Report: Miami Dolphins expected to show ‘significant’ interest in the returner market

When NFL free agency begins next week, the Miami Dolphins are expected to make a determined effort to improve their roster.

Mike Kaye of Pro Football Network noted that the Dolphins are one of the teams expected to show “significant” interest in the returner market.

“The New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers are all under new or slightly altered regimes,” wrote Kaye. “And all three teams are expected to show significant interest in the returner market.”

The Dolphins will enter the 2022 season with a new head coach after Mike McDaniel replaced Brian Flores, who was fired one day after the conclusion of the 2021 regular season.

One reason why McDaniel might be looking to make moves in the returner market is that it would free up Jaylen Waddle to focus exclusively on his receiving duties. Last season, Waddle returned five punts for 35 yards and a team-high nine kickoffs for 158 yards.

Players such as Cordarrelle Patterson, Ray-Ray McCloud, Andre Roberts and DeAndre Carter are all possible options. There’s also former Dolphin Jakeem Grant, but it’s uncertain if the Dolphins will pursue him after trading him to the Chicago Bears last October.

The Dolphins are also reportedly expected to pursue reinforcements for their offensive line in order to better protect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during the upcoming season.

Bringing an aggressive approach to free agency no doubt stems from the frustration of coming up short for the postseason in each of the past five seasons. Miami came close to making the playoffs in the previous two campaigns, but it ultimately fell short both times.

Reinforcements will certainly provide McDaniel with a boost as he enters his first year with the team.