After an 11-6 record in 2023 but nothing to show for in the playoffs, the Dolphins come into the 2024 season hungry for more success. Miami has not won a playoff game for the last 24 seasons since 2000.
In what looked to be a promising season a year ago, turned out to be just disappointment for Dolphin fans. Miami was sitting at 11-4, controlling their own destiny in the AFC East, heading into Week 17 and 18. They dropped those two critical games to AFC foes and not only lost the division, but also dropped to the #6 seed. This meant they had to travel to Kansas City where Patrick Mahomes has lost one career playoff game ever.
You can infer what happened next as the Dolphins season fell short to the eventual Super Bowl champions. Miami is hope to change the tide this upcoming season. Most recently, Tua Tagovailoa was extended through the 2028 season to remain the Dolphins quarterback.
There was lots of speculation whether Miami would make Tua play for this contract or not risk anything and just lock him up long term before the season began. Tua will once again have his favorite targets in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who will also be accompanied by free agent signing, Odell Beckham Jr.
The Fins also gave Tua a new tight end, Jonnu Smith, after having poor tight end play in 2023. The Dolphins offensive line did take a hit this offseason after losing Robert Hunt and Connor Williams. Hunt signed to Carolina for a ludicrous deal that I believe the Dolphins had no intention on even matching.
The defensive front of the Dolphins took a massive blow this free agency as well. They lost superstar defensive tackle, Christian Wilkins to the Raiders after he signed a long-term deal with them. Wilkins had an excellent season in South Florida after accounting for 9 sacks and his presence will be heavily missed on the defensive line.
Miami also lost linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel to Minnesota this free agency. Van Ginkel was quickly emerging as a superb player on the Dolphins defense, yet they could not retain him this offseason. Miami's linebacker room will look a lot different in 2024 after they not only lost Van Ginkel, but Jerome Baker and Melvin Ingram as well.
The Dolphins will need Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips to come back healthy after devastating injuries late last season. Without these guys healthy, this linebacker room could be in trouble. However, the room that is not in trouble is the Dolphins secondary.
Yes, the Dolphins did cut Xavien Howard, but with his age catching up to him and injuries as well, it was for the best. The Fins picked up Jordan Power and Marcus Maye in free agency to bolster the safeties room which already has Jevon Holland. They upgraded in the cornerbacks room by adding Kendall Fuller to pair with All-Pro Jalen Ramsey. The secondary is looking dangerous this year for Miami.
Miami will look to finally end their long playoff win drought of 24 years this season. If they are able to take the division this year and get a home playoff game, then the end will be much more likely. Playing in cold weather as not been a major strong suit for Miami.
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