Top offseason priorities for the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins enter the offseason facing a critical juncture that demands decisive leadership and structural changes. Persistent deficiencies along the offensive and defensive lines, underscored by soft trench play and minimal investment in durable talent, continue to undermine playoff aspirations. General Manager Chris Grier and Coach Mike McDaniel remain in charge despite public scrutiny, as seen following an embarrassing loss to the Jets and poor roster decisions like extending underperforming guard Liam Eichenberg.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s injury history adds volatility to the franchise's outlook, but critics argue the systemic issues extend far beyond his availability. A clear theme emerges: physicality, consistency, and accountability must replace Miami’s finesse-based approach if the team seeks meaningful postseason results.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel looks on from the sideline as his team plays against the New York Jets in the first half of their NFL game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 1: ROSS KEEPS MCDANIEL, GRIER BUT TIME FOR HIM TO DEMAND MORE. AND MORE CONCLUSIONS, REACTION

Dolphins’ Ross cannot be as patient. Six things that must happen now. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) reacts after a play in the second half of his NFL game against the New York Jets at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. By MATIAS J. OCNER

NO. 2: WITH PLAYOFFS HOPES ALREADY GONE, THE DOLPHINS SUFFER DISAPPOINTING LOSS IN FINAL GAME TO JETS

With their playoff hopes already dashed by the Denver Broncos’ convincing win, the Miami Dolphins lost to a wayward New York Jets team. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

El tackle ofensivo de los Dolphins Terron Armstead (der.) celebra con su compañero de equipo Patrick Paul después de una jugada en la segunda mitad del partido contra los Patriots de New England, efectuado el 24 de noviembre de 2024 en el Hard Rock Stadium, en Miami Gardens, Florida. By David Santiago

NO. 3: KELLY: DOLPHINS REMAIN SOFT IN THE TRENCHES, AND SEEMINGLY DON’T CARE | OPINION

If Terron Armstead and Calais Campbell don’t return, Miami’s two most troublesome areas will become a crisis-level concern. | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) calls a play during the second half of their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. By David Santiago

NO. 4: KELLY: DECISION MAKERS HAVE DOLPHINS, TUA IN COMPROMISING POSITION

Based on what Dolphins achieved in free agency, team left a long to-do list for the 2025 NFL draft | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks with Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross before the start of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Sunday, September 10, 2023. By Al Diaz

NO. 5: RULE CHANGES, TAGOVAILOA’S INJURY HISTORY, AND MORE FROM THE ’25 NFL OWNERS MEETINGS

The dynamic kickoff is here to stay meanwhile discussions about the tush push will be tabled until May. | Published April 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.