Two names the Dolphins need to consider adding to the WR room
The narrative surrounding the Miami Dolphins wide receiver room has been the same since the start of the offseason programs.
There might not be a traditional, clear-cut WR1.
It’s not a mystery. Not one player has had more than 1,000 yards or 50 catches in a single season. That’s not a good sign. The solution, however, happens to be rather clear: add a veteran.
This might be an unpopular opinion, especially considering that coach Jeff Hafley seems to disagree.
“It’s too early to make that statement,” Hafley said when asked whether about the lack of traditional WR1 on the roster. “We haven’t practiced very much. We haven’t practiced against anybody. We haven’t played a game. So let’s let our coaches develop these guys and give these guys a chance to see if we do have a number one.”
Still, there are two solid options in Deebo Samuel and Tyler Lockett still available.
Let’s start with Samuel. Not only does he have a connection with Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik as both spent significant time with the San Francisco 49ers. He checks a lot of boxes from a talent standpoint and would give Miami a stellar yards-after-catch-guy.
Pro Bowler? Did that in 2021.
All-Pro selection? Also in 2021.
More than 1,000-yards in a season? Yep, you guessed it — 2021 again.
With more than seven years of experience, Samuel could make a perfect addition to a position group that’s in need of some veteran leadership. And while he hasn’t quite gotten back to his 2021 self, his 2025 season showed he still has something to offer.
“I still got a lot in the tank,” Samuel said at the start of 2025 training camp. He would proceed to put up 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns. “Like I just said, I just go out here and get better every day. Whatever position they put me at to go out here and make plays, I’m going to do the best of my ability.”
For a team that doesn’t have a lot of experience in the receiver room, Samuel’s versatility could be a huge benefit for the Dolphins as his ability to even line up in the backfield could present problems for opposing defenses.
“We’ve moved him around into some different locations already,” Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn said, praising Samuel’s “energy that he brings to meetings and to practice. He’s thoughtful, he wants to ask questions. ‘What if we did it like this?’. He challenges you in a good way and makes you think so, he’s been really, really fun to coach. He just, man, he loves football. You can feel it.”
Then there’s Lockett.
The former Kansas State standout has seen it all in his 11 years. From four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to one year with 100 catches to a Pro Bowl appearance, Lockett brings a similar leadership acumen to a team in dire need of it.
Consider this: among active pass-catchers, Lockett ranks ninth in receiving yards and t0th in catches. If that doesn’t spark some excitement, just look at how ex-Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll described the receiver.
“He’s got great background, great savvy playmaking ability, a real natural sense about understanding how to play the game,” Carroll said in late October, later calling him somebody who “make things happen and make it look effortless at times” and “a great performer historically.”
Obviously, this would ultimately come down to a few things. Are Samuel or Lockett comfortable being on a team that’s not projected to make the playoffs, let alone be above .500? Will they be satisfied with a veteran minimum deal? Are they a good culture fit?
If the answer is yes to those trios of questions then they would be a welcomed addition to the Dolphins. Besides, it’s not that difficult to sell a player on the Miami lifestyle.
