A hypothetical series of fictitious conversations between Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier and Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel in the 2024 offseason before, during and after NFL Free Agency and the 2024 NFL Draft
We’ve all used that expression, “I wish I were a fly on the wall for that conversation”. So here’s a take on if I were actually that fly, on the wall, in Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross’ office, getting the pitch from his top Dolphins men Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel.
4/29/24
Stephen Ross : Good morning Chris, Mike, there’s a lot of excitement here, how do you feel we did in the draft?
Chris Grier : We feel great about how things went down. We needed help at OLB and we feel we got a really good one (Chop Robinson) who will allow both Jaelan Phillips and Bradly Chubb to take their time and not try to rush back too soon. We love the OT (Patrick Paul) that we got in RD 2, we all know Terron Armstead has made it clear this is his last season. We’ll have Patrick Paul ready next season. We got a RB that we were really excited about from Tennessee, we actually traded next year’s 3rd pick to acquire him. He can do it all, run, catch block. We’ve had bad luck with Achane and Mostert and even Wilson Jr. to an extent so it will be nice to have a guy who can essentially replace any one of those guys. We doubled down on OLB, and took a real productive guy (Mo Kamara) from Colorado St. He gives us a little insurance there because Chop is a little raw, but this guy gets things done. We got a safety and a couple of WR’s that help in the return game and maybe work inside at slot. All in all a very good draft haul.
Stephen Ross : No replacement for Christian Wilkins?
Chris Grier : There are quite a few Free Agents we’re interested in sir.
Stephen Ross : Did I misunderstand you, I thought we let Christian go because we didn’t want to overpay, how are you going to replace him in Free Agency without overpaying someone else?
Chris Grier : Well, we’re going with quantity here, like I had mentioned, we’re going to rotate guys more frequently so there won’t be any players getting burnt out from excessive snaps. Last season Christian (Wilkins) and Zach (Sieler) played too many snaps.
FF > to NFL WEEK 2, POSTGAME CONFERENCE CALL
Stephen Ross : Dammit guys, I am sorely disappointed about today’s game! What a PR nightmare we have now with this kid. The whole world is talking about us how we throw this kid to the wolves, it makes us look bad. Everyone and their mother is a neurologist or knows one and we need to look like we care. We’re going to hold him out at least 4 games, so no one can second guess us and say we don’t care. Also, can we ever beat that damn Buffalo team? Why do we fall apart when we face them?
Mike McDaniel : Very disappointing sir, I feel awful about Tua, I really do. He’s so competitive, he can’t help himself. He wants to win in the worst way. Whatever you think is necessary, I’ll take care of the rest. Skylar will hold the position down until you think it’s right to bring Tua back.
Stephen Ross : My goodness, are we ever going to beat the Buffalo Bills? I’m tiring of them kicking our asses every year.
Chris Grier : We’ve got Seattle, Tennessee, New England and Indy coming up, we’ll win at least 3 of those and you won’t even realize Tua is out and we’ll stay in the race for the division. We should have Tua back for the rematch and we’ll take them down then.
Stephen Ross : Alright gentlemen, very disappointing but I’m optimistic that you will keep this team going without our starting QB.
FF> to NFL WEEK 4, POSTGAME CONFERENCE CALL
Stephen Ross : Chris Mike, I am besides myself right now. You asked for the money, and I’m more than happy to give it. This is embarrassing! Let me put this as mildly as I can muster . . . We all knew that our QB might get hurt, so that being the case, how did you guys not plan for this? I see we’re bringing in QB’s from other teams practice squad one week, and they’re starting here the next. To say I’m disappointed is an understatement. I don’t mind paying top dollar to win fellas, but you’re digging a pretty deep hole you may not be able to get out of.
Mike McDaniel : I’m as disappointed as you are sir. I really thought Skylar (Thompson) could handle it, which is why I thought we could let Mike (White) go. Seems as if I miscalculated. We’re just trying to keep our head above water until Tua gets back. I feel confident we can beat anyone and go on a major run once he gets back.
Chris Grier : We have the Patriots, then go to Indy, then the BYE week, and then we’re home for the Arizona Cardinals. We should have Tua back when we get home from the BYE so we’ll turn things around.
Stephen Ross : I’m not so sure I’d call this keeping our heads above water, the season is moving along and we have one win to show for it. I’m going to hold out hope you gentlemen can turn this around, but what I see on the field is not confidence inspiring if I’m going to be honest.
FF> to November 25th, following the win over the New England Patriots
Stephen Ross : Gentlemen, have a seat. (speaking to Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel). OK, this is more like it! Love the way the team is playing now, this game against the Packers has been a bit of a “bugaboo” so to speak. All I hear is that this team can’t win in the cold. Are we ready to dispel that nonsense?
Mike McDaniel : We’re very confident sir, the team is coming together, and Tua is desperate to prove that we can not only play in cold weather, but WIN in cold weather. He has a big chip on his shoulder, I think we’re ready to have a real statement game
Chris Grier : It’s so important for this team to have Tua at the helm. We’re a playoff team when he’s on the field. It doesn’t matter where we play, this offense can play anywhere. We’re no longer reliant on deep passing plays that can falter in cold weather and wind, this short passing game Mike is using can travel. and we’re excited to play on Thanksgiving on Prime Time.
Stephen Ross : OK gentlemen, sounds like the team is prepared to do what they need to do, go get the Packers!
FF> to November 29th, Post Thanksgiving Game Conference Call
Stephen Ross : Good afternoon gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed your holiday because I can tell you I certainly did not! I listened to you, listened to Tua state how he’s ready to kill the narrative, but what I believe I’m seeing here is not a narrative after all. I’m beginning to think this team isn’t good enough to beat the top tier teams. We look over matched, out coached, out played and ill prepared to battle against the best. This was a bitter loss, because this game wasn’t close. The gap between us and the good teams is clear to see. What do you have to say for yourselves?
Mike McDaniel : <<<<<< Charlie Brown Sound Effects >>>>>>> Wah wah, wah wah wah wah wah wah. Wah wah wah wah , wah wah wah wah wah.
Chris Grier : <<<<<<<< More Charlie Brown Sound Effects >>>>>>>> Wah wah wah wah, wah wah wah wah wah wah wah wah, wah wah wah wah.
Merry Christmas
Happy Hanukkah
Finsmob Unleashed 
Very nice Mike! Happy Christmas all!
LMAO on the Charlie Brown sound effects…I can actually hear it my head. Oh my…lol
Thank you for doing what you do….it’s a gift.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah folks!
Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, Mobsters!
A Happy, Happy to all of your guys.
I really don’t have any guys, Clark.
You got me — just need one more.
Anyone watching Texans vs Ravens?
Those Texans unis are fugly
Yeah I don’t t get the whole Htown thing
Merry Xmas and Happy Hanukkah Yall
happy Hanukkah Mike! Nice write!
What a beautiful Christmas. First a snow storm that left the kind of snow that sticks to evergreens, then last night a frozen fog that left trees this morning with crystal like snow on all leave less type trees. The kind of thing you see in cheesy Christmas movies (which I like) Just a great picturesque Christmas.
glad to hear it Bookman! We got a white Christmas too- there was a little on the ground and then it snowed a little over an inch the 23rd into Christmas Eve .
Awe man the frozen fog! I remember many a morning waking up to that. So beautiful!
We spent Christmas afternoon/dinner (prime rib) at a friends house. The husband is a big Slavic dude from PA and a diehard Steelers fan. His wife is from Houston and a diehard Texans fan so the mood was kind of “meh”. LOL
haha!
Yeah, he was bitching that Russel Wilson doesn’t show up in big games anymore.
I had to bite my tongue. LOL
BBM,
I saw you mentioned your dogs on the other thread- I have two Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Cool! They are very good dogs but can be stubborn. Again, mine are mixed with Black Lab.
Here is another RT who might be there end of 3rd round and can be moved in to play RG. Armand Membou is a stud at 6’3, 314 pounds with only 18% body fat, athletic, runs 4.90. Projects very well for a zone blocking scheme.
I still like the RT from Purdue more to move in at RT or IOL Luke Kandra more also.
Membou is really good in pass pro but can have some lapses in run blocking. Mainly not getting the best angle on his blocks. He has a very strong anchor though.
Lee Harvey
@Wyoming85Lee
Merry Christmas (a day late)
Looking at the OG’s available in the top of the draft, many are road grader/power scheme fits and not zone fits, Tyler Booker for one, both OG’s from Georgia among others.
That is why I have been looking at some of the smaller athletic OT’s who will project to move inside.
Gonna need help from Randy on this come draft time. Though, it’s always draft time for me. lol
@AroundTheNFL
Dolphins waiving LB Shaquil Barrett from reserve/retired list
“LB Shaquil Barrett is being waived from the reserve/retired list, agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. “Shaq is grateful to the Dolphins for waiving him,” Rosenhaus said. “Hopefully he clears waivers so he can sign with another team and contribute immediately.” Barrett, 32, has not played this season after announcing in July that he was retiring. The veteran pass rusher applied for reinstatement in November, but Miami declined to activate him ahead of the deadline to do so. Barrett can sign with any team if he clears waivers on Friday.”
I wouldn’t have. He F’ed us so F him.
Maybe it was an “Okay Drew, you owe us one” type situation.
@flasportsbuzz
Interesting response from secondary coach Brian Duker on what Cam Smith needs to do from here: “The biggest thing I’ve talked to Cam about is we would like to see him put on the body armor to play a full shape. Needs to be in shape to do that. your body has to be in shape to do that.” Hmmm
————–
Wasted pick… can’t even stay in shape.
@AroundTheNFL
David Long Jr. fails physical after being claimed by Titans
————-
WOW. Glad we cut his dead weight.
So that’s two stories in-a-row about Phins Defensive players being out of shape. Perhaps DeShon Elliott was right about our Defense being “soft”…
BB Mike,
Know who I really, really like at the DT/DL position in the Draft? Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss, 6’4″, and his weight averages about 300 pounds (I’ve seen 290-305 pounds). He should run a sub 5.00 40-time (been timed at 4.92).
He’s been played at all D-Line positions, including at EDGE due to his speed for a D-Lineman. FAST get-off, outstanding against the run (91.9 run-defense grade from PFF, which is STELLAR, and he’s an SEC player), and yes, he can rush the passer. High motor and great usage of hands.
He’s a transfer from A&M, projected to go in the mid-20s of the 1st round. From the tape (not highlights… I actually have yet to see his highlights, believe it or not), I see a little bit of Christian Wilkins in him, and I believe he has a high ceiling.
IMO, we must replace Calais Campbell on the D-Line. If it weren’t for Calais, we wouldn’t currently be a top-10 Defense. I think Nolen fits the bill and as a potential long-term answer in replacing Christian Wilkins.
That, and I don’t see any IOL worthy of taking in the 1st round where we’ll end up selecting.
I also have reason to believe Walter Nolen will KILL the Combine, putting him right about where we’ll select in 1st round (10-16ish).
Yeah, no IOL. I think Tyler Booker is OG1 who could go in the bottom of 1st but is not a fit for our offense.
Yeah, I like Nolen also. I wouldn’t mind doubling down on DL but it’s hard right now (before FA) with all the needs. I would like to get a dominant nose like Kenneth Grant then get a solid 3-4 DE to play opposite Seiler. Or get Nolen then draft a solid NT. Either way, I would feel good about it.
M, it might be better to get that 3-4 DT/DE type and a solid nose later. There are some good NT’s who should be there all the way to the end of day 3.
That’s exactly where I’m at, BB Mike.
I simply don’t trust NTs to stay in the best shapes of their lives to warrant a 1st round draft pick. More often than not, they flame out quicker than most.
North Dakota State QB Cam Miller is another one I would look at to bring in as an UDFA. Good arm, quick release and can run.
bailbondmike
says:
December 26, 2024 at 2:33 pm
Yeah, no IOL. I think Tyler Booker is OG1 who could go in the bottom of 1st but is not a fit for our offense.
———–
Absolutely, and this serves as a great example of how not all draft classes are created equally. Last year was a GRAND year to take an IOL in the 1st round.
Namely, Graham Barton!
The Phins right now would get the #12 pick.
Even they lose the last 2 the best they could get would be #10.
I didn’t check out the matchups btwn our competitors, but looks like is we win the last two we could end up at like #18. #19 if we make the playoffs.
I hate to say it, Stanger… but I’d rather lose out and get the best draft pick possible. But ya know what? I fully believe we’re going to win out.
AND miss the playoffs.
Absolute envelope is #10 and #19 btwn winning and losing out. And chances are we wouldn’t end up at either of the poles of that regardless what we do.
But the wins push us back more than the losses push us forward. If the difference btwn winning and losing the last two games is 6-8 slots….. I’ll take watching wins.
I played around on Spotrac the other day. If we restructure only Tua and Chubb, we’ll have over $40M to play with entering FA in ’25. Yes, it kicks the can down the road, but it is doable to make a run in ’25. And most assuradely, we’ll be creating more cap space than that.
The window is still open, but it will be closing very quickly after this season.
*assuredly
I think they need to really take a close look at the Chubb situation. Even is he is 100%, will he be anything close to the player we need him to be at his price after ACL injuries/surgeries to both knees now?
We have already kicked some dead money down the road on him. A designated post 6/1 release or post 6/1 trade would clear 20.2 million in 2025 cap, 11.4 million in 2026 and 29.6 million in 2027.
I think getting rid of Chubb is the way to go. Though it would have to be a designated post 6/1 release to clear the cap at the start of the new league year.
You can’t designate a player as a post 6/1 trade.
If we weren’t strapped for cap, we could have taken Chubb’s entire dead cap hit next year. It would still clear about 2 million in 2025 cap with a 27 million dead cap hit but clear 29.6 million in 2026 and 2027.
I see cutting Chubb loose. I could see him being the star of our D next year. All depends on his physical situation, which we just don’t know.
It kills me that we couldn’t see Chubb in action this year, even if for two mere games. It would have given us (and other teams) an idea of where he’s at… if nothing more, enchancing his trade value.
I’m of the thought that he’s done, so I don’t mind parting ways with him.
If nothing else the big signings last offseason gave us lots of possible restructure money available. But like you said those are kicking the can down the road. Not a huge fan of that unless ready to make a serious push, and not sure we are there yet. Do love having a full draft again though.
If Chubb calls it quits and retires, it will clear cap like a post 6/1 release designation, except more spread out. I believe his dead cap hits would be 9.1 in 25′, 9.1 in 26′ and 6.4 in 27′.
If Spotrac is correct, after our rollover added, we are starting with +12 million in cap space. I don’t know what changed over the last month when they had us at about Zero money to start out.
If Armstead retires, that will clear about another 14 million (base salary and roster bonus).
That would put us around +20 before they mess with any contracts.
Designated post 6/1 release on Chubb will put us over +40 million before messing with any contracts.
Oops! At +26 million if Armstead retires.
over +46 million with post 6/1 release on Chubb.
Can’t believe the shape the Pats are in for next year. They have 43 players under contract for 2025 to include most their starting OL and starting DL. They will have a projected +132 million in cap space. That along with (right now) the #2 overall pick in the draft along with #38 and 7 other picks.
At pick #2 many say the Pats will pick CB/WR Travis Hunter. I think their biggest need is pass rush so I think they take Abdul Carter which will suck for a few on here.
^^^
We have more FA’s next year than players under contract, by a lot. They are definitely going to need to restructure a bunch of contracts, putting us further into cap hell
That or they go after bargain basement players again to fill out the roster.
yes, I think either way they have to restructure some of the contracts
Scrolling up
And seeing draft talk
It will be upsetting if there isn’t a lot to pick from in term of IOL
But I guess we can focus on defense
I also think trading down and coming out of the draft with 9-10 total picks is probably possible
In an ideal world, YES… we get the #12 or so overall draft pick and are able to trade down a bit to pick up another day 2 pick.
I don’t want us to do any big in free agency
if we have cap room maybe it should be used to restructure and free up more cap room
I’m not as down on this teams future as some of you
I think we can bounce back if we fill holes and make some adjustments
Personally – I want MM to give up playcalling and I think they need to simplify the offense
seems to me the play clock is always dwindling down to 0 before the snap and it’s keeping us from catching defenses off balance
we should really focus on speeding up the offense – it might create a lot more big plays
If we restructure we’re again mortgaging the future, you do that if you feel the team is close only and we aren’t
We need to cut some contracts, Tyreek, Chubb, and maybe a few lesser contracts
Biggest questions are Phillips (we must resign) and Snowman (look for team friendly deal)
Chubb and Hill have 83m dead money between them, so that’s not going to fly
Forgot about Phillips 5th yr option, but we need to get something longterm done with him, before he gets 20 sacks in 2025 playing opposite Chop
Armstead 18m, we need to convince him to play another year, would only cost another 4m, if he plays and 4m if June 1st
35 under contract, 5m in cap space, who knows what the cap will be
Mostert and Smythe cuts gets us another 5m, enough to sign 5 bottom feeders
Grier should’ve been fired for his DT signings, that costed us lots of dead money for marginal players
I think we can bounce back if we fill holes and make some adjustments
Personally – I want MM to give up playcalling and I think they need to simplify the offense
———————-
Piggy, 100%. There will be some good IOL around our picks #98 and 99. We should address DL and safety 1st and 2nd round IMO.
3rd it
MM can only call plays in 2025, if he’s only the OC
He has no business being an HC, he’s not a leader
Mike Florio comes on WQAM this morning for his weekly spot.
Host this morning in for Joe Rose is I believe Alejandro Solana, and Solana asks Mike Florio what he thinks of Chris Grier, has he done enough to keep his job?
Florio says right off the bat, why did the Dolphins pay Tua $55M per? Who were they bidding against? Florio then goes on to say did they fix the “soft” tag they’ve had, and the answer is NO! Then talked about the CLE game this weekend and he doesn’t want to hear if the Dolphins win that they killed the narrative that this team can play in the cold, the Browns SUCK! If they beat the Browns they beat a bad team in the cold and that doesn’t mean anything. I know some people hate Florio, I like him, he just calls it like he sees it. I would love to see Grier go, I truly don’t see a reason to give him another year to fuck up this roster.
Ross though has loyalty issues, always seems to give GM and HC more money to show his faith, when things aren’t going well
Maybe Tom Garfinkle whispers in Steve’s ear and tells him the guy has to fucking go if you want to live to see a winner
Harold Fannin Jr. really made his case to be the #1 TE in the draft last night. He had 17 receptions for 217 yards and 1 TD. He finishes his season with 117 rec for 1555 yards and 10 TD’s, 3 TD’s were 60+ yards.
yep, let our guy fall to us BBM!
Fins I’d like to see on the 2025 roster
Achane
Phillips
Wright
Paul
Fuller
Jonnu
Washingtons
Brooks
Waddle
Calais
Sieler
Chop
Bonner
Duck
McMorris
Sanders, Ferguson
the rest can pound rocks
Not bad, only 39 guys to go! Ridiculous that we’re in this position, with very little money to fix it too! Grier must go!
then you have the cap can’t cuts like Ramsey, Chubb, and Tua
Armstead’s 18.5m still out there as likely dead money, if he retires
Steve – Isn’t Chubb a potential post June 1st cut? Also, I think if Armstead retires, the money for ’25 is off the books
maybe on Chubb, but there would be 27m in dead money, so might as well play him, he’s not the problem
IDK on Armstead, but if true we can’t afford him, so it would help if he retires
But designating him a post 6/1 release will split that 27 million up over next 2 years and clear 20 million in 2025 cap. That’s a huge chunk that will be needed.
Mike,
here is what likely happens:
we win 1 or 2 of our last two games. Grier convinces Ross that “we’re close.if Tua didn’t get injured we make the playoffs”, which is half right. My money , and a lot of it, is on Grier staying.
I agree and think no one goes anywhere. After 2025, his only saving grace will be if he fixes the OL/DL and we make the playoffs.
MikeE, if Armstead retires, his bonuses already paid like signing bonus and restructure bonus will still be a cap hit in 2025. His 2025 base salary and roster bonus would come off the books.
Armstead retiring would clear 14.3 million in 2025 cap with about 7.8 million in dead cap.
It would be the same in 2026 also.
Then a little dead money in 2027 at 2.9 million and 2028 at 1.4 million from voided years when they restructured his contract.
@flasportsbuzz
And McDaniel makes clear he hopes Terron is on the team next year.
@OmarKelly
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was very clear that he wants Terron Armstead back next season, but Armstead needs to go through his process.
YEAH, we have a soft HC. Last line is the clincher:
@schadjoe
Once upon a time, Mike McDaniel had score alerts for Nuggets and Avalanche on his phone
Those days are over, he said He’s either preparing for a game or spending time with his daughter
“Barbies have no time for score alerts”
Sucks, everyone would love to play vs their old team.
@AndrewSiciliano
Anthony Walker is OUT Sunday, per Mike McDaniel. Former Browns LB won’t play.
Why? Just start Wynn and leave him in there.
@OmarKelly
Dolphins are open to continuing to play Isaiah Wynn and Liam Eichenberg as the right guard rotation.
@WingfieldNFL
Coach Mike McDaniel says he’s optimistic about Jaylen Waddle’s availability for Sunday’s game in Cleveland – teased that he could be listed as questionable.
Kendall Fuller is OUT.
Sunday forecast for Cleveland, Ohio:
Cloudy with periods of rain. High near 60F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
NEW BLOG UP!!