Miami Dolphins: 5 players who have the most to prove in 2021
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins enter the 2021 season with a lot of questions but a lot of optimism as well. Still, some players have a lot to prove.
Miami didn’t do a whole lot in free agency and they stuck to their plan during the draft. That has led to an optimistic view of the upcoming season because on paper, the Dolphins are better than they were last year, more experienced than they were last year, and have a more favorable schedule than they had last year.
How that translates to more wins or enough wins to make the post-season remains to be seen but what we do know is that at least five players will need to show up on Sundays and prove that they have a future with the Dolphins beyond this season. For some, it’s a make or break year as contracts are coming to an end.
Mike Gesicki has done everything the Dolphins have asked him to do but his contract ends after the 2021 season and the Dolphins invested in another TE during the draft. Gesicki will need to prove to Miami brass that he not only belongs in Miami but is worth the likely $10 million per season that he could end up asking for.
Gesicki is consistent and reliable but hasn’t hit his stride yet due to the offensive coordinator changes and changes in head coaches and quarterback. Since his arrival in 2018, Gesicki has played with Ryan Tannehill for 11 games, Brock Osweiler for five games, Ryan Fitzpatrick for 13 games (in 2019), and Josh Rosen for three.
In 2020, he got Fitzpatrick for seven games and rookie Tua Tagovailoa for 9. That’s a lot of different QBs in three seasons. This year, barring injury, he should get to settle in with one QB and he needs to make the most of it.