Miami Dolphins
2022 record: 9-8 (wild card)
Notable additions: CB Jalen Ramsey, LB David Long, DB DeShon Elliot, WR Braxton Berrios, TE Eric Saubert, QB Mike White, OL Dan Feeney, P Jake Bailey. Re-signed: LB Duke Riley, RB Raheem Mostert, RB Jeff Wilson, CB Nik Needham.
Notable losses: LB Elandon Roberts, CB Byron Jones, TE Mike Gesicki.
Best move: Trading for Ramsey to pair him with Xavian Howard at corner. Signing Vic Fangio as the defensive coordinator earns honorable mention.
Head scratcher: Still think they’re playing with fire with Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion history. Mike White is good, but he is good enough to take them where they want to go if Tua goes down?
Outlook: The Dolphins made huge strides on offense last season, with offensive-minded head coach Mike McDaniel, but more importantly with the addition of Tyreek Hill. When Tagovailoa was under center, the Fins were a tough team to beat.
The problem is that Tagovailoa suffered three head injuries alone last season, and wasn’t available down the stretch or for their playoff game against the Bills. Even with that as a concern, they still appear all-in on Tua.
Since they rebuilt their offense last season, and re-signed their top running backs, the defense has been the focus this year. First, they signed Fangio to be their defensive coordinator. Then, they landed All-Pro corner Ramsey in exchange for a thirdround pick and tight end Hunter Long. Having Ramsey and Xavian Howard on opposite corners is scary.
Another great addition is former Titan David Long, one of the better linebackers in the game. The two-year, $11 million deal he signed was an absolute steal.
Having Tagovailoa still on his rookie contract has certainly helped with the finances and being able to add pieces on both sides of the ball.
Berrios is a sneaky good signing both in the return game and as in that loaded offense.
In short, the Dolphins have made the types of moves that will not only keep them playoffbound, but also give the Bills a run for their money. All of this, however, assumes Tua can stay healthy.