Finsmob Unleashed

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.

03/03/2024

Stephen Ross : Good morning gentlemen. Have a seat, let’s talk about how you’re going to improve our team

Chris Grier : Good morning sir, Mike (McDaniel) and I have a solid plan going forward, and we’d like to share that with you right now

Mike McDaniel : Yes sir, Chris and I have been talking about this since the end of last season and we’re excited that we can take that next step towards winning it all

Stephen Ross : OK, that’s precisely what I want to hear, my birthday is about a month away, I’m going to be 84, so I’m really counting on you two to bring this city of Miami a Lombardi Trophy. Tell me more about your plan to make that happen.

Chris Grier : Well Steve, as you know, we hired Anthony Weaver from the Baltimore Ravens to be our Defensive Coordinator. The Baltimore Ravens have always been a first class organization, so anyone from them I consider to be an excellent addition to our organization. Both Mike and I have a plan, but as you know, Mike is more focused on the offensive side of the ball, and we’re going to make some changes defensively. Last season we were ravaged with injuries, and the defense more than any other unit was hit hard. I feel like it’s in our best interest not to overpay anyone on the defensive side of the ball with the exception of DB Jalen Ramsey who has been outstanding and is still at the top of his game.

Stephen Ross : Are you saying you don’t have plans to try and keep Christian Wilkins?

Chris Grier : Yes, sir, Anthony Weaver and I feel like we’re going to employ much more of a rotation on the defensive line, which will keep the players fresher, it will be akin to bringing waves of pressure against the offense. Christian Wilkins played far too many snaps last season, we’re looking in a different direction now. I think paying our QB, Tua Tagovailoa is the most pressing need, he makes this offense go, and when you have talent at the QB position, you don’t take that for granted, you pay to keep them. Therefore, we’re going to let some high salaried players go in Free Agency this year, DT Christian Wilkins and OG Robert Hunt. I know you’re familiar with the New England Patriots organization, this is something they excelled at, letting high priced players go in Free Agency and recovering the loss by acquiring compensatory picks. If I’m correct, these two players may net us a couple of third round picks.

Stephen Ross : Hmm, not sure I like letting one of our best players go, he (Wilkins) was a 1st RD pick, I still remember the bump he gave Roger when he came out on the stage

Mike McDaniel : Sir, if I may, this offense as you saw last season was one of the top offensive units in the league, and I feel like this year we’re going to make it even better. We’re going to score at least 30 points per game and the defense will just have to be decent at best. No team can stop us with WR Tyreek Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, and did you see our rookie running back D’Von Achane? I have some huge plans for him. This offense will be unstoppable! You won’t even be thinking about the defense, although Chris and Anthony are excited to get LB’s Jaelan Phillips back, he’s really progressing nicely in his rehab and also Bradley Chubb.

Stephen Ross : What about that lanky kid with the long blonde hair, Van Winkle? He seemed to always be making exciting plays

Chris Grier : We’re looking elsewhere sir. We have some young players like LB Cam Goode who should be able to come back from his injury and LB Quinton Bell who also has some promise. Andrew Van Ginkel is a part time player who’s going to get paid like a full time one, and if we want to keep our QB, we have to watch our budget.

Stephen Ross : Do you believe that he (Tua Tagovailoa) can stay healthy? I really worry about that young man. I know he made it through last season but I find myself holding my breath every time he gets hit.

Mike McDaniel : We’re going a different direction this year sir. We have him (Tua) slimming down to regain his maneuverability and speed, and you saw that he had no issues last season so there’s nothing to worry about. Besides, Chris and I feel like QB’s Mike White and especially our young QB Skylar Thompson will be able to handle the job if Tua should get injured, but again, he went unscathed last season, we feel he’s healthy and beyond those issues.

Stephen Ross : Do you gentlemen have a replacement for Robert Hunt, I know you mentioned we’re letting him go?

Chris Grier : We like what we have, we just can’t have that type of bad luck with injuries again. Terron Armstead is going to give top level play and we feel Isaiah Wynn and Liam Eichenberg, who’s so versatile can move to OG and we plan on getting a center here, someone with move skills beyond what we had. Austin Jackson really came on, so we just need one more piece, and when we get to the draft, we need to find an heir to Terron Armstead. Seems like this will be his final season in the NFL. With the offseason weight program Tua is on, it will help his escapability, he’ll be able to avoid pressure better and keep himself healthy. He was just too heavy last season, sloth-like. RB De’Von Achane is going to be an explosive outlet for Tua this season, and Mike and I are also looking to find a TE that can help us get some yards after the catch if teams should focus their efforts on stopping our receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Stephen Ross : Alright then gentlemen, best of luck in the upcoming draft, I’m excited and feel like you guys are getting closer to getting what we need here, a winning franchise that can win a Super Bowl and more.

Chris Grier : Thank you sir, we feel the same way, winning is going to be a regular thing here, and not just during the season, we’re going to win in the playoffs and make it all the way

Mike McDaniel : Appreciate your confidence sir, we’re going to have a great season