The Miami Dolphins have long been a team with passionate fans who expect greatness from their franchise. For years, Dolphins fans have endured ups and downs, and with each setback, the scrutiny on the franchise’s leadership intensifies. One figure who has often been in the crosshairs of this scrutiny is Chris Grier, the general manager of the Miami Dolphins. Despite his long tenure with the organization, Grier’s popularity among the fanbase remains relatively low, largely due to the struggles of the team during his time at the helm. As the Dolphins continue to battle for success in a highly competitive NFL, Grier finds himself under the microscope more than ever before. This article will explore the fervent criticism directed at Chris Grier, examine the causes behind his low rankings in GM popularity, and discuss whether he can turn the tide for the Dolphins or if his tenure is on borrowed time.
Grier’s Journey with the Miami Dolphins
Chris Grier’s journey with the Miami Dolphins began long before he became the general manager in 2016. Grier started with the team in 2007 as a college scout, eventually rising through the ranks to become the Dolphins’ director of college scouting. He gained a reputation for his keen eye for talent and was highly respected for his ability to identify promising players. However, the transition to general manager would mark a turning point in his career, and his legacy with the Dolphins would become a subject of intense debate.
In 2016, Grier was promoted to the role of general manager after the firing of Dennis Hickey. This shift was seen as an attempt to rebuild the Dolphins into a consistent contender. Grier inherited a roster that was in disarray, lacking a true identity and with significant holes across various positions. Over the next few years, Grier would be tasked with reshaping the team through the draft, free agency, and trades.
The Draft Struggles
One of the biggest points of contention surrounding Chris Grier’s tenure has been his draft record. The NFL Draft is often considered the lifeblood of an NFL team, with successful drafts being one of the most crucial ways to build a competitive roster over time. However, Grier’s drafting strategy has been criticized for its inconsistency and failure to hit on key picks that could have helped the Dolphins become a perennial playoff team.
One of the most prominent examples of Grier’s draft struggles was the 2016 draft. The Dolphins had several glaring needs, but Grier’s decisions left fans shaking their heads. While some picks like Kenyan Drake (3rd round) and Xavien Howard (2nd round) worked out, there were numerous head-scratching choices, particularly with their first-round selections. The team took offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, a decision that looked promising at first but was ultimately marred by off-field issues and a trade that sent Tunsil to the Houston Texans in 2019 for a bounty of picks. The lack of long-term success from that pick compounded the growing frustration with Grier’s draft record.
However, Grier’s draft record didn’t improve substantially over the following years. While he did have some solid selections, such as wide receiver DeVante Parker and linebacker Jerome Baker, many of his early-round picks failed to make a significant impact on the team. The Dolphins had several high draft picks during the 2018, 2019, and 2020 drafts, yet Grier’s choices often didn’t produce results that matched their selections.
Take the 2020 draft, for example, which will likely be remembered as a pivotal year for Grier. The Dolphins selected Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick, an understandably polarizing decision. Tua had incredible college success at Alabama, but concerns about his durability and the Dolphins’ surrounding talent made his selection a gamble. While Tua has shown flashes of potential, he’s also dealt with injuries and inconsistency, leading to doubts about whether Grier made the right call. The Dolphins passed on other quarterbacks in that draft, most notably Justin Herbert, who has blossomed into one of the league’s brightest stars with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Beyond Tua, Grier also made questionable picks in the 2020 draft. For instance, the selection of Austin Jackson, an offensive tackle, with the 18th overall pick has been a sore spot for the Dolphins. Jackson has not yet developed into the consistent starter Miami was hoping for, leaving the offensive line still a major area of weakness for the team.
These missteps in the draft have contributed to a growing sense of disappointment and frustration among Dolphins fans, many of whom have viewed Grier’s draft decisions as part of a broader pattern of failure to build a competitive team.
Free Agency and Trades: Hits and Misses
Another aspect of Grier’s tenure that has drawn criticism is his approach to free agency and trades. The Dolphins have not always been aggressive in free agency, and when they have, the results have been mixed.
One of Grier’s most notable signings was defensive back Byron Jones, who was brought in with a massive contract in 2020. Jones was expected to provide a significant upgrade to the Dolphins’ secondary, but his play on the field hasn’t justified the massive price tag. Jones has struggled with injuries, and his performance has not met the lofty expectations placed upon him. The Dolphins also signed defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, who has shown promise, but his overall impact has been more muted than anticipated.
In the trade market, Grier has made some bold moves, but not all of them have panned out. The trade of Laremy Tunsil, while it provided the Dolphins with an impressive haul of draft picks, left the team without a franchise left tackle for several years. Even though the trade helped the team build for the future, the lack of a reliable offensive line piece for that stretch left the Dolphins scrambling to find a solution.
On the positive side, Grier did manage to trade for players like cornerback Xavien Howard, who has been a defensive standout. However, for every win like that, there’s a corresponding trade or free-agent signing that failed to deliver the desired results.
The mixed record in free agency and trades has left Grier’s handling of the team’s roster subject to much debate, and it has not helped his case when it comes to fan popularity.
Fan Frustration: The Scrutiny Grows
As the Dolphins’ on-field performance has remained inconsistent over the years, the scrutiny on Chris Grier has intensified. Dolphins fans, who are notoriously passionate and quick to voice their opinions, have made their frustrations known. Social media has become a battleground for those defending Grier and those calling for his job.
One of the major issues that fans have with Grier is his inability to bring sustained success to the team. While the Dolphins have shown promise in some seasons, they’ve failed to consistently put together a playoff-caliber team. In a city like Miami, where expectations for success are high, the lack of progress has fueled calls for Grier’s departure. Critics argue that Grier has had more than enough time to turn the team around, and the lack of playoff appearances in recent years is seen as a failure on his part.
Moreover, the Dolphins’ struggles with the quarterback position have made Grier the focal point of blame. With the team investing heavily in Tua Tagovailoa, any setbacks in his development are automatically seen as a reflection of Grier’s judgment. As a result, the pressure on Grier to find a solution to the team’s quarterback dilemma has only grown.
Can Grier Turn It Around?
Despite the intense criticism, Chris Grier still has the opportunity to turn the tide for the Dolphins. The 2025 season could be a pivotal moment for both Grier and the franchise. The team’s recent draft classes have shown some promise, with players like Jalen Waddle, Jaelan Phillips, and others potentially forming the foundation of a competitive roster. Grier’s ability to continue building through the draft, secure key free-agent acquisitions, and maintain player development will be essential in determining the future of both his tenure and the Dolphins’ fortunes.
However, the pressure is on. Grier has been in charge for nearly a decade, and while the team has shown some progress, they have yet to consistently contend for playoff spots. If the Dolphins fail to meet expectations in 2025, the calls for Grier’s dismissal will likely grow louder.
Chris Grier’s tenure as the general manager of the Miami Dolphins has been marked by highs and lows, but the scrutiny and low rankings in GM popularity are undeniable. From questionable draft picks to uneven free-agent signings and trades, Grier has faced his fair share of criticism. However, with time running out and the team at a crossroads, Grier must find a way to address the franchise’s long-standing issues and deliver consistent success to the Dolphins’ loyal fanbase.