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The Miami Dolphins started their offseason with plenty of off-field drama because of the Brian Flores saga. Now their front office has to find a way to navigate through the turmoil and improve a roster that barely notched a winning record in 2021. General manager Chris Grier has the most cap space in the NFL at his disposal, so expect this offseason to be filled with tons of big moves as Miami tries to become a playoff team for the first time since 2016.
Here are the three moves the Dolphins must make during the 2022 NFL offseason.
3 Moves the Dolphins Must Make This Offseason
3. Retain Emmanuel Ogbah and Mike Gesicki
While their names aren't instantly recognizable, these two players are key to Miami's success. Let's start with Ogbah. He led the team with nine sacks despite only playing an average of 48 snaps per game. The Dolphins rely on rotating their pass-rushers constantly in order to help generate pressure, so letting one of their best ones go doesn't exactly seem like a recipe for success. The expectation for Ogbah isn't that he's an elite defensive end, but one who plays his role as a primary pass-rusher well. Because of that, the Dolphins should be able to avoid paying top dollar for him.
Over the last two years, Gesicki has been one of Miami's best receiving targets. Over those two seasons, the Penn State product amassed 1,483 yards and eight touchdowns. Considering the state of the Dolphins' passing offense, those are pretty impressive numbers. Another factor here is the weakness of the tight end position around the NFL. If Gesicki walks, it's unlikely that Miami finds a long-term replacement this offseason. They'd be left paying a high price to a veteran past his prime or with Durham Smythe starting at the position. Neither prospect is appealing.
2. Sign Terron Armstead
This would be one of the best signings of anyone's offseason if Miami can pull it off. It's an absolute no-brainer given the state of the Dolphins' offensive line. Rookie left tackle Liam Eichenberg had a terrible season, allowing nine sacks and committing ten penalties. Right tackle Jesse Davis gave up another eight sacks and committed four penalties. This tackle duo was one of the worst in the NFL, and it needs to improve if Miami wants to have offensive success.
Enter Armstead. The former New Orleans Saint has been one of the best offensive tackles in the league over the last couple of seasons. He allowed one sack through the eight games he played, while paving the way for running back Alvin Kamara to have some big games. His presence would also allow Eichenberg to move to the right side, making his matchups significantly easier in his sophomore season. Armstead will demand huge money, but he's only thirty years old. A long-term deal makes sense here.
1. Draft A Wide Receiver In The First Round
An argument can be made for drafting an interior offensive lineman here, but a wide receiver is the better move. The Dolphins will have some talent leaving the position, as Will Fuller and Albert Wilson hit free agency this offseason. Taking a pass-catcher to pair with Jaylen Waddle and Gesicki can only improve this struggling Miami passing offense. There should be plenty of options available when the Dolphins pick at 29, including Arkansas Razorbacks receiver Traylon Burks. Burks has all the physical traits of a true number one receiver, and he would get the chance to step right into that role in Miami. If the Dolphins improve the offensive line with Armstead and add Burks, the stage will be set for a Tua Tagovailoa breakout season.
