Did Miami Dolphins off-season moves bring “culture change?”

Ndamukong Suh

The Miami Dolphins released Ndamukong Suh at the start of free agency/league new year for two reasons. One, he counts $26 million against this years salary cap and two: he didn’t really fit the mold of what Adam Gase is looking for.

Production wise Suh did his job and then some. Very few have reason to complain about what Suh brought to the field, his energy, or his work ethic. For the Dolphins however it seems that what they wanted from Suh was something that he couldn’t or wouldn’t give. Leadership.

Suh is and has always been about Ndamukong Suh. He was not willing to take any sort of pay cut or restructuring or so it was reported heading towards the start of free agency. After being released, a national media member reported that Suh was looking for the highest bidder and didn’t care if it was with a contender or not.

This is Suh in a nutshell. There is nothing wrong with his approach to the NFL. He isn’t loyal to a team or a city. He doesn’t care if he wins a Super Bowl or rather isn’t going to take less money to chase one. That would be a better statement.

Suh expects to be paid and in his life he will have plenty of it. You have to respect that he makes it clear that is the reason he is playing.

Unfortunately for the Dolphins, Suh had to be more than just a player on the field doing his job. Miami was paying him to be a leader and teacher as well. That was their fault as Suh was never that in Detroit and he won’t be for whoever signs him next.

The loss of Suh will be felt on the field but it should allow a leader to emerge on the defensive line. Someone who no longer stays quiet in Suh’s shadow. Whether this translates to more wins or that “culture-change” will be known by seasons end.