Chris Grier comments about spending will impact roster maybe Howard

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier wants to build the roster for the long-term and not the short-term that has been happening lately.

When the Dolphins announced Brian Flores as the head coach Monday, general manager Chris Grier spoke to the media as well and when he was asked about his “vision” for the future, spending on salary was a bit of an eye opener.

Grier has been with the Dolphins for a very long time and has climbed the ranks from a regional scout to a general manager. He has watched those above him fail and survived several coaching changes. When he was named general manager he still had to answer to Mike Tannenbaum who had the final say on the roster.

Tannenbaum took a different approach than what Grier is going to take or at least try to take. Grier wants a team that is built to sustain winning. Think more like the Steelers rather than the Patriots. For as good as the Patriots are that can’t be replicated but the Steelers have been consistently successful since the 1970’s.

You mentioned building it the right way multiple times in the past couple of press conferences. If you could explain what building it the right way is in your mind? – Local media reporter non-disclosed

"“It’s a little bit, like I talked about, of having long-term vision. Again, I’ve never been … The way I grew up there in New England, I’ve never been (wanting to) spend money – huge money – on a guy to come it, because to me, I’d rather have three really good players than one maybe great player who may or may not impact what you’re doing. I’d rather have three good players at positions that are going to help the team win. That’s a little bit of it. But to me … Yeah, you build up your offensive line and defensive line. You start there and then you work. Obviously, you need playmakers that are going to be impact players and stuff. It’s just the way I grew up, how I started and I just really believe those ways are how those teams win.” – MiamiDolphins.com"

The name Xavien Howard was not mentioned but it has to be on the minds of fans who have listened to speculation about a potential trade of the Dolphins pro-bowl corner. Howard’s contract will be up after the 2019 season and he will want to get paid as one of the top at his position.

The Miami Dolphins who are “re-building” may not want to do that and if what Grier is saying is true, depending on what exactly Howard wants he could eventually be gone.

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Grier’s idea of not spending a lot on one guy does fit with the mold of what Brian Flores wants to accomplish in Miami. Flores wants a team first mentality in each player and having three good players at three different positions tends to keep that mindset better than one player who views himself as the top at his position in the league. And wants to be paid like it.

To be fair, Howard has not said anything regarding his contract and did post a welcome tweet to Flores on Monday that simply said, “let’s get to work”. In this case, Howard is the example just as easily as say an Ndamukong Suh type. Which is more likely the type Grier was talking about. Personally I believe that Howard is a player that Grier will try to build around and not replace.

The Dolphins have been free spenders since Stephen Ross has taken over ownership but that formula has not produced a winning team. Miami will still be active in free agency, you have to be to supplement your roster but the days of overpaying aging veterans is likely and finally over.