Dolphins Seem to be Moving on from Dalvin Cook Courtship

GM Chris Grier praised the tailbacks on Miami's training camp roster, and said Dolphins are comfortable with backfield "right now" when Dalvin Cook was brought up in a Sirius XM interview

The Miami Dolphins seemingly want to invest in the running backs they took to training camp, and haven't been fazed by Dalvin Cook's open pleas to join his hometown team.

At least that's the tune General Manager Chris Grier had during a SiriuxXM interview that aired Monday, where the organization's top executive sang the praises of five of the six tailbacks Miami has in training camp, four of which the franchise re-signed this offseason. 

If we read between the comments, it seems as if Grier didn't seem motivated to sweeten Miami's standing offer to Cook, a free agent who has rushed for more than 1,100 yards the past four seasons, because of Friday's visit to the New York Jets, an AFC East rival.

"We have good players there," Grier said, pointing out that Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson were productive in Miami's offense before injuries slowed them in the final stretch of the 2022 season.

Mostert, who averaged 4.9 yards per carry last season, gained 891 rushing yards on 181 carries and 202 yards on 31 receptions before breaking a finger in the regular season finale against the Jets.

Wilson, who the Dolphins acquired in a trade at midseason, averaged 4.7 yards a carry in his eight games with the Dolphins, rushing for 392 yards and scoring four touchdowns on 84 carries.

"They have both been very good players in this league, and they have played in this system. They know Mike [McDaniel]," Grier said about Mostert and Wilson, who each played for McDaniel when he was the run game coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers.

"[Salvon] Ahmed has come on. We're excited for De'Von [Achane], and Myles [Gaskin] has been a productive player in this league," Grier said, referring to Miami's tailback depth, which centers around two former Washington standouts, and Achane, a Texas A&M standout the Dolphins selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

"Dalvin is a tremendous athlete and football player, and had been a productive player in this league. So, I think that's why everyone's looking at him. I said people would love to have [him], but whether it works out with us or anyone ... We're very happy with the group we have and we're just moving forward right now with that group."

The key word in that sentence is "right now," and when it's paired with McDaniel acknowledging that Cook, who he labeled a "great player," and the Dolphins aren't on the same page in terms of contract talks, it seems as if Miami won't be sweetening its offer.

Therefore, if Cook does want to make his childhood dream of playing for the Dolphins happen in 2023, it will have to be for whatever offer Miami has put on the table, which sources say if well below the $6-8 million a year contract Cook is seeking.

Tyreek Hill blessing Eli Apple's signing

Here are some other topics Grier addressed with the SiriusXM hosts:

Grier confessed that the Dolphins called Tyreek Hill to clarify if he'd have an issue with Miami signing cornerback Eli Apple to address the loss of Jalen Ramsey, who suffered a knee injury last week and likely will be sidelined until December because he had the knee surgically repaired.

Hill's response according to Grier was: "I love Eli. That's my dawg."

Grier pointed out that later that day Hill tweeted out how practice was going to be fun Monday because of his ongoing social media feud with Apple, then said, "He's a genius," referring to Hill's social media marketing mind-set.

According to Grier, it wasn't just Hill, an All-Pro receiver, to whom he'd give that treatment.

"Tyreek is a very important player, but I think you don't want to just single out where it's just Tyreek," Grier said. "I think it's any player on your roster if you know there could be a potential conflict, or something, at least you want to just talk with them. Talk through any potential issues that could arise."

Chris Grier has nickname for Tua

Grier has nicknamed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa the "silent assassin" because "he kind of keeps everything to himself, but he hears everything. He claims he doesn't listen to stuff, but he'll have subtle shots at people."

Grier pointed out the offense has been catered to everyone's strengths, and acknowledged that an emphasis has been placed on speed.

"It's exciting watching just how fast we are every day. You know, we [do] the GPS stuff," Grier said, referring to the trackers which assess every player's speed during practices and games. "Some of the numbers we get are unbelievable and it's not just on offense. Defense too. We got some guys that can fly on defense."

But Grier realizes the Dolphins will need Tagovailoa to be sharp to take advantage of all that speed on offense.

"He has a kind of a different aura about him this year, how he handles himself," Grier said about Tagovailoa, who led the NFL in passer rating last season. "His teammates feel it and so we're excited for the season for him."

Vic Fangio was a 'gift' to Dolphins

Grier discussed the addition of Vic Fangio, who replaced Josh Boyer as the Dolphins defensive coordinator this offseason.

Miami made Fangio the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL to lure him to South Florida, and Grier has seem an immediate return on that investment.

"My dad knew Vic, and I've met Vic, but [I] didn't really know him and I've enjoyed getting to know him here the last few months," Grier said. "[I'm learning] just what he's looking for in players and how he approaches players and teaches players. I think our guys have responded well [to Fangio]. They're very excited."