The Miami Dolphins entered the offseason with high hopes of retooling their roster for a serious playoff run. Instead, they’ve spent the last several months fueling doubt — not just from analysts, but now from former players as well.
Their trades made headlines, moving All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick, while also landing veteran tight end Darren Waller from the Giants. But those moves haven’t inspired much confidence outside South Florida. If anything, the noise around the team has only grown louder.
“Dolphins the very definition of uncertainty going into 2025,” ESPN’s Louis Riddick said. “Have zero idea what this team will look like, play like, come together like chemistry wise. Zero. Fascinating to me.”
Now, one former NFL star is piling on — and he’s not holding back.
On the latest episode of his Say What Needs to Be Said podcast, former All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel went scorched earth on the Dolphins organization, singling out both head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier in a blistering rant.
“The Dolphins had no reason to trade Jalen Ramsey other than they’re sensitive, there’s no leadership in the Dolphins organization,” Samuel said. “Mike McDaniel is a pushover... Chris Grier — the general manager — he has no backbone… they’re running this team like a little league team. No on can stand up to the players. They're terrified of their own players. And they have no control over their players."
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Samuel’s comments come at a particularly awkward time for Miami. His son, Asante Samuel Jr., is one of the top remaining free agents on the market — and the Dolphins, fresh off trading Ramsey, could absolutely use help in the secondary. Those chances now feel slim to none.
"Dolphins have checked in on recovery of his son, one of the best remaining UFA corners who is working back from neck injury. But the way this below sounds, they might have better luck waiting out Rasul Douglas or pursuing Gilmore or Bradberry," Miami Herald's Barry Jackson wrote.
This adds yet another layer of concern heading into the 2025 season. Questions still linger about whether Tua Tagovailoa can stay healthy, and if McDaniel can command a locker room that has undergone constant turnover. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton already predicted a last-place finish in the AFC East, citing defensive injuries, an unsettled quarterback situation, and what he called "a bottom-out year" in the making.
Now, with Samuel’s brutal critique going viral, Miami’s leadership structure is under even more scrutiny. And whether or not fans agree, the outside perception is clear: the Dolphins may have big names, but there’s still a serious lack of direction — and the clock is ticking for McDaniel and Grier to prove otherwise.