Shocking Trade Ideas Dolphins Should Pursue Before 2023 Season
The Miami Dolphins have become the masters of the NFL trade market since Mike McDaniel took over as head coach. They made a blockbuster deal for star wide receiver Tyreek Hill last offseason, and they acquired star cornerback Jalen Ramsey in March.
The Dolphins had a clear directive to go after star veteran players, and they have executed that game plan to perfection so far.
Miami does not have many holes on its roster right now, but it could use some extra help at safety. Ramsey and Xavien Howard are expected to start at cornerback, and Jevon Holland is a rising star at safety, but the Dolphins could use more depth behind him.
There are a few safeties across the league who could be moved at the right price. That might lead to a shocking move made by the Dolphins before the regular season begins.
Land Budda Baker from Arizona
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Miami can deal a shocking blow to the rest of the AFC by trading for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker. The Cardinals are in full rebuild mode and might be open to moving the veteran.
Baker has a $16.9 million cap hit this year and a nearly $18 million club option in 2024, per Spotrac, which could too expensive for the Dolphins. Miami has only $2.6 million in cap space left to work with, so a Baker deal would require some restructuring of contracts.
The Dolphins have had no problem shipping draft picks elsewhere in the last two offseasons, and Arizona is in need of as many draft selections as possible to build up its roster over the next few seasons.
Baker would get the chance to play for a contender, and Miami would have one of the most feared secondaries in the NFL. That could help them advance deep into the postseason since they would have answers for all of the top wide receiver groups in the AFC.
Make In-State Deal For Antoine Winfield Jr.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be in fire sale mode before the season even begins. They're expected to drop off in a major way after Tom Brady's departure.
They could offload some of their impending free agents in exchange for draft picks to start building for the future around whomever their long-term quarterback may be.
Bucs safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is on an expiring deal this season. He should have a robust free-agent market in 2024.
For now, Winfield could be a trade chip because of his low salary and age. Miami could easily take on the 24-year-old since he only has a $3.7 million cap hit.
Miami may not have to give up a ton in exchange for Winfield because of his contract. He would be a cheaper alternative, and possibly a better one, than Baker.
A Holland-Winfield safety pairing playing alongside Howard and Ramsey would be terrifying for any opposing quarterback to throw against.
Miami may be more inclined to build up its defense in case it has to win games with that unit if quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is hurt or struggles in any capacity in 2023.
Deal With Rams for Tyler Higbee
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Miami's one big weakness on offense is tight end. The Dolphins currently have Durham Smythe, Tyler Kroft, Eric Saubert and Elijah Higgins on their roster, none of whom are dangerous threats in the passing game.
Miami did not use its tight ends much in 2022, but it needs a competent pass-catcher across the middle to take some pressure off Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Tyler Higbee is in the last year of his deal with the Los Angeles Rams, and he would give the Dolphins more talent across their offensive depth chart.
Higbee is not as flashy of a trade target as Baker or Winfield, but he would be a practical addition to an offense that can't have Tagovailoa hold on to the ball for long periods in the pocket.
The Rams might be reluctant to deal Higbee before the season if they think they can surge back into contention in 2023. That's what would make a potential Higbee deal so shocking.
The Dolphins could raid the NFC West twice in the same offseason to further fuel their Super Bowl ambitions.
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