The Miami Dolphins avoided a major headache that’s now plaguing several NFL teams
As training camps get rolling across the NFL, the Miami Dolphins’ offseason strategy in one area is back in the spotlight.
There are no business dealings playing out in the public this summer for the Miami Dolphins. No players with hands tucked in pockets on the sideline. No ‘Show me the money!!!’.
If you’re under contract with this team right now, you’re either on an injury designation (there’s three of those) or you’re ready to rock. That can hardly be said elsewhere across the NFL, as players leverage for new contracts. The New England Patriots have it with CB Chris Rodriguez. But one position in particular is at a bit of a stand still. And, had Miami NOT acted this summer, it may have impacted them, too.
The Miami Dolphins successfully avoided the hold-in circus playing out at running back this summer
It was considered a win when the De’Von Achane deal got done before both Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs and Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson. The perceived cost of those deals would have ceiling raising potential for any contract agreements that come after them, even if the numbers don’t top these pending contracts.
And running back is generally a “shorter shelf life” position in the NFL, too. Some of these guys only get one big second contract and that’s it. The wear and tear often proves to be too much — although we’re in a golden age with “older” running backs right now amid Derrick Henry’s final run and Christian McCaffrey’s return to form.
I digress. The win for the Dolphins is that they and De’Von Achane aren’t finding themselves in a similar position to both the Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions. There is no missed reps happening in South Florida in the name of negotiations. Miami needs all the time on task together that they can get — and they’re doing so thanks to the Achane deal being done. Not every team can say the same.
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