Are the Dolphins set to become a contender in the AFC?

This NFL offseason has been the craziest ever.

In yet another blockbuster trade, the Kansas City Chiefs announced that they have traded six-time Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins.

In a deal worth first, second round picks and more to the Chiefs, Hill has signed a new contract with the Dolphins that makes him one of the highest paid WRs in the league.

The Chiefs have seemingly been preparing for this departure over the past couple of weeks. The signing of JuJu Smith-Schuster and potential acquisition of Marquez Valdes-Scantling have made this clearer.

Hill is one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers. He’s coming off a season where he logged career highs in touchdowns (15) and catches (111) in 2021.

Losing him is a huge blow for Kansas City.

But yet another huge gain for Miami.

Exciting time to be a Dolphins fan

There is no doubt that Hill is one of, if not the biggest game-breaker in the entire NFL.

The 28-year-old will now come straight in as the new No.1 receiver in Miami for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to throw at.

Alongside second-year man Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins now have one of the most explosive wideout duos in the AFC. His arrival massively changes the prospects of the Dolphins.

While the Bills remain favourites in the AFC East, Miami look to be getting progressively stronger.

Bringing in Hill represents yet another upgrade to their roster, which has improved significantly during this offseason.

On Tuesday, the Dolphins also added OT Terron Armstead, one of the best free agents available in 2022, on a five-year, $75 million deal.

He’s one of the best left tackles in the NFL and was an area the Dolphins needed to address.

The signing of guard Connor Williams looks great value, while bringing in receiver Cedrick Wilson and running back Raheem Mostert look perfect fits. And there are so many other additions that standout as well.

Particularly, the versatility of their new running backs and wide receivers make the Dolphins so unpredictable and exciting.

Their aggressive transfer strategy has been evident throughout this year so fair. They’ve paid a king’s ransom at times, but have also done some very smart business.

Hiring Mike McDaniel as head coach was an exceptional hire. He’s a popular figure, well respected and has a genius NFL brain to boot.

The last couple of years in Miami have been all about their star cornerbacks and safeties.

Now, the Dolphins have a brilliant offensive minded coach at the helm.

Having been below average in terms of points scored over the past few years, his arrival could bring a positive change to their attacking fortunes.

Tua’s got the support, now he needs to deliver

McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier have done nothing but commit to Tua Tagovailoa this offseason.

At the NFL Combine earlier in March, the former 49ers offensive coordinator emphasised that his QB still has all the makings of an elite player in the NFL.

Speaking to Good Morning Football, McDaniel said: “I’m really excited moving forward because the guy has some skills that I think are untapped,” he said. “I think it’s important that you empower the quarterback with the rest of the players around him and the scheme you bring forth. So, I think his best days are in front of him.”

We agree. After all the talk of the past year about a potential Dolphins trade for Deshaun Watson (now at the Cleveland Browns), Tua can now focus all of his attention on achieving big things at the Dolphins.

With all this new help and protection, Tua will be expected to deliver.

The former Alabama quarterback has had a very steady first couple of years in the NFL. Despite a rocky 2020, he showed decent progression in year two but needs to make another giant step up.

Bringing in Teddy Bridgewater might seem like a backup plan, but Tua should relish the potential competition.

Now is his time. There can be no more excuses.

This is an exciting time for Miami.