CBS 4's Steve Goldstein on the Dolphins aggressive trade deadline deals
MIAMI - Chris Grier is all in. The Dolphins' general manager acted more like an NHL GM on trade deadline day, wheeling and dealing to get the team help on both sides of the ball. He used more draft picks to get current talent following the formula of the Tyreek Hill trade in the offseason.
Who's In, Who's out
Denver Broncos pass rusher Bradley Chubb is now a Dolphin. He's the big get despite having injury issues in his career. When healthy he is an impact player. The package includes the 49ers 2023 first round pick, which the Dolphins owned, and running back Chase Edmonds who recently saw his playing time reduced.
Chubb is simply one of the league's better edge players and this defense needs that. Teamed up with a dynamic rising star in Jaelan Phillps suddenly gives the opponent's offensive coaches more to worry about. Keep in mind, the secondary has been decimated by injuries so getting to the quarterback becomes a must.
Edmonds was a big free agent signing with high hopes of flourishing in Mike McDaniel's offense. But that never materialized and Raheem Mostert has become the clear cut number one back. Grier then replaced Edmonds with San Francisco running back Jeff Wilson who was teammates with Mostert and played for McDaniel and some of the other Dolphins offensive coaches with the 49ers.
Wilson knows the zone running offense having worked with McDaniel in his 5 NFL seasons. The Dolphins valued him enough to give up a 5th-round pick in next year's draft.
Why the Trades
The Dolphins feel with their explosive offense they have a chance to make some noise the rest of the season and into the playoffs.
The defense get a Pro Bowl caliber player in Chubb while Wilson adds some experience in the team's offensive scheme and a productive player to back up Mostert.
After decades of high draft picks Grier is all in on this team making a run and who can blame him.
What It Means
Giving support to players like Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle, Holland, Howard and Phillips shows them and the rest of the players that the franchise believes in this team. And being aggressive gives the fans a lift. It's always good to know your tram is all in on trying to win now.
Let the draft and the "down the road" roster movement play out as it may. At 5-3 the Dolphins are in prime position to make a solid playoff run. Wins the next two weeks against Chicago and Houston would set them up well. The fact that they are 5-0 when Tua plays the full game gives hope there are more wins coming.