Offseason catastrophes the Miami Dolphins must avoid

With the Super Bowl now in our rearview mirror, it is officially the offseason for the National Football League. For journalists and NFL fans alike, that means it’s time to start looking forward to free agency and the NFL draft, something NFL front offices including the Miami Dolphins have been doing for quite some time.

While we always hope for the best, like a Tyreek Hill trade for instance, there’s always a chance the offseason doesn’t go how we’d like it or maybe even how the team would like it.

So let’s dig into that a bit and explore three off-season catastrophes the Miami Dolphins must avoid.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 06: Cornerbacks Byron Jones #24 and Xavien Howard #25 of the Miami Dolphins celebrate after a defensive play in the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Catastrophe #1: Missing out on needed depth at Cornerback

With Pro Bowl corner Xavien Howard and corner Byron Jones both going into their age-30 season, Jones coming off a missed season due to as Achilles injury, Nik Needham (UFA) coming off of a missed season with a torn Achilles, and Trill Williams coming off a torn-ACL it’s safe to say that adding some quality starting depth to the cornerback room is a must this offseason.

Kader Kohou showed out this season as an undrafted rookie out of Texas A&M-Commerce, starting 13 games and playing in 15, and I look forward to seeing him continue to develop. By the way, kudos to Chris Grier and his staff for finding him and the coaching staff for developing him.

However, with two aging (albeit still talented) starters in Howard and Jones, it’s imperative the team look at adding depth through the draft, free agency, or even trade.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 13: Deatrich Wise #91 of the New England Patriots attempts to rush past Austin Jackson #73 of the Miami Dolphins during an NFL game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sep. 13, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Catastrophe #2: Not Upgrading at Right Tackle

With three completed seasons for Austin Jackson I think we have enough data to say that while he may provide quality depth, Jackson is not ready to be a starter on this offensive line, especially when he’s playing right tackle with a left-handed quarterback.

The playoff window, and dare I say championship window, for this team is open – especially with the addition of DC Vic Fangio – so when there is a glaring hole on the roster it means moving quickly to address it. That sentiment is two-fold when it comes to Tua’s blind side.

Guys like Brandon Shell and even Robert Hunt, our stellar right guard, filled in nicely at right tackle as needed but the truth is it’s time to have a solid plan for the position. I realize you can only fill so many holes in one offseason – and Chris Grier did a magnificent job bringing in Connor Williams and Terron Armstead last season – so I have full faith he’ll continue to do so this year.

Going into next season with Austin Jackson as the unquestioned starter at right tackle could be a catastrophe.

Chase Edmonds Miami Dolphins (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

Catastrophe #3: A swing and a miss at the running back position

I have to admit that last season I was stoked with the signing of Chase Edmonds out of Arizona largely because I had Edmonds in fantasy previously and he proved to be a great flex player from time to time. However, the fit never materialized for Chase Edmonds in fantasy nor did it work out on the field, with the player ultimately being traded to Denver as part of the Bradley Chubb trade.

With that said, the additions of Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, Jr. proved to be solid and largely inexpensive investments in the position. However, I think it may be time to go a bit further with the position as the team looks to have an even stronger run game in 2023.

I know we would all love to see Bijan Robinson suiting up for the Dolphins next season, but the truth is the team will need to go a different path with Robinson most definitely set to be drafted in the first round.

I think a mix of available veteran starters and young rookie talent could be the answer.

I mean, can you even imagine a 2023 Miami Dolphins team with Tony Pollard in the backfield? Or Mile Sanders? Maybe you even bring back Wilson or Mostert as depth. Now imagine the team adds to that depth with a mid-round rookie. With the way this team is constructed, and the sheer volume of available starting running backs in free agency, all of that could be possible.

Aug 20, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier walks on the field before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports /

What do you think would be catastrophic for Miami this off-season?

I’ve shared what I think are three off-season catastrophes the Miami Dolphins should avoid, with backup quarterback being a bonus need, so now I turn it over to you: what do you think?

Let me know in the comments below!

Home/Dolphins Roster