The Miami Dolphins are at a crossroads, and it's time to face the harsh reality: the future looks bleak, and drastic changes are needed. Mike McDaniel's demeanor after Sunday's stunning 27-24 loss to the Panthers spoke volumes. Leaning against the podium, his expression was a mix of bewilderment and resignation—a coach grappling with how his team squandered a 17-0 lead to a struggling Carolina squad. But here's where it gets controversial: is this the beginning of the end for McDaniel, general manager Chris Grier, and even quarterback Tua Tagovailoa?
At 1-4, the Dolphins' season feels all but over, despite the mathematical possibility. The team's struggles began with a 33-8 blowout by the Colts in the opener, followed by another 33-point drubbing at home against the Patriots. Even a three-score lead against the Panthers couldn't be salvaged, as Miami's offense sputtered to just 42 yards on 23 plays in their final seven drives. Meanwhile, Carolina's 17-point comeback tied a franchise record, adding insult to injury.
For owner Stephen Ross, the pressure is mounting to hit the reset button. Tagovailoa, despite not being the primary issue on a defense ranked 30th in yards per play, hasn't lived up to his massive $212 million contract. In five games, he's thrown for only 1,008 yards, and his downfield passing has declined sharply. In 2022, he ranked second in intended air yards per attempt (9.5), but by 2024, he's plummeted to 36th out of 36 qualifiers (5.7). And this is the part most people miss: against playoff teams in 2023 and 2024, Tagovailoa's Dolphins went 2-10, with him averaging a mere 6.6 yards per attempt and throwing nearly as many interceptions (14) as touchdowns (15).
Tagovailoa's contract runs through 2028, with hefty cap hits in the coming years. However, trading him would only burden a new team with his base salaries, not the guaranteed money. Releasing him after 2026 becomes far more feasible, saving Miami $40 million in cap space. Alternatively, the Dolphins could draft a quarterback in 2026—a year expected to be rich with talent—and trade Tagovailoa a year later for additional draft capital.
In the meantime, Grier should focus on shedding older players and costly mistakes. Edge rusher Bradley Chubb, signed through 2027, could be a valuable trade piece despite his $19.4 million salary next year. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler, 30, is another candidate, despite his recent extension. Miami needs to prioritize youth, draft picks, and cap flexibility.
The blame ultimately falls on Grier, who has been at the helm since 2016. While he's one of the NFL's longest-tenured GMs, his peers have achieved Super Bowl success—something Miami hasn't come close to under his leadership. McDaniel, in his fourth season, has a 29-28 record but is overseeing a regressing team. A players-only meeting after just one game this season underscores the locker room's frustration.
Ross may not act immediately, but he must consider replacements. Potential GM candidates include Kansas City's Mike Bradway and Detroit's Ray Agnew, while experienced options like Thomas Dimitroff could bring stability. Coaching replacements could range from Super Bowl winners like Mike McCarthy to up-and-comers like Jeff Hafley or Joe Brady.
With 12 games remaining, the season feels more like a countdown than an opportunity. McDaniel and Grier's time in Miami may be running out. The question is: will Ross pull the trigger, and if so, when? Is it time for a complete overhaul, or can this team salvage something from the wreckage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
