In the opinion of former NFL executive Gil Brandt, the Miami Dolphins deserve credit for having had the best offseason among all 32 NFL teams.
In an NFL.com column, Brandt directed special praise to Dolphins general manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores for making solid upgrades to the team’s roster.
“The roster rebuild that began in 2019 under coach Brian Flores and general manager Chris Grier couldn’t be going more smoothly,” Brandt wrote.
Delving into the additions by the Dolphins, Brandt later cited free agent pickups such as cornerback Byron Jones, defensive end Shaq Lawson and guard Ereck Flowers. He also praised the drafting of newcomers like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and offensive tackle Austin Jackson
Brandt then concluded by urging patience as the Dolphins integrate all of the additions into the team.
“It might take some time for these new pieces to gel, but the Dolphins are once more on the type of solid footing that would have made the late, legendary Don Shula proud,” Brandt wrote.
Brandt’s accolades make the efforts of Grier and Flores even more noteworthy. That’s because Brandt served as the chief architect of constructing the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1988.
During that long span of time, the Cowboys reached the Super Bowl five times and won twice, while also reaching the playoffs every season but one from 1966 to 1985.
For that enviable body of work, Brandt was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year.
Brandt’s mention of the start of last year’s rebuilding process gives an indication of just how far the Dolphins have advanced.
The Dolphins lost their first seven games of the 2019 season, including the first three games by a score of 133 to 16. However, they bounced back during the final month, winning three of their final five contests.
The hope is the Dolphins’ finish last season, coupled with this strong offseason, will translate into a team that might compete for a playoff berth.
