The Miami Dolphins are setting up for a big 2023 Offseason

After dealing DeVante Parker to the New England Patriots in an active off-season, the Miami Dolphins now have five picks in the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL draft.

Through making several deals since Chris Grier became Miami’s GM, the Dolphins have found a way to build their team through the draft, while maintaining the capital to make big moves. For example, Grier was able to trade for wide receiver Tyreek Hill without giving up any major picks in 2023.

Furthermore, Miami is able to make a run with the current roster, while creating the best-case scenario if this year doesn’t work out. More specifically, they have created three distinct possibilities that cover just about every reasonable outcome. All three of which hinge on Tua Tagovailoa, and will play out differently depending on his performance.  

Solidifying a Contender

If the Dolphins, and more importantly Tua Tagovailoa, perform well this year, Miami is left with myriad options with their draft picks. Much like they did with Tyreek Hill, they have the potential to go out and continue their “win now” approach. Every year, a new veteran becomes available, and it may come down to who is willing to bid the most.

Miami is in a position, through these trades, to outbid just about every team.

🏈 If everyone thought this #NFL free agency was wild… this is just some players potentially going to be free agents in 2023

Tom Brady
Derek Carr
Kyler Murray (5th year available)
Lamar Jackson
Deebo Samuel
A.J. Brown
D.K. Metcalf
Terry McLaurin
Dionte Johnson
Hunter Renfrow

— Marissa Myers (@Marissa_M27) March 25, 2022

These picks, however, could also be used in the draft. While Miami’s roster is the best it’s been in years, there are still some holes and depth issues.

Miami could opt for quantity over one quality player, stacking the spots on the team that need work. This approach would signal a further confidence in Tagovailoa, who would have to perform for this to work.

However, if his production warrants it, Miami could stack the deck for years to come.  

Pursuing a Rookie Quarterback

The other two options would admit failure for Tagovailoa, who has been inconsistent over his first two seasons. However, Miami has an insurance policy for him, and it may be put to use if he fails this season. Miami, having five premium picks next year, is in good shape in a draft filled with premium quarterback talent. Going into this season, the 2023 quarterback class appears to be the strongest in some time. Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and University of Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke highlight a deep and talented class. If Miami believes that one of these signal-callers could succeed in their scheme, they have the ammo to move up for one of them.

The good news is that if Tua struggles this season, Miami has retained both of its 2023 first rounders in a draft with Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Will Levis, Tyler Van Dyke, etc. Wow. https://t.co/qdVAlfZIM2

— Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) March 23, 2022

While it seems intriguing, this option has its risks. Miami would be banking on yet another young, unproven quarterback to succeed in ways they haven’t seen since Dan Marino. With a roster that’s ready to compete, this could set the timeline back even longer, and may be unlikely as owner Stephen Ross continues to age towards retirement.  

Blockbuster Quarterback Trades

The last, and potentially most exciting option for the 2023 Miami Dolphins comes — yet again — in pursuing a quarterback. However, it makes much more sense for Miami to go after a veteran if Tua doesn’t work out.

Miami has several veterans who are in their prime, such as Tyreek Hill and Terron Armstead. Thus, it’s crucial to maximize their championship window, which may be closed by the time a rookie is ready.

Thus, Miami may look to acquire a quarterback from another team, much like the Broncos and Browns did this off-season. While this is all speculation, there are a few star quarterbacks who could become available next year. Lamar Jackson, who intrigued Stephen Ross in 2018, has yet to sign an extension and would be a free agent if he doesn’t do so.

Kyler Murray is also a possibility, as his discontent with the Cardinals organization began to show this off-season. If they have yet another lackluster season with Murray and Kingsbury, there is potential for the young quarterback to request a trade.

Arizona QB Kyler Murray has unfollowed the team & removed all Cardinals-related content from his Instagram.

The only recent content was a picture of himself at the Pro Bowl and a story re-share of a Mike Evans post that said "always wanted to catch a pass from the Texas legend." pic.twitter.com/ltcQTvJcPA

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 7, 2022

There is also the option of a wild-card whose team doesn’t perform to expectations. With so much talent in the AFC, some teams are bound to not make the playoffs, which could leave fringe teams with unhappy quarterbacks who would rather play with one of the league’s most opportunistic defenses and best young cores.  

The Bottom Line on the Miami Dolphins and the 2023 Off-season

While these potential moves are just conjecture, it’s clear the team has made moves to position themselves nicely. Continuing to feed off the blockbuster Laremy Tunsil trade, the Miami Dolphins find themselves in a positive situation for 2023, and beyond.

New head coach Mike McDaniel looks promising, and the roster as undergone major improvement since his arrival. Dolphins fans have much to be happy about currently, and the possibilities continue to grow in the coming years.  

*** This story was originally published on the ATB Network by Tyler DeSena***

 Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel  

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