Miami Dolphins face a make-or-break 2025 season. Coach McDaniel's job is on the line, while Jalen Ramsey's trade request and Tua's health create drama.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The humid Miami air feels thick with more than just summer heat—it's heavy with expectation. As the Dolphins navigate the quiet period before training camp, a singular narrative has emerged: this is a make-or-break year for Head Coach Mike McDaniel. With reports highlighting immense pressure for a playoff victory, and star players like Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith in states of limbo, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a defining crossroads for the franchise.
Half of the Dolphins' $50.25 million secondary payroll is allocated to Jalen Ramsey, a player who sat out minicamp and is actively awaiting a trade.
According to a deep-dive season preview from Athlon Sports, Mike McDaniel's job security hinges on delivering something that has eluded Miami: a playoff win. The front office has spent the offseason attempting to build a roster that can get over the hump, specifically reinforcing the offensive and defensive lines. However, the success of that project depends heavily on the health of Tua Tagovailoa, who missed six games last season, and the stability of a cornerback group that remains a significant question mark.
The roster uncertainty is personified by two key players. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey sat out minicamp as he awaits a trade, a situation complicated by his massive salary which accounts for half of the team's entire secondary payroll. Meanwhile, tight end Jonnu Smith, fresh off a franchise record-setting season, is also the subject of trade talks as he seeks a new contract. A Yardbarker report suggests both situations are coming to a head, with tough decisions looming as the Dolphins look to trim their roster to 53 players.
A recent financial breakdown reveals Miami's 'stars and scrubs' approach to roster construction. The team is spending well above the league average on linebackers, with massive commitments to Bradley Chubb and Jaylen Phillips, and on the secondary, led by Ramsey's hefty deal. To balance the books, the Dolphins are relying heavily on cost-controlled rookie contracts at crucial positions like running back and the offensive and defensive lines. This strategy makes paying a player like Jonnu Smith difficult and trading a high-priced asset like Ramsey incredibly tempting to reallocate funds.
While player drama dominates the headlines, the NFL calendar marches on. The team just passed Monday's deadline for handling restricted free agent tenders, a procedural move that impacts roster flexibility. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the late June Rookie Readiness Program, designed to get the new draft class up to speed. The next major date is July 15, the deadline for any franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals, before rookies and veterans report for training camp later that month.
With the Rookie Readiness Program on the horizon and training camp just weeks away, the clock is ticking. Will Ramsey be traded? Will Smith get a new deal or a new team? And can Mike McDaniel finally deliver the postseason success that Miami craves? The answers to these questions will not only shape the 2025 season but will define the direction of the Dolphins franchise for years to come.
