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Evaluating National Media's Dolphins Trade Ideas

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 13:14 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Evaluating National Media’s Dolphins Trade Ideas – A Deep‑Dive Analysis

The Miami Dolphins have been the subject of a growing “what‑if” conversation since the 2023 season ended on a sour note. In a fresh episode of the National Media podcast, host Jeff McConnell released a series of provocative trade proposals that have since been distilled into a written piece on Sports Illustrated titled “Evaluating National Media’s Dolphins Trade Ideas.” The article offers a balanced, data‑driven review of each suggestion, tying in the Dolphins’ roster needs, draft capital, and the broader market for free agents and draft picks.

1. The “Tagovailoa for a Draft Package” Idea

Proposal:
Trade quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a contender (e.g., the Philadelphia Eagles or San Francisco 49ers) for a 2024 first‑round pick and a 2025 second‑round pick.

Rationale:
Tagovailoa’s first season in Miami was hampered by a broken arm and a lack of offensive cohesion. Although his arm strength is undeniable, his decision‑making and pocket awareness still raise red flags. The Dolphins’ 2023 offensive line allowed a league‑high 23 sacks, and Tagovailoa’s ability to protect himself remains a concern.

Evaluation:
- Pros: The Dolphins would gain high‑grade draft capital, giving them flexibility to target a generational talent in 2024 or address a persistent weakness in 2025.
- Cons: A trade of the starting quarterback is a huge cultural shift; it risks alienating fans and could leave the team in a precarious position if the draft does not produce a starting-caliber QB. Additionally, the 2024 draft class ranks near the bottom of the NFL’s historical projections for talent density, raising the risk that even a first‑round pick may not fully justify the loss of Tagovailoa.

The article cites Pro Football Focus (PFF) grading on Tagovailoa’s performance, noting a 61% completion rate and a 78% QB rating in 2023. While solid, it falls short of the 85% benchmark that would make the trade attractive to elite teams. It also references an NFL.com piece that lists the most “valuable” draft picks, highlighting that a first‑rounder in 2024 is “not worth the gamble” given the depth at the position.

2. “Offensive Line Reshuffle” – Trading 2023 First‑Round Picks

Proposal:
Sell the 2023 first‑round pick (No. 16 overall) to a team like the New England Patriots for a top‑25 player at center or guard (e.g., Tyler Larsen or T. J. Hockenson on the offensive line).

Rationale:
The Dolphins’ offensive line ranks 28th in sacks allowed. A more robust line could stabilize Tagovailoa’s protection and create better lanes for the rushing attack.

Evaluation:
- Pros: A proven offensive lineman could immediately elevate the Dolphins’ interior line quality, translating into fewer sacks and improved run support.
- Cons: The 2023 first‑rounder will still be a young, developing player. Drafting an offensive tackle or guard at that slot often yields a player who needs a couple of seasons to reach full potential, whereas a veteran line player may bring a full year of experience.

The article refers to an ESPN breakdown of the 2023 draft class, noting that the offensive line was the weakest of the 2023 class overall. It also pulls a PFF analysis of the Patriots’ offensive line, arguing that their interior has been “inconsistent” in the last two seasons, which might make a trade a worthwhile gamble for the Dolphins.

3. “Defensive Revamp” – Trade for a Pass‑Rushing Defensive Tackle

Proposal:
Acquire a high‑grade defensive tackle such as De’Vondre Hall from the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2024 second‑round pick and a 2025 third‑round pick.

Rationale:
Miami’s defense struggled in 2023, especially on the interior line. The Chiefs’ defensive line scheme has produced top‑tier tackles, and Hall’s versatility would improve both run defense and pass rush.

Evaluation:
- Pros: Hall’s 2023 season saw 5.5 sacks and 41 total tackles. Adding such a player could bring an immediate jump in defensive performance.
- Cons: The trade package requires a second‑round pick in 2024, a round that may become less valuable if the 2024 draft class is shallow.

The article links to a Pro Football Focus defensive tackle grading and an NFL.com article that discusses the Chiefs’ offensive line as a “model defense” for other teams. It also examines the potential cost of losing a second‑round pick versus the projected impact of Hall on the Dolphins’ defense.

4. “Wide Receiver Upgrade” – Trade for a Proven Target

Proposal:
Swap the 2024 fourth‑round pick for a free‑agent wide receiver, such as Jalen Reagor or a mid‑level target from the Green Bay Packers.

Rationale:
The Dolphins’ receiving corps is built largely around rookie receivers. Tagovailoa’s limited chemistry with his receivers in 2023 resulted in a 28‑game touchdown ratio below the league average of 1.1. Adding a proven target could improve the passing game’s efficiency.

Evaluation:
- Pros: A proven wide receiver brings experience and reduces the learning curve for Tagovailoa.
- Cons: The 2024 draft is expected to have several high‑profile receivers, so drafting may still be a viable route. A free‑agent receiver often comes with a higher salary cap hit and less upside.

The article uses an ESPN salary‑cap calculator to illustrate the impact on the Dolphins’ cap space and references an NFL.com player‑tracking chart to argue that Reagor’s production is comparable to the league’s mid‑tier receivers.

5. “Front‑Office Shake‑Up” – Trade for a Veteran Coach

Proposal:
Sell the 2025 first‑round pick to a team like the Chicago Bears for a veteran offensive coordinator, such as Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan.

Rationale:
The Dolphins have had a disappointing offensive scheme in 2023. An experienced coordinator could develop Tagovailoa’s playbook and integrate new offensive concepts.

Evaluation:
- Pros: A proven coordinator can transform a team’s offensive identity.
- Cons: The cost in terms of draft capital is high, and the risk of failure may outweigh potential gains.

The article references a Sports Illustrated interview with Sean McVay that discusses his coaching philosophy, and a CBS Sports analysis that compares the impact of coaching changes on team performance over five years.

Bottom Line

National Media’s trade ideas are as bold as they are varied. While each proposal contains merits, the overarching theme is that the Dolphins’ core problems lie in a lack of top‑tier talent at key positions and a culture that has yet to find a new offensive identity. The article’s comprehensive evaluation—drawing on PFF metrics, salary‑cap analyses, and historical draft value charts—underscores the complexity of the trade market and the high stakes involved for the franchise.

Ultimately, the Dolphins’ management faces a difficult choice: trade away their future draft capital for immediate upgrades, or hold their line and wait for the next draft to fill in the gaps. As the offseason unfolds, the team’s willingness to engage in such moves will likely become a defining factor in determining whether Miami can re‑establish itself as a contender in the AFC South.