Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Grading the Miami Dolphins off-season moves ahead of the draft

By Pablo Rosero

Nov 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Jan 3, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders (7) warms up prior to the game Buffalo Bills from the hold of punter Matt Haack (2) at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders (7) warms up prior to the game Buffalo Bills from the hold of punter Matt Haack (2) at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Jason Sanders was a priority, Matt Haack was not

Coming from New England it is no surprise that Flores values special teams as highly as he does. This offseason proves just that.

The offseason for the special teams started by re-signing Jason Sanders to a five-year deal for $22 million, making him the highest-paid kicker in the league. Sanders has had multiple seasons of making 90% of his kicks. He is arguably a top-five kicker in the league and is now being paid as such.

The team then decided to let punter Matt Haack walk and bring in former Panther punter Michael Palardy. I am not going to sit here and tell you what I know about Michael Palardy, but I do know Matt Haack, and I know he is now going to be punting for the rival Buffalo Bills. It was a head-scratching move, in my opinion, but I do trust Flores and Chris Grier on this move.

Lastly, the team brought in both Cethan Carter and Duke Riley. Both players were mainstay special teamers, Riley being the special team’s captain, for their last team.

Football is a game of three phases, if you struggle on special teams you probably will not go far. Take a look at the 2010 San Diego, now Los Angeles, Chargers.

Singing Jason Sanders long term Grade: A+ 

Michael Palardy Grade: C

Cethan Carter and Duke Riley Grade: A

Home/Dolphins News