Tanner Conner suggests Dolphins got rid of players who didn’t respect Mike McDaniel

As the Miami Dolphins enter their fourth season under head coach Mike McDaniel, they’re looking to improve their culture, and that is likely going to require some players to change their ways.

But in the eyes of Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner, McDaniel hasn’t changed “at all,” and Conner sees that as a good thing.

“The same Mike,” Conner said, as relayed by the Miami Herald‘s Barry Jackson on X. “I’ve been with him ever since he’s been here. He’s genuine to himself and cares a lot about us and wants everyone to have a special career. Mike hasn’t changed at all.”

Conner then suggested that there may be more respect surrounding McDaniel within the team now that “we’ve gotten some players out who might have not been as respectful.”

“I think maybe the emphasis around him and respecting him more as players has changed as we’ve gotten some players out who might have not been as respectful,” he said. “… The team is very bought in. They believe in Mike and what he wants to do.”

It’s unclear who Conner is referring to specifically, but fans may have some theories.

Arguably the biggest move of Miami’s offseason came earlier this summer when the team traded cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Draft capital was also involved.

Before Ramsey was traded, there were rumblings that his relationship with McDaniel was not good. In addition, when it was clear that Ramsey and Miami were headed for a split, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said that “relationships are hard,” possibly in reference to Ramsey and McDaniel, though it certainly could’ve had additional meanings.

Smith’s departure from the Dolphins was also a little bit messy since he was traded following failed contract talks, but he and the team were seemingly able to keep things professional. McDaniel also expressed a desire to have Smith back before he was dealt, so Smith may not fit Conner’s description.

The Dolphins have had other departures this offseason as well. As such, it’s difficult to pinpoint everyone Conner might’ve been referencing. But if there is a better level of respect for McDaniel in the locker room, that can only be seen as a good development heading into the new season.

Miami is looking to have a winning season and return to the playoffs after the squad fell short of both of those goals in its disappointing 2024 campaign.