Chris Grier and the Miami Dolphins front office continue to grind it out and fill the 2022 roster for Mike McDaniel and staff. Veteran punter, Thomas Morstead was signed on Friday to a one-year deal that closes the book on two things – the Michael Palardy era and the fanbase’s hope of Miami drafting collegiate “Punt God,” Matt Araiza.
In addition to Morstead, the Dolphins may be addressing the linebacker need by working out Reuben Foster. While it’s unclear whether or not the Dolphins will sign the former Alabama star, this could be a no-risk, high-reward move.
At this point, after the DeVante Parker trade to the New England Patriots and the Xavien Howard contract restructure, Miami has roughly $20 million in space. This leaves a multitude of options for Grier and could help in all facets of the rest of the offseason.
Veterans can still be signed, and with a light draft class following the Tyreek Hill trade, the cap is set up nicely for future business within the roster.
What does that business look like?
Defensive linemen Christian Wilkins could not only have his rookie contract picked up for the fifth year but he could be signed long-term as well. Andrew Van Ginkel is in a contract year, and while the restricted free agent tender was placed on cornerback Nik Needham last month, his future in Miami is a multi-year deal away, which could very well be in the cards with the pot of chips Grier still has at his disposal.
Being a few weeks from the NFL Draft, it’s hard to believe Grier is finished on the transaction side of things. With the punter gap now filled by Morstead, there truly are a limited number of holes on this team.
Depth is always something any football team needs, and with the Dolphins having a bit of a wait until they’re scheduled to make a pick in the upcoming draft, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Grier dip into the stack of checks. He very well could move up should he see a blue-chip player he covets, while, in typical Grier fashion, not breaking the bank in the process.
At this point, he’s earned the trust.