The Dolphins were called many things for losing games, but former safety DeShon Elliott made a sensational claim last November. During an episode of The Punch Line podcast hosted by Marlon Humphrey, he said the team was “soft as f—.” He acknowledged that some players were tough, but claimed the majority were not.

Head coach Mike McDaniel didn’t appreciate the comments but brushed them off, saying it was “cool” that Elliott said them on a podcast. Others, like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and cornerback Nik Needham, were far less amused. Needham even asked, “Exactly who was soft?” This year, the team is determined to change that image.

They started by signing free-agent guards Liam Eichenberg and James Daniels. The effort continued in April, when they drafted three defensive tackles and one offensive tackle. McDaniel has also challenged his players to focus on improvement, because that’s the only way forward.

But not everyone is content with just moving on. Some players are coming back with a vengeance. Running back De’Von Achane had a warning for the rest of the league: “We’re going to show, when the season comes, everybody who was saying those little remarks—let’s make sure you keep that same energy… This year’s team is way different than last year’s team.” He’s right!

Last year, the Dolphins struggled with protecting their quarterback, who suffered a concussion. But anyone who stands on the gridiron—knowing full well that opponents will try to take him down—is not soft. That’s where the challenge lies for the Dolphins. If they truly want to change their image, they need to deliver results. This urgency has pushed head coach Mike McDaniel to keep signing players deep into free agency.

The front office, led by GM Chris Grier, also plays a crucial role. Together, the HC-GM duo will work to sort things out before the team begins its full preparations.

Mike McDaniel has still kept the door open for a free agent

While they are signing so many offensive linemen, everyone wondered why they let their veteran guard, Isaiah Wynn, become a free agent. They signed him from the Patriots in 2023 and re-signed the deal in 2024. But this year, they chose not to extend. Maybe the decline in rankings played a role. In 2023, he was the 108th best player in the position, but slipped to 114th last year.

Still, Mike McDaniel has not shut the door on him. According to Miami insider Omar Kelly, GM Chris Grier is not against the idea of bringing the veteran back into the locker room. He tweeted, “Dolphins GM Chris Grier didn’t close the window on Isaiah Wynn returning to the team.” They can agree on a cheap deal and get an experienced player.

Although they have many players now who can fill his shoes, it would be better if the head coach keeps more options. In the ultra-competitive league, nothing is noticed more than the numbers. This year could be the icebreaker.