The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2025 NFL season facing significant questions about leadership, roster depth, and injury concerns. After a turbulent offseason marked by surprising trades and new setbacks, the franchise finds itself under pressure to perform. Head coach Mike McDaniel is already on the hot seat, and the situation in Miami seems far from stable.
Miami Dolphins’ offseason troubles put Mike McDaniel under pressure
The Dolphins’ offseason has been defined by questionable moves and unfortunate injuries. One of the most notable was the trade of tight end Jonnu Smith, who reportedly wanted to remain in Miami. Losing a veteran offensive weapon leaves quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with fewer options, raising concerns about the team’s offensive consistency heading into the season.
Head coach Mike McDaniel, who is coming off his first losing season with the Dolphins, now carries the weight of heightened expectations. Miami failed to make the playoffs last year, and critics have pointed to his leadership as a reason for the team’s underwhelming performance. Entering 2025, McDaniel is widely viewed as one of the coaches most at risk of losing his job if results don’t improve quickly.
Beyond coaching, the Dolphins’ culture has drawn criticism. Analysts have highlighted general manager Chris Grier’s struggles to build a reliable offensive line and manage contracts effectively during his nine-year tenure, which has produced no playoff victories. For years, Miami has been seen as a franchise surrounded by drama and instability rather than long-term success.
James Daniels' injury puts Dolphins’ protection of Tua Tagovailoa in doubt
Injuries are another major setback, particularly on the offensive line. The Dolphins’ biggest free-agent signing, James Daniels, suffered an ankle injury during practice this week. His availability for Sunday remains uncertain, but the timing couldn’t be worse. Miami already faced questions about depth up front, and losing Daniels—even temporarily—exposes a weakness that could derail the offense.
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The Dolphins have been warned that their season could be one offensive line injury away from disaster, and Daniels’ setback makes those concerns more real. Whether he recovers quickly or misses significant time will heavily influence Miami’s ability to protect Tagovailoa and establish a strong run game.
