Burns talks about Miami’s homecoming, Mattison discusses what McDaniel told him, and other Dolphins observations

The Miami Dolphins are entering a critical phase in the NFL offseason, having made several significant moves in free agency that reflect their commitment to contending for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. The signings of Artie Burns, a cornerback returning to his hometown, and Alexander Mattison, a running back with the physicality to complement the team’s existing offensive strategy, stand out as prime examples of how the Dolphins are strengthening both their offense and defense. Alongside these moves, Miami’s approach to the roster reveals a broader strategy to enhance depth and versatility across key positions.

Artie Burns’ Homecoming: A Dream Come True

Artie Burns’ return to Miami marks a homecoming that holds personal and professional significance. Born and raised in the heart of Miami, Burns’ journey to the NFL began at the University of Miami, where he earned recognition as one of the top cornerbacks in the country. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 25th overall pick in 2016, Burns played four seasons with the Steelers, establishing himself as a starter. However, after stints with the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks, Burns is now back where it all began.

For Burns, the opportunity to play professionally in his hometown is nothing short of a dream come true. Reflecting on the emotional aspect of his move, Burns stated, “Being born and raised in Miami, to be a professional here, is a dream come true.” His deep connection to the city and its football culture is expected to provide an added level of motivation and energy as he looks to make an impact on the Dolphins’ defense.

Burns brings a wealth of experience to the Dolphins’ secondary. Over his nine-year NFL career, he has accumulated 192 tackles, four interceptions, and 38 passes defensed. His versatility as a cornerback, along with his ability to play in various defensive schemes, makes him a valuable addition to the Dolphins’ defensive lineup. He is expected to provide much-needed depth to the cornerback position, particularly with the Dolphins’ focus on improving their pass coverage.

With the release of former starting cornerback Will Fuller and the departure of other veteran defensive players, Miami needed to bolster their secondary, and Burns’ return could provide the spark the team needs. His familiarity with the area, the fan base, and the football culture in Miami will help him integrate smoothly into the team’s defensive schemes.

Although Burns will likely compete for a starting role, the Dolphins are expected to also target cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft. Players like Michigan’s Will Johnson, who possesses top-tier talent, could be on Miami’s radar as the team looks to further strengthen its defensive backfield.

Alexander Mattison: A Power-Running Presence for Miami

The signing of Alexander Mattison is another key move that signals the Dolphins’ commitment to building a more balanced and physical offense. After spending the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, Mattison is looking for a fresh start with the Dolphins. Known for his physical running style and ability to pound through defensive lines, Mattison brings a different dynamic to Miami’s backfield.

At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Mattison is a bruising back capable of handling the heavy workload needed in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His career totals of 2,790 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns provide evidence of his capability to serve as a workhorse for the Dolphins. In Minnesota, he was often used in a complementary role behind Dalvin Cook, but he has the potential to take on a more prominent role in Miami’s offense, especially with head coach Mike McDaniel’s emphasis on versatility and physicality in the running game.

During his introductory press conference, Mattison shared that McDaniel’s expectations for him were clear. “Coach told me to bring my big boy pads to South Beach,” he said, referencing the physicality McDaniel is looking to implement. This statement aligns with Miami’s desire to complement their speedy and explosive passing attack with a more robust and powerful ground game. As the Dolphins seek to improve their red-zone efficiency and gain more yards per carry, Mattison’s addition could be the missing piece to a more balanced offensive strategy.

Mattison’s running style is characterized by downhill, north-south running, which will allow him to wear down opposing defenses throughout the course of a game. With Miami’s offensive line featuring multiple returning starters, this power-running element will give McDaniel more flexibility in his play-calling. Mattison’s ability to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact will be crucial as the Dolphins seek to diversify their offensive scheme and increase their success on the ground.

One aspect of Mattison’s game that stands out is his ability to serve as both a traditional between-the-tackles runner and a pass-catching option out of the backfield. He will likely complement speedster Raheem Mostert, who excels in the open field and as a change-of-pace back. The combination of Mattison’s power and Mostert’s speed could create a dynamic one-two punch that makes Miami’s offense even more difficult to defend.

The Dolphins’ decision to bring in Mattison also addresses their struggles in the running game last season. Miami had moments of success, but the lack of a consistent, power-running back was a noticeable weakness. With Mattison now on board, the team is better equipped to manage clock control and grind out tough yards when needed.

Enhancing Depth and Versatility Across the Roster

The additions of Artie Burns and Alexander Mattison are part of a broader strategy by the Dolphins to enhance their roster depth and versatility across key positions. The team has been busy in free agency, bringing in experienced players who can contribute immediately. Alongside Burns and Mattison, the Dolphins have also made other notable signings to address both their defense and special teams.

For example, the Dolphins strengthened their linebacker unit by adding K.J. Britt from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Britt’s experience in the Buccaneers’ defense, along with his athleticism and ability to cover ground, will bolster Miami’s linebacker corps. Additionally, the re-signing of offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg provides much-needed depth along the offensive line. While Eichenberg is not projected to be a starter, his versatility and experience will be valuable in case of injuries or changes in the lineup during the season.

One of the more interesting signings is that of tight end Pharaoh Brown, who brings a physical presence to the Dolphins’ tight end room. Brown’s ability to block and catch passes gives the team another weapon in the passing game, as well as a reliable option in the red zone. With Mike Gesicki’s departure, Brown’s addition will help fill the void and provide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with another reliable target.

The Dolphins also signed quarterback Zach Wilson, who has the potential to add depth to the quarterback room. While he may not compete for the starting job immediately, Wilson’s development under the tutelage of head coach McDaniel and offensive coordinator Frank Smith could yield positive results down the line. Miami is wise to ensure they have depth behind Tua, especially given his injury history in the past two seasons.

Preparing for the NFL Draft

With a mix of veteran acquisitions and developing young talent, the Dolphins have laid the foundation for a strong 2025 season. However, the team still has important work to do, and the NFL Draft will be crucial in completing the roster. Miami enters the draft with 10 picks, which gives them the flexibility to target key areas of need.

The Dolphins’ primary areas of focus will likely include the cornerback position, where they could add a starter to pair with Jalen Ramsey, and the offensive line, which remains a work in progress. Defensive line depth could also be a focus, as the Dolphins look to further improve their run defense and pass rush.

With their strategy in free agency and the draft, the Dolphins are positioning themselves to compete for a playoff spot. The team has been able to strike a balance between acquiring seasoned veterans and developing young talent, ensuring they have the right mix of experience and potential.

A Competitive Outlook for the Dolphins

As the offseason continues, the Miami Dolphins’ moves indicate they are not only focused on competing for a playoff spot, but also on building a sustainable, long-term winner. The additions of Artie Burns and Alexander Mattison are just the latest examples of the team’s commitment to improving in key areas. Their approach to free agency, the draft, and player development shows that the Dolphins are serious about contending for the Super Bowl.

While there is still work to be done before the season kicks off, the outlook for Miami is optimistic. With a mix of solid veteran leadership, exciting young talent, and a strategic coaching staff, the Dolphins have the pieces in place to make a significant push in the AFC East. Fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season, as Miami’s roster continues to take shape and solidify its place among the league’s top contenders.