The new kickoff rules could play into the Miami Dolphins‘ favor. There’s potential for the team to use its best, most athletic players to attempt a deep return.
Miami Dolphins News Today
Tyreek Hill Could Be Dangerous in Kick-Return Game
Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post mulled over how the Dolphins could become more dangerous in the kick-return game. The new kickoff rules could allow for more returns, leaving one person’s name has come up as a potential home-run threat: Tyreek Hill.
“Hill is the most dangerous, electric, thrilling player in the NFL with the ball in his hands,” Schad wrote.
“With these new kickoff rules — think of what you may have seen in the XFL, with players lined up closer to the returner, and not moving until the ball is caught — Hill can re-create some Devin Hester magic.”
Hill has been used sparingly in the return game since 2018 — his third year in the NFL. He hasn’t had a kick return since 2016, totaling 14 returns for 384 yards and a touchdown.
LISTEN: Mike McDaniel’s Most Interesting Comments of NFL Owners Meetings
Jordan Poyer Is Already Assisting His Dolphins Teammates
Mike McDaniel is excited about safety Jordan Poyer’s offseason signing. The 33-year-old defensive back inked a one-year, $2 million contract with a cap hit of over $1.985 million, per Over the Cap.
“It was a classic, ‘If you can’t beat them, join them,’” McDaniel said this week. “No, I think he’s a really, really cool player that I actually have experience with from my year in Cleveland in 2014. I think one of the most exciting things about his addition is he has an attachment to the city of Miami, wants to see goals that we have as a team accomplished.”
Poyer wants to assist teammate Jevon Holland, who is headed into the fourth year of his career. Holland has started in 42 of the 45 games that he’s played in three seasons, compiling 239 tackles (177 solo), seven tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, five interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and 21 pass deflections.
With Poyer’s added experience alongside him, Holland may be truly unlocked.
“I want to help as much as I can,” Poyer said after signing with the team. “[I’m] 32, I guess you can call me old or whatever, but at the same time, I have a lot of knowledge about this game that I feel like I can bring and help players see the game in maybe a different light, a different perspective.
“(I can) help them essentially get one step closer to the ball, one step closer to making that play, or even them helping me in those situations.”
CONTINUE READING: Jordan Poyer Already Helping Dolphins Teammates
Salary Cap Crunch Makes Re-Signing Dolphins Free Agents Tough
Pro Football Network’s Adam H. Beasley wrote that the loss of talent on the current iteration of the Dolphins could change how the team approaches extensions. Christian Wilkins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, and Robert Hunt signed with the Carolina Panthers during the offseason, leaving the team’s cupboard bare at two key positions.
“There is this whole thing about the salary cap, and when money goes to one place, it doesn’t go to another,” McDaniel said, who is ranked as the No. 10 coach in the NFL by PFN’s Dallas Robinson. “… The bottom line was we’ve never doubted Christian as a player, but you have to make some tough decisions when you’re thinking of the whole scope of the team.”
Beasley continued, “In other words, the Dolphins could not have addressed their many holes this cycle — offensive line, tight end, defensive line, edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback, and safety — if they spent it all on two players. That’s why the Dolphins aren’t beating themselves up too much about the departure of Wilkins and Hunt.”
KEEP READING: Will Burdensome Offseason Change McDaniel’s View on Extensions?
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.
