For the naysayers, lets take an honest moment of reflection on what this season was going to be. Steven Ross already said "do what it takes" which was quickly and accurately decoded to say "tank to get me a franchise quarterback". All offseason the narrative from the talking heads has been "how will Coach Flores deal with a team that is going to tank?" We all KNEW this season wasn't going anywhere pretty or nice. Which is why this decision makes so much sense.
There are rumors (i stress rumor, its per PFT with no source named by them) that Tunsil had grown lethargic and lazy. That he wasn't growing into the leader the team had hoped he would become, so why pay him 19 million a year? As far as Kenny Stills goes, he sealed his own fate speaking out against his team owner. I have no issues what-so-ever with his activism. He was constantly in the community helping the underprivileged and those in need. However, you can not speak against the guy paying your check. That applies to any job any where any time. So Grier has two guys on his hands that he knows don't fit the team, culture, or future. So what does he do? He builds the future. Addition by subtraction.
An excerpt from Darin Gantt:
"Via Field Yates of ESPN, the Dolphins have amassed 13 picks in next year’s draft, along with more in the future after a flurry of trades.
In addition to their own picks in every round except the fifth, the Dolphins should get third- and fifth-round compensatory picks for losing right tackle Ja'Wuan James and Cameron Wake in free agency.
They’ll also own the Texans’ first-rounder from the deal that sent left tackle Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills to Houston.
They’ll also own the Saints’ second-rounder from a draft day deal which allowed New Orleans to move up to take center Erik McCoy.
They’ll also own the Titans’ fourth-rounder from the deal that sent quarterback Ryan Tannehill to Tennessee.
They’ll also own the Cowboys’ sixth-rounder from the deal that sent defensive end Robert Quinn to Dallas.
They’ll also own the Chiefs’ seventh-rounder from the deal that sent safety Jordan Lucas to Kansas City.
Oh by the way, they’ll also have the Texans’ first- and second-rounders in 2021 from today’s deal."
This IS THE DOLPHINS FUTURE. Oh and as sickening as it is to say... it is also the Patriot Way. The way that has made them relevant for the last two plus decades. Get rid of guys that don't fit your culture and your way, do it EARLY, not late, and get a ton of draft capital in return.
So yeah. I'm excited, and honestly, you should be too. Heres to the future ladies and gents!