MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 06: Head coach Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Dolphins surprised their NFL peers by winning 10 games in 2020. Here are 5 surprises set to be pulled by Miami’s roster in 2021.
Brian Flores piloted the Dolphins to 10 wins last season but that wasn’t quite enough to get Miami into the postseason. The team’s mission in 2021 is crystal clear. They want to qualify for the playoffs by any means necessary.
Arguably the organization’s biggest decision of the offseason was to hand Tua Tagovailoa the starting quarterback job. His uneven rookie campaign caused some observers to suggest the team should shop for an immediate replacement this offseason. Miami has opted for discretion on the issue and as such, Tua heads into the 2021 regular season as the team’s unquestioned starter.
That doesn’t mean the Dolphins stood pat on offense. They were aggressive in free agency with their efforts to surround Tua with the talent required to take a step forward. The first bold prediction in this piece sheds light on one of Miami’s priciest free agent additions.
5. Will Fuller will be a massive free agent flop
The Dolphins inked Fuller to a one-year deal that will pay him just over $10 million. The problem with that investment is that the diminutive wide receiver just isn’t a good bet to stay healthy for a full 16-game slate.
He’s missed 19 regular season games over the last three seasons. It’s unreasonable to think he’s going to become more durable during his age 27 season. If the Dolphins get 10 games from him they should be pleasantly surprised.
Add all that up and he’s going to look like a significant overpay when the 2021 season ends. The fact that it’s a one-year deal will be Miami’s saving grace when it comes to Fuller.