The Miami Dolphins enter training camp as one of the NFL’s biggest question marks. After months of exploring trade options, the team finally moved on from star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. But the trade came at a cost: Miami lost tight end Jonnu Smith, which prompted a surprising move to acquire retired tight end Darren Waller.
ESPN’s Louis Riddick weighed in on the Dolphins' uncertainty heading into the 2025 season.
“Dolphins the very definition of uncertainty going into 2025,” Riddick wrote on X. “Have zero idea what this team will look like, play like, come together like chemistry wise. Zero. Fascinating to me.”
Despite the shakeup, Miami still has All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who expects big things from the team this season.
“This year as one of the leaders, I told the guys, it's time to change who we are as a team. It's time to change the narrative about we are not able to play in cold weather, we are not a physical team. So, I'm tired of that narrative. I'm tired of living behind not being able to go to the playoffs and win in Miami,” Hill said. “We got a good quarterback, we got a good offensive lineman and we got some good coaches and we got some good people in the community who deserve to be a part of that. So, I feel like this is the year that we change all of that.”
However, if the team fails to live up to expectations, head coach Mike McDaniel could be on the hot seat.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“McDaniel believes he is the right man for the job, and that's not unexpected. His offenses have been known for not being the toughest or most physical units in the league. And there have been suggestions he is too player-friendly and doesn't hold his guys accountable, which can be troublesome for creating a winning culture. McDaniel feels the support of owner Stephen Ross, but anything can happen once the season starts. If the Dolphins have a horrible season, the head coach and GM Chris Grier's jobs could be in jeopardy,” Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson wrote.
This season appears to be a “prove-it” year for McDaniel. If he can’t deliver, it may very well result in a one-way ticket out of Miami.