Breaking down the Miami Dolphins safety situation after McDonald release
By Brian Miller
The release of Miami Dolphins safety T.J. McDonald shot our early roster predictions all to hell so where does the safety unit stand now?
Reshad Jones is going to remain a Miami Dolphins player for at least another season and T.J. McDonald is now a free agent but what about the rest of the safeties as the Dolphins approach their final cuts?
We know that Jones, according to Jones, will remain with the Dolphins. He was told as much by the team. We also know that Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has looked good at strong safety, will make the roster. Bobby McCain is a lock and is on par for a quick return after a shoulder injury but beyond that, the safety competition is a tight one.
In the Brian Flores/Patrick Graham defense, a lot is required of the corners and safeties. The secondary plays a big role from deep coverage to slot coverage to rushing the passer and even lining up as a linebacker. In previous seasons we would say that the Dolphins would carry four safeties at most but this year could be a lot different. If nothing else, there is one player less in that said competition.
Six safeties remain on the Dolphins roster. Walt Aikens, a stellar special teams player should easily lockdown that fourth spot but the Dolphins will possibly carry one or two more players listed at the position if the numbers can add up.
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Montre Hartage has seen a lot of practice and playing time in the preseason. His play has been good but not great. His main competition is Maurice Smith who has also played well at times. Both have been inconsistent which is expected but both have shown potential.
The problem with predicting the Dolphins secondary is that they are used interchangeably with the corners so each skillset is examined from a slot corner role to a safety role. This is where players listed as corners like Jomal Wiltz comes into play.
How the Dolphins use the safeties or view their use is important. As for the safeties alone, they will likely carry five and that final spot will come down to Smith and Hartage and it appears that Hartage may have that edge, especially now that McDonald is gone.