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The Miami Dolphins narrowly missed out on the postseason again and will need to make some moves. Miami has been all over the headlines after firing head coach Brian Flores. Flores has filed a lawsuit against the NFL, specifically the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and the New York Giants.
He accused Dolphins team owner Stephen Ross of offering to pay Flores $100,000 per game lost to earn the top draft pick. Flores refused to do this, and the Dolphins ended up with the fifth pick in the draft.
They now have a ton to do in the offseason, including picking a new coach and upgrading the roster.
With that said, here are three fixes the Dolphins must make this offseason to make the NFL playoffs in 2022.
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3 major fixes the Dolphins must make
3. Adding a star running back
The Dolphins have been close to the playoffs the last few years but come up short. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is entering his third season, and teams need to maximize their talent around him.
Inserting a star running back into the offense would help take the pressure off of Tagovailoa. He has not lived up to his potential this far, as he was expected to be a star quarterback. Tagovailoa was 7-5 as a starter, throwing for 2,653 yards along with 16 touchdowns and ten interceptions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers star running back Leonard Fournette is set to be a free agent after a great campaign.
He would be a good fit for the Dolphins and make the offense an elite unit.
Fournette rushed for 812 yards and eight touchdowns while contributing 454 yards and two touchdowns in the receiving game.
If they are unable to sign him, drafting a running back could be another good option. The Dolphins should look to upgrade this position in any way as it is one of their best positions of need.
2. Upgrading the offensive line
Another way to help improve the team and help Tagovailoa develop is upgrading the offensive line. The Dolphins have a solid receiving core, with Jaylen Waddle spearheading the group. Waddle had a good rookie season, catching 104 passes for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns.
Although they have a solid foundation on offense, improving the offensive line is essential for the future of the offense. Free agency has some players that would be upgrades as well as some players in the NFL draft.
The run game will improve, and Tagovailoa would also have more time in the pocket to deliver the ball downfield.
1. Fixing the culture
While the offense needs some improvement, fixing the culture will be crucial to team success. Firing Flores was a shock to the players and the NFL. The Dolphins have yet to hire their new head coach, and whoever they bring in will have a tough job.
Miami's chemistry and culture in the locker room are in a difficult spot. Their next head coach will need to come in and instantly build a stronger culture. Without it, the Dolphins will likely miss out on the playoffs again next season.
The Dolphins have a long offseason ahead with a ton of key decisions to be made. Tagovailoa is entering his third season, and his name has been in trade rumors throughout his career. This could be his last season with the Dolphins if they don't make it to the postseason.
Retooling this roster and finding a great coach will be essential to the future of the Dolphins franchise.
