To put it simply, the Miami Dolphins don’t seem poised for a fun season, especially after their most recent trade. Minkah Fitzpatrick, who they acquired from Pittsburgh, landed on Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox’s bust list.
“Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is highly unlikely to flat-out bust for the Miami Dolphins in 2025. The five-time Pro Bowler is a quality starter who was on the field for the Pittsburgh Steelers in all 17 games last season,” Knox wrote. “However, Fitzpatrick also came to Miami as part of a trade that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh. He'll need to play extremely well to bring a sense of balance to the exchange, and the 28-year-old simply hasn't been as impactful in recent years.”
Head coach Mike McDaniel is likely facing his final year in Miami, especially after the trade, as his job security is increasingly precarious.
“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.
On the other hand, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is in a strong position regardless of what happens.
“If he turns this defensive unit into a top 10 defense, he will be a hot candidate for another coaching job, perhaps even a head coaching job. Weaver is designing his defense to get consistent and constant pressure on quarterbacks while also stopping the run. The hope is the cornerbacks won't be left in coverage long,” Phin Phanatic’s Brian Miller wrote. “Miami winning will give Weaver all the interviews he deserves. If Ross doesn't keep McDaniel after the season, and doesn't promote Weaver, the new HC will almost assuredly hire his own defensive coordinator to replace Weaver. That's how it works in the NFL.”
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Weaver is in a very good spot—he deserves another shot if things don’t go well this season, but he could also become McDaniel’s successor. If his defense performs at a high level, Weaver could very well play himself into that role.