The Miami Dolphins enter the season with head coach Mike McDaniel potentially on the hot seat. While he's considered a strong players’ coach, that very quality might ultimately work against him.
“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.
Earlier this summer, tight end Jonnu Smith was traded—along with cornerback Jalen Ramsey—to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith revealed that the trade was largely due to contract negotiations.
“Eventually it came a point and time when they told me they can’t do it,” Smith said. “I had to make the decision to go where I’m appreciated and viewed on paper, economically, contract-wise as a top guy in this league which I know I am. Pittsburgh was the team that saw me as that.”
The trade hit Smith hard. He had purchased a house in Miami and hoped to end his career there.
The Dolphins moved quickly, acquiring tight end Darren Waller the next day. However, they may not be done retooling the position. Free agent Noah Fant, recently released by the Seahawks, visited the Dolphins on Monday.
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“Free agent Noah Fant is visiting with Miami on Monday, according to reporter Jordan Schultz,” Pro Football Talk’s Myles Simmons wrote.
If the Dolphins sign Fant, he’s expected to become the starter, potentially pushing Waller to the second string. Fant would bring a reliable presence at tight end, and while Waller’s role is still uncertain, Fant is viewed as a solid, proven option at the position.