstead, and Connor Williams to help the offensive line. They made a massive trade with the Chiefs to acquire Receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill’s chemistry with Tua did not disappoint, as Hill broke the franchise record with the most receptions in a single season with 119 receiving yards in a single season. With 1,710 yards. Second-year receiver Jaylen Waddle followed up a great rookie year with a solid second season. Waddle had 75 catches for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns. Raheem Mostert, who came from San Francisco and head coach Mike McDaniel, had 891 rushing yards and three touchdowns. They traded with the 49ers to get Jeff Wilson at the trade deadline, and in eight games, Wilson ran for 392 yards and three touchdowns. 

Tua’s ability shouldn’t be questioned after he posted a 64.9 completion percentage of 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Tua had a QB Rating of 105.5, which was at the top of the NFL. Tua did suffer three concussions during the season. One occurred on Christmas day against the Packers, the last game Tua played during the season. There will be questions on the backup quarterback position. Will the Dolphins retain Teddy Bridgewater, or did Skylar Thompson show enough against the Bills that he can be the backup? Or does the team go after a different veteran? What if Aaron Rodgers says to the Packers that he wants to go to Miami? Do the Dolphins inquire about that? Derek Carr or Jimmy G is not an upgrade, although Garoppolo knows the system. 

The Dolphins’ defense took a bit of a backward step this season. The defense gave up 23.9 points per game, compared to 21.9 in 2021. In 2021 the defense was top five in sacks. This season they were middle of the pack. Part of that reason was Emmanuel Ogbah, whom the Dolphins gave a big contract to in the offseason, had one sack in nine games before getting a season-ending triceps injury. Former first-round pick Jaelan Phillips backed up his 8.5 sacks in his rookie season with seven. The Dolphins made a splash at the trade deadline when they traded their first-round pick to the Broncos for Bradley Chubb and signed him to a five-year contract worth 110 million dollars with 53 million guaranteed. Chubb had 2.5 sacks in eight games as a Dolphin. The Dolphin secondary had to rely on young Kader Kohou and Keion Crossen players. They had to rely on these guys because Nik Needham was limited to six games before tearing his Achilles, and Byron Jones had off-season ankle surgery and didn’t play a snap. Safety Jevon Holland had a great year with 96 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two interceptions. The Dolphins’ defense should improve next season because the guys will be healthy, and they hired Vic Fangio to be the new defensive coordinator. 

As it stands now, the Dolphins are 12 million dollars over the cap. To free up space, they can restructure the contracts of Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, and Terron Armstead. Trading Cedric Wilson and extending defensive tackle Christian Wilkins can save money. Cutting Byron Jones and designating him as a post-June 1st cut can save the team 13 million dollars. 

Free agency

1. Sign Mike McGlinchey – The Dolphins’ offensive line still needs to be improved, and Mchlinchey did play for Mike Mcdaniel in San Francisco. If the Bills cut Mitch Morse, he’d also be a name to check on. 
2. Sign TJ Edwards – The Dolphins have multiple free agents at linebacker. Edwards has played a solid role for the Eagles. 
3. Extend or Franchise Tag Christian Wilkins- Wilkins was arguably the most consistent Dolphin defender this season. Extending him would be significant for the franchise, as he and Zac Sieler have created a dynamic duo in the middle.
4. Re-sign Raheem Mostert or Jeff Wilson- Both had their moments this year for the Dolphins. If both are back, that would be good, but I would spend my money wisely. 
5. Re-sign Nik Needham – Needham was missed after his injury. Putting him back in the slot can help the Secondary and give it depth.

Draft 

RD 2 (51) – Jack Campbell- LB – Iowa. Campbell is an excellent tackler who could flourish in Fangios’s scheme.

RD 3 (78) – Kenny Mcintosh – RB – Georgia. If the Dolphins lose both Mostert and Wilson, running back becomes more necessary. Mcintosth was excellent for the Bulldogs and can be a good scheme fit.

RD 3 (84) – Dalton Kincade – TE – Utah. Mike Gesicki is a free agent, and it has been widely speculated that he will leave. Kincade is an excellent receiver and has good speed. He could be a better blocker, but he can give the Dolphins’ offense a high-upside tight end.