A Refreshing Change

While Chris Grier shied away from the media and was defensive at best when he did answer questions, Jon-Eric Sullivan is as transparent and straightforward as any general manager the Dolphins have had.

And coach Jeff Hafley is no different.

Mike McDaniel answered questions in riddles so that it was difficult to understand what he was saying half the time.

Like Sullivan, Hafley is direct about the team’s future direction and the path to get there.

During the pre-combine interviews with multiple media outlets, Sullivan was asked about the rationale for releasing players, most notably Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb.

Without mincing words, Sullivan simply said that we have to get cheaper and younger.

That sends a very clear message of how Sullivan and Hafley intend to rebuild this team.

When asked about Tua Tagovailoa, Sullivan was gracious enough to say that he respected Tua’s contributions to the Dolphins but that everything is on the table, including a potential trade.

Sullivan also said it is unlikely the team releases Tua in one massive salary cap hit, but more likely as a post June 1st cut.

Further, Sullivan said that the Dolphins will, not might, draft a quarterback in this year’s draft.

Regarding De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle, Sullivan said that while he intends to keep both players as a foundation to build from, he is open to all conversations.

That means if a team is willing to part with some high draft picks either this year or next, Sullivan would listen.

Both Achane and Waddle meet the “younger” requirement of the new roster.

However, the “cheaper” part is questionable.

Achane is about to become expensive, and it could be argued that Waddle has not performed up to his current salary.

So, everything is on the table, as it is obvious that the only way the Dolphins are to rebuild the team in the short run is through the draft, while Sullivan and Hafley attempt to get the team out of salary cap hell.

Thank you, Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley, for being transparent with the fans and establishing a clear direction for the team.