Chris Grier – February 28, 2024
Download PDF version
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
General Manager Chris Grier
(Are you excited to see the salary cap bump?) – “Yeah. (Senior Vice President of Football & Business Administration) Brandon Shore and (Director of Football Administration & Strategy) Max Napolitano do a really good job of kind of forecasting what it would be over the last few years. We didn’t have it that high. It was good but at the end of the day, you can’t let that drive your decision still. It helps, but it’s still a player-driven market. So you still work through that as you kind of go through it.”
(Where do things stand between you and QB Tua Tagovailoa’s representation as you look to strike a long-term deal?) – “We’ve been in communication since the offseason began. We’re going to talk to his agent here this week. Our goal is to try and get something done. Ryan Williams has been great. Tua has been great. We’ll see. There is no timeline on it. At the end of the day, you know how these deals get done. They are complicated deals and we’re building a team through free agency as well. We’ll work through it and see if we can get something done.”
(How would you categorize it in terms of just laying the groundwork right now or making progress? Where do you think the talks are?) – “I appreciate the question, but I don’t ever talk about where we are publicly in terms of what we are doing. We’re having discussions and I’ll just leave it at that.”
(Does a salary cap bump mean that quarterback salaries goes up by 10 percent? Is there a direct correlation where maybe what QB Tua Tagovailoa would have asked for before may be different now?) – “I don’t know. You’d have to ask him that or his agent that. I think at the end of the day, when those things happen, obviously people get excited. You just try and work through it. You have rational discussions with people, and his representation are really good people and we’re having great conversations. At the end of the day, what he’s looking for in terms of the money going up, does that drive the salary up? I don’t know. You’d have to ask him.”
(Do you believe that you guys can get a deal done this offseason?) – “I think we’re hopeful. When you go through these things – you guys have all been around and you see other teams go through that – these are deals that very rarely come together quickly. There are a lot of pieces and moving parts. We’ve had positive discussions so far, and we’ll keep working here throughout the offseason.”
(Both you and Head Coach Mike McDaniel used the phrase that DT Christian Wilkins has earned to the right to be a free agent … Does that suggest you guys aren’t inclined to apply the tag on Christian?) – “No. I think all options are on the table for us. I’m going to meet here with Christian’s agent this week. David (Mulugheta) and I have always had good conversations. I’m just being very transparent with it. He has earned it. He’s had a great season. So we’ll see what happens here as we talk over the next couple of weeks.”
(What more did you need to see from DT Christian Wilkins this year to solidify that extension?) – “Like I’ve mentioned before, we’ve had conversations, and we were close on a deal last offseason. It didn’t come together. For us, we know who Christian is, the type of person and player and what he brings to the organization. So for us, at the end of the day, it’s not what he had to do as we were talking and trying to build a team and put together a roster of trying to work together and try to find something that was fair to him and us. At the end of the day, we tried, and the agent acknowledged it was a very fair offer and we felt good. So we’ll see where that takes us this offseason.”
(Do you believe you have the resources to get a long-term deal, or use the tag if you have to, with DT Christian Wilkins?) – “Yeah, we could.”
(What does having a quarterback that’s not on a rookie deal anymore do as far as affecting the rest of the roster building process?) – “All you guys have seen around the league is when you get those guys on a rookie deal, it allows you to do the things that we’ve done the last few years, to go get guys, whether it was Tyreek (Hill), Bradley (Chubb), etc. And also for us moving forward, we have had a lot of good young players come up too like Jaylen Waddle and (Jaelan) Phillips. We have five or six guys too that we’re talking to that are going to be candidates for possible extensions.”
(Does that force you to say, ‘hold on a second, we’re not in every single thing anymore? We’re not able to add WR Tyreek Hills like we used to?’) – “It is a challenge, but I think the one thing Brandon Shore and Max Napolitano have done when we talk is we’re always looking short term and long term, in terms of having flexibility and how contacts are structured and stuff. Again yes, every year you can’t go and make those moves that people get excited for. You’ve seen it around the league that it’s not sustainable. At some point you have to reel it back a little bit and add some youth and influx, and then cherry pick here and there. We’ve been looking at all different ways in terms of building this thing and keeping our roster competitive.”
(Does concussion history play a role in consideration on QB Tua Tagovailoa in terms of contract length and guaranteed?) – “No. I think for us, every player deals with certain things. Even as you’ve seen this year, you look at all the quarterback injuries around the league and there are other quarterbacks and really good players that have had multiple season-ending injuries as well. The one thing Tua did was he attacked the offseason wanting to prove that he could stay healthy. Spending the time learning to fall, with the jiu-jitsu and stuff, it paid off for him.”
(On whether LB Jerome Baker will be a cap casualty and if he anticipates him to be on the roster) – “We’d love to have Baker here. I think the big thing for us was to have the new defensive staff come in, spend time watching the team, watching the defense as a staff together. Once we have those discussions with the defensive staff, Mike (McDaniel) will get together and then we’ll make that decision here in the next couple of weeks.”
(With the injuries at linebacker to LB Jaelan Phillips and LB Bradley Chubb, what are their expectations for the beginning of the season to be back and do their injuries factor into your offseason plans for the draft and free agency?) – “It threw off our playoff plans, that’s for sure. Losing guys like that late in the year is always hard. At the end of the day, we don’t talk (publicly) about the medical history or where guys are in terms of their rehab. I will say they’re both in the building attacking it every day. It’s been good to see those guys support each other and working through it, as well as all our other injured guys. We had a number of guys. Of course, it makes it challenging because now we have to have guys ready to go at the start of training camp. The timing of the injuries were later (in the season) but they’re working hard and hopefully we’ll get them back at some point there.”
(What are your thoughts on the decision to part ways with CB Xavien Howard?) – “Yeah, that was a tough one. Xavien and I had a long conversation because he was the second player I drafted here in 2016. He and I have been through a lot of stuff here and we were just talking about how proud I was from early when he first got here, some stuff he was doing behind the scenes to help himself become a better player, and then all the stuff he had done as a player and a leader helping us on the field. We had a long discussion and he understood it was a business decision. At the end of the day, we just felt it was right for him to have this opportunity for his agent to go see what’s out there for him. But we didn’t close the door on it. We’re going to stay in communication as the process goes and see what happens, and we left the door open for him possibly coming back here too.
(On if the usage and output of the cornerbacks last year was more or less what he expected) – “I don’t tell coaches how they should play guys. We have discussions when we bring players on and we always talk about what skillsets fit different guys. Vic’s (Fangio) a very good coach. Jalen’s (Ramsey) a great player. At the end of the day, how players felt about different things, I wouldn’t really know and I wouldn’t feel comfortable talking about it. I also don’t think it’s fair to either one of them. I think that’s something for you guys to really talk to each one of them about how they feel. But yeah, I thought the opportunity to have those two players together on the field (Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard), no matter what we’re playing, made us a better team. When they were out there together, it showed. The defense was pretty good when they were playing out there together.”
(On the status of the offensive linemen due to become free agents and if they will be back) – “It’s a definite possibility. We had some discussions with Robert’s (Hunt) representation in the middle of the season and completely respected his willingness to go to free agency. And again, I say that term, but he had earned the right and I love Robert. He’s a good kid. He works hard and he wants to be good. I would say Isaiah’s (Wynn) been in everyday rehabbing at the facility. He said he loved it here, so we’ll see if we can get something done there. Then the same with Connor. He’s just going through his rehab right now. He’s a free agent and we’ll see where that goes. We’re giving him the space and time. He just wanted to focus on rehabbing right now. But we’ll stay in touch with all those guys and see where it leads.”
(Has OL Connor Williams had any talks with you guys about whether he wants to play?) – “No. If you know Connor, he’s a very prideful guy. He felt like he let the guys down getting hurt. That was out of his control and that’s what you love about him because he’s very competitive and he loves ball. He just wanted time to rehab and focus and get his mind clear and we’re giving him that space. We just told him there’s no pressure on him. He’ll communicate and him and his agent will communicate with us when it’s appropriate.”
(On if he has given T Terron Armstead a date to make a decision on whether he’ll return) – “Terron and I had a long conversation before he left for the Pro Bowl. He said he wanted to be very fair to us. I completely respect it because I think he’s earned that right. We just said we we’re going to talk before the start of the league year and free agency happened and he was going to let us know with plenty of time where it is, so it doesn’t affect us. We’re preparing either way. You have to. I love Terron and would love to have him back. But listen, he’s done so much in this league and what he battled through last year to play for us, I really respect him and am really appreciative of him saying that he was going to let us know well before free agency started so we can plan.”
(On if it is possible the team will have to sign several free agent offensive linemen) – “Possibly. At the end of the day, I thought Butch (Barry) and Mike (McDaniel) and Frank (Smith) did a great job developing those guys. Some of the younger guys that we have on the roster are guys we are excited for seeing them in another year here going. Those guys made a great leap this year, and they’re excited for some of the guys and what they can be in the future. But yeah, we’ll definitely end up having to add some players there at that position.”
(The NFLPA survey came out today. The Dolphins were number one. What’s your reaction to that?) – “Well, I think it’s a testament to Steve Ross, just for what he’s built in terms of the facility and the people he’s allowed us to hire. When you have a building like that and you get a survey and you’re top-rated like that, I think that shows the quality of the people from Dave Puloka in strength, Kyle Johnston and the training staff, Meghan (Kelly) and the dining staff. It’s very collaborative. Everyone works and talks together and the players feel that. We’re very communicative with the players and telling them, ‘hey, what can we do better? What can we do?’ I was very excited for it because I know last year when we got number two, guys were like ‘how did we not get number one?’ So again, that just shows with Steve – because right away last year, Steve was like, ‘Oh, we’re number two. What can we do better?’ So I give Steve a lot of credit on that for driving us to be the best in the business.”
(What value do you place on judging the 40-yard dash? How have you seen that specific drill results evolve over the past?) – “Yeah, I think it’s important. But at the end of the day, nothing replaces field speed or play speed. Because as you guys all said when we drafted Jarvis Landry here years ago, everyone was like how can you draft a 4.75 receiver? And then he ends up with 1,000 yards and is a good player. So I think nothing replaces that football speed and competitiveness. Everyone uses the GPS times now and all that stuff and we have programs that measure it, but at the end of the day, those things will help guide you. But like when you watch (De’Von) Achane play, you see the speed. And so the combine here, it has its purposes. For me personally, I like it more just for the interaction with the players and getting to know the players.”
(On if the growth of GPS changes the value of the 40-yard dash) – “I mean, I come old school with Coach (Bill) Parcells. It’s like the underwear Olympics. For me, again, it’s getting the medicals on the guys are very important. Then spending time digging in with the players. I mean, we’ve seen so much film on most of these guys. You kind of have a feel for them. But I will say, doing the workouts, you also see who’s competitive. So for me, the guys that do all the drills, I always like that because that shows this guy is here to compete. He’s not worried about if I run fast or slow or if I don’t do this drill right, teams are going to hurt me. This guy is basically saying ‘F it.’ This is football and I’m just going to compete. So for me, I appreciate those players, especially in this day and age, where people are telling guys not to do so. Listen, I don’t judge anyone. Everyone has their own situations for why they do or don’t do things or play in all-star games, etc. But those guys that go to the all-star games and do everything, play in the games, or play for teams who aren’t in the playoffs and play in the bowl games, like Georgia last year – it was a shame what happened to Georgia-Florida State. The Georgia kids, most of them played, and the guys from Florida State didn’t. So for me, when I watch those guys, it’s just a little more, ‘ok, this guy loves ball. He’s not worried about what the ramifications were.’ That can be significant for some people, but at the end of the day, he’s like I love my teammates, these guys helped me get here so I’m going to play. I just put a little more stock in it. But I’m also not going to skip over an all-world talent because he didn’t decide to play in the Mayo Bowl or something.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel has often talked about how great of a learner QB Tua Tagovailoa is. He’s noticed that being around him. I’m curious, looking back when he was here and you were analyzing him compared to now, especially after last season, how confident are you that he still has exponential ability to grow?) – “Yeah, that’s a good question because Mike and I talk about that a lot. We’re strong believers in him. And you guys all feel Mike’s passion about him when he talks about him. Just in the two years of what he’s done, he’s grown in areas to where he led the league in passing and did some great things this year. And we all feel there’s still another level he can take it. I think if you asked Tua that, he’d tell you that too. And so just his growth on and off the field, being voted captain last year and then seeing how he is behind the scenes with guys and holding people accountable, it’s huge. I think the way he’s attacked this and wants to be great and the combination of Mike and working with that and that trust and belief in each other, we do think there’s still another level which he could go.”
(You have a talented roster that seems on the precipice of winning playoff games and have been building towards this moment. Do you think it’s fair for me to suggest, or are you on the same page that with that first-round pick, probably thinking more safer, contribute this year for sure, as opposed to higher ceiling, little more risk project?) – “I think at the end of the day, we pick at 21, you’ll always take the best player. If it’s someone that, even if it’s at a position that – I don’t want to speculate any position, but if it’s a position people think we’re stacked at, you never know. Like last year, everyone said our outside linebacker group was really deep, and then things happen. And then the receivers, (Jaylen) Waddle went down a little bit, Tyreek (Hill) got banged up. So in this league, the way that injuries happen, you need depth everywhere. You can have the safe pick, but if there’s a guy that you truly believe is a supremely talented player and loves football and will work to reach that ceiling, then it’s up to us to spend the time and invest in them, to find out and then you make that decision you feel is best for the roster, not just short term but long term as well.”
(Are you committed to using that first-round pick? Or are you still open to possibly using it in a trade?) – “I think you have to be open to everything. If it’s a possibility of moving up or moving down for something and get in a better position to get a player that we may say is a home run for us, we’re definitely open to moving up. If someone wants to drop to our spot and we move down and pick up extra picks, we’re very open to that too as well.”
(Where do things stand right now with LB Andrew Van Ginkel?) – “We’ve been in touch with his agent. It’s been good. He’s been in the facility rehabbing like crazy and running around on his scooter. He’s in a really good place. He’s been working hard and we’ll continue to talk to his agent here and see if we can get something done.”
(You know that Mike Tannenbaum went on national TV and said you should trade WR Jaylen Waddle, which seems weird, except for the fact that you guys worked together for a long time. So are you going to trade WR Jaylen Waddle? Or would you consider that?) – “(laughter) No, as I said in the middle of the season, I have no thoughts of trading Jaylen Waddle. We want him here for a long time, and we think he’s a big part of our now and our future here. He’s a great person on and off the field, and we still think as good as he is, he still has runway to keep getting better.”
(I don’t think I’ve gotten more fan questions about a player than I have about CB Cam Smith. What happened in his rookie year? Do you still think he can be a starter for this team?) – “I think we’re very excited about Cam (Smith). I think last preseason, you watch his preseason stuff, he played very well in the preseason. He got banged up at the end and then came back. At the end of the day, learning Vic’s system early, if you look at his history of guys with young players, it takes a little bit. He worked hard and by the end of the season, we were really excited about it. Talking to Jalen Ramsey the other day, he was saying how he loves Cam’s game and thinks he’s going to be a good player. So no, we’re very strong in our belief in him. I think last year, there were a couple things. He got banged up a couple times, but contributed on special teams, did some good things. I talked to him probably about three or four weeks ago, and I called him at like 8:30 in the morning, and he was in the middle of a workout session. He’s attacking the offseason, so we’re all very excited to see him with an opportunity to play. But he’s going to have to compete and earn it. Kader (Kohou) is not going to give it up to him, so it will be good. Then obviously, we’ll be bringing in some other people here too, and maybe ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) is back, who knows.”
(I wanted to ask if you had any comment on the lawsuit against WR Tyreek Hill and if you have any concerns about his incidents in the past year?) – “Yeah, we were made aware of it. We were in communication with NFL security, so I really can’t comment on anything of that until we get all our information and find out what happened. For us, Tyreek (Hill) has been a good addition for us, but in terms of all the off-field stuff, we’ll have to get all the information before we can really comment on it.”
(You had mentioned a little earlier about the timeline for QB Tua Tagovailoa and that deal. Have you guys talked about what it would mean if there was no deal by the start of camp or the season – for him, his confidence, your belief in him, everything that goes with the security of a long-term deal?) – “I think everyone, if we can do something, would like it done before the season. But you’ve seen over the last few years, some of these other big deals that have been done have gone all the way into training camp, because they are complicated deals to put together with the money and stuff people are talking about. I think Tua (Tagovailoa) is a professional, I think he loves his teammates, he loves Mike (McDaniel), but again, players have the right to do whatever they do at that point in the spring. We anticipate him being here and being around as we work through it, and like I said, we’ll stay in communication with his agent.”
