The Miami Dolphins are shaping up to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the season unfolds. Over the past few years, the franchise has struggled with internal locker room issues that have often spilled onto the field. The culture within the organization has been described as toxic — far from what an NFL team should foster.
“Except this isn't a one-year issue with Miami. Set aside the iffy football decisions, like Grier's inability to field a stable offensive line or properly manage high-profile salaries over the course of a nine-year tenure featuring exactly zero playoff victories. Just from a culture perspective, Miami has been the NFL equivalent of an accident -- a controversy, a feud, a drama -- waiting to happen,” CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin wrote.
All eyes are now on head coach Mike McDaniel, as the 2025 season is shaping up to be a make-or-break year. After a string of questionable trades and unfortunate injuries, things aren’t looking particularly promising for Miami.
“All of those now put a tremendous amount of pressure on McDaniel, who is coming off his first under .500 season with the Dolphins, who were also on the outside looking in on the playoffs. We already listed McDaniel as a head coach with one of the hottest seats in the NFL entering 2025, and the road to save his job just got even more difficult,” CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan wrote.
Speaking of jobs potentially being lost, the Dolphins’ unofficial depth chart was released — and it doesn’t bode well for tight end Tanner Conner.
“For Tanner Conner, it's a bit different. Conner remains fourth, which isn't surprising. Darren Waller has yet to practice, but is listed as number one. Julian Hill has the second spot locked down, and Pharaoh Brown is three. Conner will have to fend off Hayden Rucci for the fourth spot if the Dolphins carry four. Making his roster spot more unlikely, the Dolphins continue to look for other available tight ends,” PhinPhanatic’s Brian Miller wrote.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
This is the harsh reality for Conner: his time in Miami appears to be coming to an end. With Waller expected to return soon and the team actively searching for additional tight ends, the writing is on the wall. Conner has been with the Dolphins for a few seasons, but a breakup now seems inevitable.