Dolphins Receive Concerning Outlook Following Series of Wild Trades

Newsweek

2 days ago

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The Miami Dolphins had plenty of question marks heading into the 2025 season, but the team pulled off a series of trades that have certainly confused fans and pundits alike.
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On Monday, the Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the NFL world, as All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick were sent to the Dolphins in exchange for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Initially, everyone believed the Dolphins lost the trade, and grades were given out that favored the Steelers' side of things. However, Miami did get Fitzpatrick back, who is one of the best safeties in the entire NFL.
Despite two wild trades, that was not the end of the Dolphins making moves. On Tuesday, the NFL world was again shocked when it was announced that the team traded for former New York Giants tight end Darren Waller, who is ending his retirement to join Miami.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 22: Mike McDaniel, head coach of the Miami Dolphins, looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. Miami will be...
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 22: Mike McDaniel, head coach of the Miami Dolphins, looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. Miami will be starting a new quarterback this week. More
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Waller retired in June 2024 to pursue a career in music, but has decided to give the NFL another shot. He reunites with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who helped him have three breakout years with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Considering these wild moves, the Dolphins now have received a concerning outlook from one of their biggest supporters, ESPN's Louis Riddick. Riddick often voices support for the team, along with Tua Tagovailoa, but his outlook on the Dolphins' recent moves might sound a bit concerning.
#Dolphins the very definition of uncertainty going into 2025. Have zero idea what this team will look like, play like, come together like chemistry wise.
Zero. Fascinating to me. — Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) July 1, 2025
#Dolphins the very definition of uncertainty going into 2025. Have zero idea what this team will look like, play like, come together like chemistry wise. Zero. Fascinating to me," Riddick posted to X.
While Riddick's post can be taken as positive, considering he used the word "intriguing," the fact that he also led with the Dolphins being the "definition of uncertainty" is far more concerning.
Riddick has a major point. Fitzpatrick is a major upgrade at safety, especially after the Dolphins lost star safety Jevon Holland in free agency to the Giants. However, losing Ramsey means the team has a glaring hole in their secondary.
Storm Duck, Kader Kohou, and Jason Marshall Jr. are the presumed starters, but Duck and Kohou are certainly not of the caliber that Ramsey is, and Marshall is a rookie.
A veteran is needed, and the Dolphins need to look to Stephon Gilmore, Asante Samuel Jr., or even give Xavien Howard a call.
The same can be said for the tight end position. Waller is nobody to scoff at, but he has not played in the NFL for over a year. His 2023 season ended with 552 yards and one touchdown, which pales in comparison to Smith, who got 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
Waller was one of the best tight ends with the Raiders, posting over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, but his production has taken a big dip since the 2021 season.
The Dolphins don't necessarily need Waller to become George Kittle, but they do need a tight end who can catch and block. Waller might be that, but the team is taking a sizeable risk on his return.
Miami could surprise the league and be one of the best teams, but with questions at corner, the offensive line, and even tight end — Riddick's assessment of uncertainty is something that should be felt by everyone.
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