Former Miami Dolphin lobs grenade at team on social media after mega-trade between Dolphins and Steelers
The proof of the Miami Dolphins' toxic culture in 2024 just reared its ugly head once again. The Dolphins were a part of the NFL's earth-shattering start to the week, trading out tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh and, in return, acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (again). The trade also featured a pick-swap […]
The proof of the Miami Dolphins' toxic culture in 2024 just reared its ugly head once again.
The Dolphins were a part of the NFL's earth-shattering start to the week, trading out tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh and, in return, acquired safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (again). The trade also featured a pick-swap of 2027 draft choices, but the inclusion of three players in a trade, particularly those with big money salaries, is a rarity.
The NFL world is buzzing over the deal and one former Miami Dolphin felt it was the right time to give his two cents about how Miami has dealt with players who have been at their best with the Dolphins in recent years.
Raheem Mostert chimes in on Dolphins, Steelers trade
Hot take: Be a Pro-bowler on the Dolphins, get treated like sh*t. Happy for my guys though! GO BALL OUT!
– Former Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert
Tell us how you really feel, Raheem Mostert. Mostert was a record-setter in Miami in 2023, just as Jonnu Smith was a record-setter in Miami in 2024. Mostert set the franchise's single-season touchdown record in 2023 before getting a one-year contract extension himself last offseason. He was promptly hurt in Week 1 and, by the time Mostert was ready to return to action, De'Von Achane had a firm stranglehold on the Dolphins' starting running back position.
Mostert, who was cut this spring, clearly sees some of his own situation with how Miami chose not to do right and pay Smith, who wanted to stay in Miami but was hoping for a pay raise after his monster season in 2024.
May he who hath not sinned cast the first stone
For what it's worth, the difference between the two players is significant. Mostert very clearly feels some type of way about his reduced role in 2024 and his subsequent departure from the team. Just as the Dolphins surely felt some type of way about Mostert's second-half fumbles in two losses this season to Buffalo and Indianapolis. Miami led in both games early in the second half — 10-6 over Buffalo in Week 9 and 10-3 over the Colts in Week 7.
The Dolphins also lost both games by one score, losing 30-27 against the Bills and losing 16-10 to the Colts. The Colts scored the game-tying touchdown on the ensuring possession after recovering Mostert's fumble and starting the drive in scoring position on Miami's 28-yard line.
Miami had the lead and the ball to start the second half against the Bills, making quick work to move into scoring territory before Mostert fumbled at the Bills 36-yard line. Buffalo took the lead with a touchdown drive on their ensuing possession.
Mostert posted 49 carries in his first four games back from injury in 2024 — the final game of that stretch was the second game Mostert fumbled to cost Miami dearly. In the nine games after to close the season, Mostert logged just 30 total carries. It's a far cry from the season that Smith had before approaching the team about an adjusted deal. Ironically enough, Mostert had his record-setting contract and actually did get a pay raise and a contract adjustment after the 2023 season had concluded.
Hopefully Mostert saying his piece will allow him to move on. Because the Dolphins already have — and Mostert's comments seem to suggest they're better for it if they're serious about having a better team culture in 2025.
The Dolphins’ blockbuster trade with Pittsburgh is a high-stakes move that underscores Miami’s fragile balancing act in 2025
The Dolphins’ blockbuster trade with Pittsburgh is a high-stakes move that underscores Miami’s fragile balancing act in 2025
