The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads after major organizational changes. Chris Grier’s decade-long run as general manager has come to an end, sparking questions about the franchise’s future direction, coaching stability, and potential roster moves with the NFL trade deadline looming.
Chris Grier’s Departure After a Decade
Chris Grier is out as Miami’s general manager for the first time in 25 years. Owner Stephen Ross made the announcement following the team’s brutal 28-6 home defeat to Baltimore, which dropped their record to a dismal 2-7. The writing had been on the wall for weeks.
Grier’s decade at the helm included two significant rebuilding phases. He stockpiled draft picks and brought in marquee names like Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey, and Bradley Chubb. Yet despite these moves, roster mismanagement and bloated contracts ultimately derailed the franchise. The Dolphins never secured a playoff victory during his tenure – a glaring indictment of his leadership.
McDaniel Survives the Purge
While Grier got the axe, Mike McDaniel will finish out the season as head coach. Ross seems convinced the team’s problems lie in personnel decisions rather than sideline strategy. McDaniel, who arrived in 2022 and recently signed an extension, still has the owner’s backing thanks to his collaborative style and offensive innovation.
Sure, a new GM might prefer their own coaching hire, but any such decision would come after the season ends. For now, McDaniel gets to prove he can weather this storm.
Strategic Timing of the Front Office Move
Ross pulled the trigger on Grier just four days before the NFL trade deadline – hardly coincidental timing. Word around the organization suggests Ross grew frustrated with Grier’s reluctance to move veteran pieces. Interim GM Champ Kelly, recently hired and unfamiliar with the current roster’s construction, now holds the keys to potential fire-sale decisions.
This shift signals Miami’s willingness to clear salary cap space and accumulate draft capital. Translation: a rebuild might already be underway.
What’s Expected from McDaniel and Tua’s Uncertain Future
Ross, typically patient with his coaches, wants to see consistent effort and gradual improvement from McDaniel’s crew. The coach’s job security depends on showing visible progress despite this disappointing campaign.
Tua Tagovailoa’s future remains murky. His four-year, $212.1 million extension from last offseason looks questionable given his regression compared to other AFC quarterbacks. Trading him would be financially complicated due to massive dead cap hits through 2027.
Miami’s projected top-10 pick in the 2026 draft opens the door for a franchise quarterback selection. Tua’s limited mobility and injury concerns don’t align well with modern offensive demands, making his long-term viability questionable.
Trade Deadline Activity: Who’s Available?
Kelly’s interim status and Grier’s exit suggest Miami will be far more aggressive in trade discussions. Several players are drawing interest from contending teams, including edge rushers Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Matt Judon. Running back Jaylen Wright and linebacker Jordyn Brooks are also generating calls.
The first major trade window opens Tuesday before Thursday night’s game. Expect rival general managers to flood Miami’s phones, sensing opportunity in the organizational chaos.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Draft Priorities
The incoming GM will inherit significant evaluation challenges. Addressing the quarterback position tops the priority list, with prospects like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore emerging as potential targets.
Defensively, Miami still needs reinforcement despite recent draft and free agency investments. Local product Rueben Bain Jr. from the University of Miami could provide immediate pass rush impact. Rebuilding the defensive front four remains essential for future success.
This represents a defining moment for the Dolphins franchise. New leadership faces the dual challenge of salvaging this season while establishing a sustainable foundation for years ahead.
