The Miami Dolphins’ blockbuster trade of Jalen Ramsey has ignited a firestorm, leaving fans fuming and the team’s defense teetering on the edge. Asante Samuel Sr.’s blistering critique of the organization’s leadership has only fueled the discontent, painting a grim picture of a franchise adrift. Can Miami salvage anything from the season ahead?
The Ramsey trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Minkah Fitzpatrick stunned the NFL, gutting Miami’s secondary. Unproven players like Storm Duck, Kader Kohou, and rookie Jason Marshall Jr. now shoulder the load, lacking Ramsey’s seven-time Pro Bowl pedigree. The Dolphins’ once-robust defense faces a precarious road ahead.
Leadership woes dominate the narrative, with Samuel Sr. slamming the organization as “sensitive” and rudderless. He called head coach Mike McDaniel a “pushover” and GM Chris Grier spineless, accusing them of running a “little league team”. Fans echo this frustration, pointing to owner Stephen Ross’s absenteeism.
Mike Florio, on the Pro Football Talk show, skewered Ross’s ownership, noting that “if you have a big bag of money,” you can own a team, but Ross’s New York base leaves Miami leaderless. “Better the devil you know, and fans know Stephen Ross,” Florio quipped.
Is Dolphins owner Stephen Ross the 'shark' in the surf at Miami?
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross reacts after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
"While the cat is away, the mice are eating each other.” said Florio.
Ross’s hands-off approach, Florio argues, shows he doesn’t care “the way I expect you to care.” With the Dolphins’ bus “heading where the players want it to go,” per Florio on the same podcast. The team’s direction feels aimless, and fans, who are rightly disheartened by no playoff wins since 1999, can only cling to their current 0-0 2025 record.
"The bus is heading where the players want to bus to go" added Florio.
The Dolphins’ outreach to Asante Samuel Jr. fizzled, likely due to his father’s tirade. As Miami scrambles to rebuild, skepticism festers on X, with fans mocking the team’s disarray. Can Ross and company steer this ship upright?
The 2025 season looms as a make-or-break moment. Miami must bolster its secondary and prove its leadership isn’t spineless to compete in the AFC East. Will the Dolphins rise, or will Ross’s regime crash?